took keen hold, prominent on stands side rail, ridden and weakened halfway
with leader, challenged 2f out, ridden to lead well over 1f out, headed and no extra approaching final furlong
soon pushed along and prominent, every chance 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
outpaced in rear, good headway halfway, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, soon clear, comfortably
led until headed well over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
reared leaving stalls, soon in touch,under pressure halfway, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
chased leaders until weakened 2f out
A couple of the usual suspects are on display in this trappy looking handicap, but FIRST SWALLOW could prove better than this rating and is selected to take the measure of Where's Reiley and La Capriosa. David Brown's gelding is up 3lbs for taking second last time, an effort which gives him a win and a second from two tries over course and distance. He had all bar the winner well beaten that day and if he returns from a six-week break ready for action then compensation could await; we expect the horse to be handy throughout and stay on best to score. Where's Reiley is arguably the one to beat having won a competitive course and distance seller two starts ago. The four-year-old made good headway before tiring over six furlongs when bidding to follow up, so this drop back to the minimum should see him in a better light and he goes well here. Likewise, La Capriosa has an admirable record at Southwell and has won a similar contest off this mark of 66. She wasn't beaten far in a better race having forced the pace last time and, with this small field set to suit, she'll likely set the pace and could prove tough to peg back. Guto runs at the course on Tuesday and that will need viewing with regard to his chances, but whatever happens we feel he's not quite up to this mark as has proved the case lately. Captain Kallis has won here off a higher mark but that was over six furlongs and we're not sure he's the pace to go with these, so with doubts also surrounding his current form the gelding is opposable. Came Back has plenty of course form but all 12 of his wins have come at six furlongs whilst Miss Thippawan looks very modest and will need to improve plenty to trouble these. There are three whose claims stand out in this handicap, with First Swallow our pick to come out on top.
Came Back (IRE) 66-1 (8-9) Led and keen, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 7, 30l behind Poet's Place (9-4) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Guto 5-1 (8-9) Chased winner, hard driven halfway, stayed on under pressure over 1f out, never able to challenge, 3rd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Spic 'n Span (8-12) at Southwell 5f sell stks (6) fbs.
La Capriosa 16-1 (8-10) With leaders, ridden and led 2f out, headed inside final furlong, edged right, no extra towards finish, 7th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Perlachy (8-7) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Where's Reiley (USA) 9-2 (8-13) Behind, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 10, 3l behind Young Gladiator (9-1) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
First Swallow 3-1fav (9-3) Close up, ridden 2f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, headed final 50 yards, 2nd of 13, hd behind Mr Funshine (8-4) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
Captain Kallis (IRE) 66-1 (9-2) Close up, ridden to chase winner 2f out until inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 4l behind Bishopbriggs (9-2) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Miss Thippawan (USA) 25-1 (7-9) Behind and soon outpaced, ridden 2f out, never dangerous, 6th of 7, 8l behind Secret Venue (9-4) at Musselburgh 5f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gf in May.
