22nd Jan 2020 | Horse Racing
Southwell Tip: National Anthem
Has won two in a row on the Fibresand and still ahead of the handicapper. Overcame a slow start to triumph ten days ago and showed admirable battling qualities.
The 3.30 Southwell is a small but fascinating race with plenty of Fibresand specialists arriving in good form. Samovar is the only horse outclassed in the field whereas a case can be made for all the others.
I’m overlooking Zylan given he is better at 6f and focusing on the upwardly mobile National Anthem. He has winning form over five and six furlong and although his speed figure was more impressive over 6f, I like the way he battled last time out.
[bannre:bet365]
A tardy start meant meant Paul Mulrennan had to be aggressive early in the race to regain a good position. That early expenditure of energy could have been costly but National Anthem was reasserting his authority int he final 100 yards and was the meritorious victor.
He can definitely run faster than he did ten days ago but he will improve with experience and I was impressed by his mentality. He is still a horse to keep onside.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 16:35 22nd Jan, 2020 but subject to change