The 3.45 at Southwell has caught my eye today and two that I have had my eye on are both running so to avoid heartbreak I'm backing both. The favourite PRESENT STORM was an eye catcher last time out when a staying on third under a considerate ride. She had earlier won a point in Ireland when well backed and that performance alone suggests she may be better than her mark of 99. She went up 11lbs for that third placed effort last time out but the step up in trip is bound to bring about some improvement.
My other selection is a bigger price and that is ISTHEBAROPEN who again caught the eye last time out. Brain Hughes sides with the favourite today but his presence on this horse last time out suggested connections fancied her a bit. She ran well and only found Blazing Saddles too good who has boosted the form since and the third horse home runs in my syndicate who we did like that day. Gary Hanmer has tinkered with her wind since and that may just help her in the finish.
Southwell 3.45 – Present Storm & Isthebaropen
