Rare Sir Michael Stoute runner Dusk is fancied to shine under lights

4.35 Southwell
Betway Handicap | 1m4f | 3yo+ | Sky

Sir Michael Stoute fields his first runner in more than five years at Southwell with Dusk, who will massively enhance her paddock value if she can win at the seventh attempt.

The daughter of Galileo is the second foal out of the former Stoute luminary Dank, who won two Group 1s for the Newmarket stable in 2013, including the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

Although a long way removed from that level, Dusk has been placed in three of her six outings, including two near misses at Yarmouth and Lingfield in the autumn.

Last time out, the three-year-old attempted to make all in a 1m4f novice at Wolverhampton in November before being run out of it in the straight to finish third to Horn Of Plenty.

Since then, second-placed Green Planet ran respectably when filling the same place behind Waldfabel at Kempton on Monday, so Dusk must be in the mix again if she takes to the surface.

One runner who will handle the track is Notation, one of two previous course winners in the race and who accounted for reopposing rival Hermocrates when scoring over this trip in October.

Notation is 5lb worse off for the rematch, but trainer Mark Johnston has levelled things up by engaging his 5lb claimer Oliver Stammers to do duty on the topweight.

What They Say

John Mackie, trainer of Hermocrates
He's been knocking at the door without winning here of late and it looks competitive enough again. I see they are claiming off Notation, who we finished second to recently, so it will be close again. Also, Sir Michael Stoute doesn't have many runners at the track, so his runner must be respected. He'll run his usual race and probably be placed again.

Hollie Doyle, rider of Dusk
She's by Galileo, so will be a valuable commodity if she can get her head in front, and her running style should suit the track. She ran okay last time and is a trier, so hopefully she can get the job done.

Mick Appleby, trainer of Loch Ness Monster
He ran a bit free last time when ridden by our apprentice but if he comes back to his previous form he should take the beating. Andrew Mullen takes over this time and he goes there in good shape.

Michael Herrington, trainer of Bay Of Naples
We are going back to Southwell with him as he ran well there for Mark Johnston before he joined us. He's been getting slower and slower over this year, so we hope the return to Fibresand will help him. Hopefully, he can make the shake-up.

Gay Kelleway, trainer of Calm Down
You can ignore her last run as she came back with a virus and I had a few that were not right at that time. She wasn't suited by the track at Chelmsford that day and the trip was too far for her. She's not without a chance off a low weight.

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