Southwell Placepot picks: Richard Birch with his advice for an interesting card

Bardd, heavily backed when runner-up at Warwick last time, seems sure to make a bold bid to go one better in Southwell’s 2m4½f handicap chase (12.25), the opening leg of the Placepot.

Happy News, a winner at Ludlow two starts ago, should also be firmly in the mix.

Une De La Seniere, a four-time winner over hurdles, makes strong appeal in the mares’ novice handicap chase (12.55).

She has the potential to make an even better chaser, a comment that applies equally to the Olly Murphy-trained Alpha Carinae.

Light N Strike, a comfortable Plumpton scorer last time, is a confident selection to follow up in the 2m novice handicap chase (1.25).

His jumping at the Sussex track was excellent and young Jack Wildman impressed in doing the steering.

Not too much is known about debutants Crambo and Bridal Knot in the bumper (1.55) but both hail from top stables and ought to prove highly competitive at the very least.

Phoenix Aquilus could be the one to be with in division one of the maiden hurdle (2.30), while Lydford appeals in division two (3.00).

Dan Skelton’s four-year-old is rated 92 on the Flat and ought to hold a class edge over his rivals.

Southwell Placepot perm

12.25
5 Happy News
6 Bardd

12.55
1 Une De La Seniere
3 Alpha Carinae

1.25
1 Light N Strike

1.55
4 Crambo
10 Bridal Knot

2.30
8 Phoenix Aquilus

3.00
6 Lydford

2x2x1x2x1x1 = 8 lines

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