Luscifer Again Looks The One For Southwell

LUSCIFER can weave his course-and-distance magic again as he bids for a Southwell hat-trick in the Bombardier Handicap.

Tony Carroll’s three-year-old has in fact already won three times in all at the Nottinghamshire track, his first success dating back to Valentine’s Day.

But he has cast a spell over his rivals again there of late - and while up 11lb in all for his two wins in less than a month, there was every indication from his emphatic superiority last time that he will take some stopping on his favoured Fibresand.

Luscifer appeared to be far from flattered by his latest two-length winning margin, ditto the three lengths he had to spare previously.

His latest victim Geography Teacher boosted the form with his own second Southwell victory on Thursday, and all the evidence suggests Luscifer is an improved performer who has found his niche and a winning knack.

Wrath Of Hector had the option of taking him on, but instead sticks to his habitual distance of seven furlongs in the Bombardier Handicap.

That may well prove a wise move by trainer Mick Appleby with a gelding who has hinted several times that he should be capable of striking again off his current rating.

Wrath Of Hector has been put in his place, without being disgraced, in his last two efforts here.

He remains in decent form, however - and after a short break, may well be ready to reproduce the promise he showed early last month when a good second to a previous winner, over a furlong shorter on his first visit to Southwell.