Pearl Acclaim expected to be to fore on return

Griffiths’ eight-year-old a winner three times already at track this winter

Honourable eight-year-old PEARL

ACCLAIM should go well once again at Southwell.

The son of Acclamation has served his trainer David Griffiths well this winter and can continue the excellent work with victory in the feature race of the day.

Pearl Acclaim has been successful three times over five furlongs at the Nottinghamshire venue since December and can make it four in the Betway Sprint Handicap.

Pearl Acclaim was raised 4lb for his latest triumph, but has been dropped 2lb after finishing third over this course and distance on his latest start.

The handicapper has taken a bit of a chance as it was not a bad run behind Something Lucky and it would be no surprise to see him get his head back in front. HELEN SHERBET has been a Southwell regular over the last three months, winning twice from five appearances and placed in two more.

She was beaten over a mile last time but is now back to seven furlongs, a trip over which she was successful in her previous race.

Trainer Karl Burke looks to have found another good opportunity for her in the 32Red.com Handicap. SPIRITOFTOMINTOUL can benefit from a step back in distance and defy top weight in the Betway Live Casino Handicap.

The Tony Carroll-trained gelding has not won since February 2016 but went close over two miles at Chelmsford last month when beaten a length by Western Way.

The drop to a mile-and-a-half might just do the trick.

BE MINDFUL may be one of the lesser lights at Charlie Hills’ stable but the daughter of Invincible Spirit has shown a glimmer of ability in her last two starts to suggest she can get her head in front.

She was only beaten two lengths when fifth to The Night King at Chelmsford and would not have to improve much on that to open her account in the 32Red Casino Handicap.

GENEROUS DAY can cope with a 6lb rise in the ratings to take the Read Noel Fehily at 188Bet Handicap Hurdle at Market Rasen.

Henry Oliver’s six-year-old was a tidy winner over an extended two and a quarter miles on Boxing Day. Well in control at the finish, he should have no trouble going an extra two furlongs. SELECTIONS SOUTHWELL: 1.30 Love Rat, 2.00 Be Mindful, 2.30 Helen Sherbet, 3.05 PEARL ACCLAIM (NAP), 3.35 Fortinbrass, 4.10 Jack Blane, 4.40 Spiritoftomintoul.

MARKET RASEN: 1.50 Oistrakh Le Noir, 2.20 Flemerina, 2.55 Herewego Herewego, 3.25 Generous Day, 4.00 Minella Tweet, 4.30 Cousin Pete.

DOUBLE: Pearl Acclaim and Be Mindful.