Zefferino to get back on track

racing: Botti’s acquisition can start building on positives from Kempton run

Connections of ZEFFERINO would likely have hoped he would be competing at a higher level than the sunbets.co.uk Handicap at Southwell, but he certainly looks capable of winning such a prize.

The four-year-old hails from the family of Natavia and Spinning Queen, but, after one win in seven starts for Roger Charlton, Zefferino changed hands for just 17,000 guineas at the sales last autumn and has since enjoyed two starts for Marco Botti.

Zefferino was entitled to build on his first outing since a gelding operation and five months on the sidelines, but he fell short of expectations when only fourth on his next attempt at Kempton.

Botti’s charge took a keen hold over a mile that day and hit a flat spot before staying on again, so there were some positives to take from the performance.

Clearly Zefferino needs to improve a bit to get his head in front, but if he can settle a bit better here and take to the surface, he must have a shout.

SIR HECTOR has been suffering a bit of seconditis in recent outings but can get back on the winning trail in the Betway Cheltenham First & Last Race Losers Moneyback Handicap.

Winner of an average event at Lingfield in January, he has failed to really kick on from that when having to give best to a couple of decent types.

His most recent behind Rock On Baileys last month was not a bad effort and the handicapper has left him alone.

He previously turned in a fair, if green, performance at Southwell on New Year’s Day so it could pay to give him another chance.

LEAN ON PETE is one for whom the Southwell surface holds no fears and he can put up another good show in the Read Richard Johnson On Betway Insider Blog Handicap.

Ollie Pears has kept him to the Nottinghamshire venue this winter, with the nine-year-old notching two seconds and a win in three outings.

He was hiked 3lb for a one-length win in December, but showed he can still be competitive off that kind of mark when finishing second next time out.

Lean On Pete looked booked for victory until Senatus found a little bit extra, but it was still a decent run.

CAPTAIN BOB has been struggling for form but has subsequently dropped right down the ratings and might be back on a workable mark in the Read Harry Fry On Betway Insider Blog Handicap.