Merryweather to double up

RACING: Appleby’s three-year-old to continue progress

MERRYWEAT H E R has been transformed since switching to the allweather and looks set to continue her rapid progression in the Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Handicap at Southwell.

The three-year-old looked to be a regressive sort on turf, but has thrived since switching to Michael Appleby’s yard and is unbeaten in two starts for the trainer.

After a shock victory at Lingfield in early December, the daughter of Dunaden proved it was no fluke with victory over this course and distance at the start of the month.

She won with plenty in hand that day and despite a 5lb rise in the weights, Appleby’s charge remains on a workable mark to continue her ascent up the handicap ladder.

Earlier on the card, HOLY ELEANOR has a golden opportunity to belatedly break her maiden tag in the Betway Novice Stakes.

Without a win in eight starts, the three-year-old has looked hard to place recently, but showed encouraging signs when a close third in a six-furlong Wolverhampton handicap this month.

The step back in trip to five furlongs should pose no issues and she could prove hard to beat with a handy 5lb weight pull from her nearest rivals.

At Newcastle, HART STOPPER could capitalise on recent efforts in the Play 4 To Score At Betway Handicap.

While yet to win on the all-weather, the six-year-old has filled the runner-up spot in two of his last three runs, including when a one-length second at Kempton last time.

The handicapper is giving him a chance by keeping him on the same mark in this.

JEFFREY HARRIS has shown an aptitude for the track in the past and bids to get back to winning ways in the concluding Betway Casino Handicap.

A winner over both five and six furlongs here in October and November, the five-year-old remains above his last winning mark.