Merryweather set fair at Southwell

Merryweather has been transformed since switching to the all-weather and lo oks 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 Decemb er, 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 t h a t d ay a n d d e s p i t e a 5 l b rise in the weights, Appleby’s charge remains on a workable mark to continue her ascent up the handicap ladder.

E a r l i e r o n t h e c a r d , H o l y Eleanor has a golden opportunity to belatedly break her m a i d e n t a g i n Novice Stakes.

Without a win in eight starts, the three-year-old has looked h a r d t o p l a c e r e c e n t l y, b u t s h owe d e n c o u r a g i n g s i g n s when a close third i n a s i x - furlong handicap at Wolverhampton earlier 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

t h e B e t w a y pull from her nearest rivals.

B l o w i n g D i x i e b o a s t s a n impressive record at S outhwe l l a n d c a n a d d t o t h a t i n the Play 4 To Score At Betway Handicap.

A three -time winner at the track in 2019, the gelding made the p erfect star t to the new year with an easy victory in a similar course -and- distance contest earlier this month.

Despite a considerable rise in the handicap, Jane Chapple - Hyam’s charge makes a swift return to his favourite venue and sets the standard under inform jockey Ben Curtis.

At Ne wc a s t l e , H a r t S t o p - per could capitalise on recent promising efforts in the Play 4 To Score At Betway Handicap.

While yet to win on the allw e a t h e r, t h e s i x - y e a r - o l d has filled the runner-up spot in t wo of his last three runs, including when a one-length second at Kempton last time.

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