Southwell

Let's focus on a couple of races that are likely to throw up some future winners. The going was changed to soft after the first race but that shouldn't detract from the winners who came home by wide margins.

There was a 0-135 novices handicap chase that lit up the card and it saw Capard King fend off the late challenge of Scottish raider Seldom Inn close home, with King's Odyssey back in third.

The last named cost £170k and is certainly an eye-catching animal, the way he jumped and travelled suggested there is plenty to come. He had been immature last term and there were signs of greenness again when push came to shove.

It transpired he had bled, which is disappointing. He was very weak in the on-course market and the layers were proven to be correct. He's one to be a little wary of until he delivers under pressure.

The same could be said for runner-up Seldom Inn, who made several mistakes but at times moved as though he is ahead of his mark. This is not the first time he has looked a very capable horse but although he has a naturally high head carriage he doesn't look straightforward.

This is the second time he has acted on soft, yet he's very long in the back suggesting he may be better on good. I didn't think he looked particularly great beforehand and yet he's only gone down by a diminishing neck.

I'd like to see him on a more galloping track like Newcastle and he could be an out-and-out stayer. You know where I'm going with this. On good to soft, the Eider could be of interest.

The winner was quite impressive and looks a most progressive animal. A handy sort, this kind of track will always suit, but he jumped really well and deserved the prize. Generous under pressure, he's the type to just keep improving.

The fourth horse home Streets Of Promise was in deep here but he should come on again for this and although he was low on occasion he should do well over fences. With the yard still quiet, he's one who will pop up further down the line.

Did you see Coozan George loom up at the end of the back straight in the 3m novice hurdle before fading into a well-beaten fifth? He's still learning to settle and connections will be happy enough with this. A soft ground, chasing type, he could be well-handicapped after showing plenty of ability in bumpers.

Pithivier won like a good thing

Pithivier looked the day's good thing and he duly delivered under a pleasing ride from the outstanding De Boinville. I was concerned he may get a little outpaced as this good looking horse wants a trip, but Nico ensured he was kept up to his work. It's a good job I looked away as he jumped the last. We don't need scares like that when the money is down.

He beat them pointless and although it looked a routine 0-110 there are winners lurking. Runner-up Periquest travelled really well and ran on after getting outpaced. Time will show he had no chance in receipt of just 8lb here, but I think he'll back the form up next time, possibly over further.

C Pogson isn't noted for first-time-out winners and Mondo Cane is a sturdy horse who usually takes a run or two to be fully primed. If the handicapper relents a tad this horse may continue his upward curve back over fences.

The mares race was weak but Yes I Did won in taking style and the only other filly in the race with any scope was the Greatrex horse Via Volupta, who may just have needed this.

Willoughby Court looked quirky before landing the bumper and the trainer stated he is very difficult to train. However he looks to have a bit of quality about him and if Pauling can channel the horse's talents he could be pretty useful.