Sunday 4th January 2026
2.00 Southwell: Midnite A Next Generation Betting App Handicap (Class 6)
The first of four selections for us at Southwell on Sunday comes within the 2.00, which is Class 6 handicap action over six furlongs. It could pay to side with MYTHICAL ISLE in this low-grade affair, for the team of Patrick Morris and five-pound claimer Jack Nicholls. He posted his best effort to date last time out at Wolverhampton, finishing half a length second of eleven. He remains on the same mark here, which effectively makes him five pounds lower with the rider’s claim. That makes him of significant interest, should he follow up on that Wolverhampton effort.
MYTHICAL ISLE – 4/1 (Each-Way)
2.30 Southwell: Midnite A Next Generation Betting App Handicap (Class 6)
Next up for us will be the second division of the previous handicap, which is set to take place at 2.30. This is equally as competitive for a low-grade affair; however, Mike Murphy’s HORUS could be the answer, who’s the mount of seven-pound claimer Kyle McHugh. He ran well over seven furlongs at Lingfield last time out, finishing fourth of twelve before tiring in the closing stages. He drops back down to six furlongs here, which looks like the correct move based on the Lingfield run, and he’s effectively eight pounds lower here with McHugh’s seven-pound claim. He’s also nine pounds below his last winning mark, and his run last time out suggests a return to form may be forthcoming.
HORUS – 13/2 (Each-Way)
3.35 Southwell: Make The Move To Midnite Handicap (Class 6)
Our third selection of the afternoon at Southwell takes its chance in the 3.35, which is another Class 6 handicap, this time over five furlongs. This race continues the theme of competitiveness, as we have twelve runners going to post who aren’t separated by a great deal. The Philip McBride-trained JUNO STAR is a consistent sort over five furlongs, and his last win came over course and distance in October off just a pound lower mark, whilst also under today’s rider, Ashley Lewis. He once again ran well at Wolverhampton on Friday, when finishing third of eight after being sent off the 15/8 favourite. He looks to be on a handy enough mark here with Ashley Lewis taking off the five, and can give his running once again at a reasonable price this time around.
JUNO STAR – 10/1 (Each-Way) (4 places)
4.35 Southwell: Midnite, Building The Future Of Betting Handicap (Class 6)
It’ll be the 4.35 where we turn for our fourth and final selection of the afternoon, which is more Class 6 handicap action, and in this particular contest, over a mile and three furlongs. James Owen could have the answer to this tricky-looking puzzle with KNIGHT OF MAGIC, who’s the mount of Callum Hutchinson. He’s a long-standing maiden, however, he’s been knocking at the door for some time now, and if there is any man that will get his head in front, it’s probably James Owen. He was only beaten by a length and a half in a twelve-runner affair over course and distance last time out, and he’ll contest this off the same mark. Once again, he has to be considered as a big player.
KNIGHT OF MAGIC – 3/1 (Win) (NAP)
