Wednesday 18th February 2026
Southwell
2.20 Southwell: Download The At The Races App Handicap Chase:
Ben Pauling’s BANK ON FRANK looks solid here under Ben Jones, the eight-year-old posted a highly encouraing effort on his chase debut at Fontwell last time out, finishing second of eight and a length and a quarter behind the winner. That was also his handicap debut over the larger obstacles, and he’d have to have a huge chance here against more exposed rivals off the same mark, albeit without a ten-pound claimer on board. His main danger could come in the form of course and distance winner Prince Clerni, who was second last time out and might be on a workable mark under five-pound claimer Charlie Maggs.
2.55 Southwell: Book The Bistro In Sherwood Restaurant Handicap Chase:
Eight-year-old HE KNOWS BETTER had some solid form to his name over hurdles, and has back-to-back second-place efforts over fences in his last two outings for Warren Greatrex. Champion jockey Sean Bowen takes over in the saddle here, and he looks rock-solid off just a pound higher mark than each of those last two starts. He’ll likely be bang on the premises once again. Doyouknowwhatimean isn’t the most consistent, however, if he’s on a going day, he’d be a danger to the selection for Pam Sly. He was three-quarters of a length second at Uttoxeter off his current mark on his penultimate start.
3.25 Southwell: Book Your Event At Southwell Racecourse Open National Hunt Flat Race:
This is a bit of a guessing game, with most of them making their rules debuts; however, MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX could prove to be above average for Fergal O’Brien. He got the better of the useful Soldier Reeves in his point, and that rival is now rated 130 under rules. That suggests he could be a nice prospect, and if he’s ready to go here, he could post a big effort on his first start under rules. The main danger is likely to come from last time out winner Brecharnon for the Skeltons; he won at Chepstow last March, and that experience will likely count for a lot here.
3.55 Southwell: Gleeds Data Center Derby Maiden Hurdle:
Olly Murphy runs two here, and it could be the seemingly second-string that comes out on top in ZAMEK, who’s the mount of Robert Dunne. He’s run well over hurdles since joining this yard from Paul Nicholls, finishing third of eighteen last time out at Lingfield on soft ground, and was sent off the 9/4 favourite for that current assignment. He kept on that day, giving the impression that this step up in trip should suit, and he’s since had a wind operation. Murphy’s other runner, Pertemps, has to be considered a big danger, considering he’s the pick of Sean Bowen, he’s finished in the placings in his last two starts, and is likely to be bang there again. Big Cadillac also needs a mention for the Skeltons, he contested Grade 2 company at Cheltenham last time out and is in much calmer waters here.
4.25 Southwell: Ladies Day Sunday 16th August Handicap Hurdle:
A trappy affair to say the least, however, JAFFA CAKE could show significant improvement here on his handicap debut for the in-form team of Ben Pauling and Ben Jones. He showed promise when second on his rules debut within a bumper at Doncaster back in March, and whilst he hasn’t recaptured that form as of yet over hurdles within maiden and novice company, he could be a different prospect now he’s upped in distance and contesting handicap company. Hidor De Bersey won a three-runner affair at Wincanton by fourteen lengths last time out, and whilst this is tougher, he’s a danger all the same.
4.55 Southwell: Golf And Gallop Package Mares’ Handicap Hurdle:
ASA won this race last year and looks like a solid option to retain her crown again this time around for Phillip Kirby. She comes into the race in form, having won at Catterick last time out by two lengths, and will contest this race off the same mark as that Catterick success. Joe Williamson once again retains the partnership, and there’s nothing to suggest that she won’t give her running again here. Fergal O’Brien’s Queen Of Steel is a danger here under Jonny Burke; she’s a consistent mare who won well again last time out at Leicester, getting up by three lengths on heavy ground. She’ll likely be on the premises once more.
2.20 Southwell – BANK ON FRANK (15/8) (Win) (NB) – Prince Cleni – (Danger)
2.55 Southwell – HE KNOWS BETTER (7/4) (Win) (NAP) – Doyouknowwhatimean – (Danger)
3.25 Southwell – MIDNIGHT JUKEBOX (9/4) (Win) – Brecharnon – (Danger)
3.55 Southwell – ZAMEK (4/1) (Win) – Pertemps – (Danger) – Big Cadillac – (Danger)
4.25 Southwell – JAFFA CAKE (9/2) (Win) – Hidor De Bersy – (Danger)
4.55 Southwell – ASA (11/8) (Win) – Queen Of Steel – (Danger)
