The Lock Master has the key to Victory at Southwell

2.40 Southwell – The Lock Master

There are four last time out winners in the 12 furlong handicap at Southwell on Tuesday afternoon, and stepped back up in trip, The Lock Master looks to have a very solid chance. As a course and distance winner who has competed in a higher grade than this, odds of 7.00Bet €100 to win €7006/1Bet £100 to win £700+600Bet $100 to win $7006.00Bet HK$100 to win HK$7006.00Bet Rp100 to win Rp700-0.1667Bet RM100 to win RM700 entice.

Michael Appleby’s son of Key of Luck might have ultimately been successful last time out, but victory looked far from likely in the early stages of the contest, as the horse was outpaced and driven at the rear of the field over the 11 furlong trip. He eventually found a head of steam and powered home in the last few furlongs, strongly suggesting that a return to the mile and a half would suit.     A mark of 80 is far from beyond the limits of The Lock Master’s ability, and although he is advancing in age, his enthusiasm clearly remains intact.

Gang Warfare is the market leader for the Simon Crisford yard. An unexposed 5 year old, the son of Medicean makes a return from a 4 month absence, which is a potential negative. Another drawback is the fact he is dropping back in trip – his last 2 wins have come over 2miles+.

3.10 Southwell – Dungannon

Dungannon had been well out of form and had dropped significantly in the weights, but he has returned to form in the last two starts and won with something tom spare last time out over course and distance. A step back up in grade is not insurmountable and now he has got his head in front again, Andrew Balding’s talented 9 year old could strike again.

Dungannon was rated as high as 107 just last year before he lost his way. Was held up last time out at Southwell which is not usually a good thing, but moved through that race smoothly and won with more in hand than the half length margin suggested. Likely to repeat the tactics and odds of 3.50Bet €100 to win €3505/2Bet £100 to win £350+250Bet $100 to win $3502.50Bet HK$100 to win HK$3502.50Bet Rp100 to win Rp350-0.4000Bet RM100 to win RM350 appear value.

Tips Summary (26th January)

2.40 Southwell – The Lock Master – 7.00Bet €100 to win €7006/1Bet £100 to win £700+600Bet $100 to win $7006.00Bet HK$100 to win HK$7006.00Bet Rp100 to win Rp700-0.1667Bet RM100 to win RM700 Bet365, WilliamHill, Ladbrokes

3.10 Southwell – Dungannon – 3.50Bet €100 to win €3505/2Bet £100 to win £350+250Bet $100 to win $3502.50Bet HK$100 to win HK$3502.50Bet Rp100 to win Rp350-0.4000Bet RM100 to win RM350 Bet365, WilliamHill, Ladbrokes