Clear Pointer for Southwell backers

By Anita Chambers, PA

Clearpoint can chalk up a second successive victory in the Build Your Acca With BetUK Handicap at Southwell.

The Ardad gelding made a splash in winning his first two juveniles starts for Richard Fahey last year, but a try in Group and Listed company proved beyond him and after a lacklustre effort at Royal Ascot in June, he was sold for 22,000 guineas after originally costing £100,000.

He made an inauspicious start for Charlie Fellowes when last at Haydock in September, but quickly righted the record when winning next time out and again when most recently seen.

Those victories sandwiched a slightly disappointing effort upped in class, but it appears Clearpoint is at his best when allowed to dominate, so a total of six rivals here should help on that front.

Whatawit can maintain his fine record with victory in the BetUK. It’s Where The UK Bets Novice Stakes.

Winner of three of his five starts under rules, encompassing two bumpers and a Wolverhampton novice, Whatawit has finished second and third on the other two occasions for Sir Mark Prescott.

His most recent outing was that Dunstall Park win, when he successfully dropped in trip to a mile and half, with a further dip to 11 furlongs his task this time.

That may not prove too much of an issue, with his rider likely to take a positive approach again.

Annafel has shown some ability in two racecourse starts to date and his time can come at Chelmsford.

John and Thady Gosden’s charge stepped up from his initial debut fourth to be beaten just a short head last time, suggesting something like the CCR Novice Stakes should be within his compass.

At Exeter, Molly Ollys Wishes has been below her very best of late but showed signs of a minor renaissance when edged into second at Wetherby last month.

A multiple Listed and Grade Two winner in her pomp, Molly Ollys Wishes is without a win since October last year and her rating has duly dropped from a peak of 147 to her current mark of 132.

An initial run at Chepstow in October did not offer much encouragement for Dan Skelton, but with cheekpieces applied at Wetherby, she posted a much better effort in finishing a near five-length second.

That should be a welcome confidence boost ahead of the Naf Metazone Handicap Hurdle.

Jubilee Express catches the eye in the Join Us On New Year’s Day At Exeter Handicap Chase.

The Sam Thomas-trained six-year-old won once and finished second twice from four attempts over hurdles, with his runner-up effort behind Broadway Boy at Market Rasen in March reading particularly well in light of the winner’s subsequent achievements over fences.

Jubilee Express disappointed on his first foray over the larger obstacles at Ludlow last month, with an early mistake setting the tone for an overall underwhelming performance.

While he will need to raise his game significantly to make his presence felt, that comeback run should have blown away a few cobwebs and the application of cheek pieces could sharpen him up.

Top tips for today’s UK meetings

TAB is betting on 3 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.

EXETER: Race 1: 14.55 Valadon, Race 2: 15.25 Townhill, Race 3: 15.55 Endless Escape, Race
4: 16.25 Molly Ollys Wishes, Race 5: 16.55 Jubilee Express, Race 6: 17.25 Juventus De Brion,
Race 7: 17.55 Time To Bite.

SOUTHWELL: Race 1: 16.38 Gift Of Raaj, Race 2: 17.08 Flag Carrier, Race 3: 17.38 Sassy Belle,
Race 4: 18.10 CLEARPOINT (NAP), Race 5: 18.45 May Remain, Race 6: 19.15 Whatawit, Race
7: 19.45 Graces Quest, Race 8: 20.15 Lochnaver.

CHELMSFORD: Race 1: 18.30 Guy Fawkes, Race 2: 19.00 Via Blanca, Race 3: 19.30 Say You'll
Never, Race 4: 20.00 Annafel, Race 5: 20.30 Notre Dame, Race 6: 21.00 Prince Of Zenda,
Race 7: 21.30 Havechatma, Race 8: 22.00 Legende D'Art, Race 9: 22.30 Philos.

ALL TO COME: Molly Ollys Wishes (Exeter, Race 4) and Clearpoint (Southwell, Race 4).

For fields, betting and more information go to www.tab4Racing.com