MUMAYAZ TO STRIKE AT SOUTHWELL

By Molly Hunter

Mumayaz can start 2024 on a winning note in the BetUK. Home Of The Acca-Fenwa Apprentice Handicap at Southwell.

The five-year-old was the runner up on seven occasions last year, including most recently when beaten by just a short head at Wolverhampton on December 30.

His mark has only risen and fallen marginally throughout the past year and he looks on the cusp of a change in fortunes.

Simon and Ed Crisford’s Jacques Cartier can win the Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Novice Stakes.

The three-year-old made his debut at the end of last year with a third-placed run at Wolverhampton.

He was beaten by two lengths on that occasion but can come on to get off the mark as a three-year-old.

Excel Power can strike in the Bet £10 Get £40 At BetMGM Handicap for Archie Watson and Hollie Doyle.

Well supported at Chelmsford last month, he hit the front inside the final furlong but just drifted a little across the track in the finish, allowing Diderot to edge in front for a half-length verdict.

Nevertheless, Excel Power remains competitive off his revised mark of 98.

Assail makes a leap in distance in the first division of the BetUK. Its Where The UK Bets Handicap.

He was a winner over an extended mile at Wolverhampton back in November, battling hard to fend off Nature Watch by a neck in a race that was not a particularly strong heat.

However, Assail is bred to stay a longer trip than that, as while he is by No Nay Never, his dam won over a mile and a half and successful hurdler Sarsons Risk is a half-brother.

David Simcock moves him to 12 furlongs now, with an initial mark of 75 looking workable at this stage.

Ian Williams’ Mary can return to form in the 100 Years Of Market Rasen Racecourse Mares’ Handicap Hurdle at the Lincolnshire track.

The five-year-old has some respectable placed form behind Dysart Enos and in a Listed Newbury event in the latter half of the season.

Her most recent run was a well-beaten effort back at Newbury, but if she can put that performance behind her she can mount a challenge in this.

Lagonda can take the Book Summer Plate Ladies Day Now Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase after posting an improved effort over fences when upped to just short of the three miles she faces here.

A dual winner in the pointing field, Lagonda struck for home early at Chepstow but could never quite build up a telling advantage, with Sporting Ace taking control ahead of the last and going on to win by three and a half lengths.

The handicapper left her unchanged on a mark of 114, which certainly does not look insurmountable for Venetia Williams’ charge.