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Murphy ready to spring into action

Written by Press Association | Mar 4, 2026 7:28:16 AM

Spring Is Sprung should bloom with the plum booking of Oisin Murphy in his bid for a second successive all-weather victory at Southwell on Wednesday.

The Paul Midgley-trained seven-year-old has the five-time champion jockey aboard for the Midnite A Next Generation Betting App Handicap on the Tapeta, as he races off his career-high mark of 87 again.

Murphy is well-versed with the son of Oasis Dream, having ridden him three times for former trainer Michael Bell and twice while under Midgley's tutelage.

The last time the horse and jockey were united, Murphy guided Spring Is Sprung to a 1.25-length success albeit on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket.

Murphy has a good chance of a quickfire double with Charlie Johnston's Spirit Of Jura in the Read Meg Nicholls' Blog At betmgm.co.uk Fillies' Handicap.

The four-year-old has won three and finished as runner-up twice from seven starts on the all-weather, and a return to the Tapeta could be just what she needs.

She has finished down the field on her last two starts on turf and is only 2lb higher than her second-placed effort at this track back in August.

Spirit Of Jura drops back in trip, which should be a positive, and the booking of Murphy is another tick in the box.

Remaining on the all-weather at Kempton, I'm Workin On It should complete a hat-trick of victories in the Unibet Proudly Supporting Women In Racing Handicap.

Rod Millman's son of Harry Angel will step up to 1600m for the first time in his career, but track experience could be the key.

His previous two triumphs came at the Sunbury venue, the latter by 4 lengths, but he will need to defy a 9lb climb in his bid for a three-timer.

The David Evans-trained Supreme King aims to go one better with a fourth straight success in division one of the Bet £20 Get £20 With Unibet Handicap.

The six-year-old has had a busy winter but has been trending in the right direction with wins at Southwell, Newcastle and Kempton on his last three starts.

The latest came over course and distance and he is still 1lb lower than his highest winning mark, so he definitely enters the equation.

Over the obstacles at Catterick, I C U In My Dreams can put previous experience to good use in the racingtv.com Mares' Maiden Hurdle.

Donald McCain's lightly-raced six-year-old came second on her debut over course and distance before stepping up in trip last time out when finishing fourth, but can get her nose in front here.

Marty McFly has enjoyed his transition over fences and should complete a treble in the WF Racing Keeping You On Course Handicap Chase.

Sandy Thomson's charge has won three of six chase starts, including his most recent run at the North Yorkshire track.

The eight-year-old steps down in trip, which is an unknown factor, but he should have enough quality to prevail. - Press Association

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

SOUTHWELL: Race 1: 15.32 Roaring Ralph, Race 2: 16.02 Eagles Whistle, Race 3: 16.32 Boujee Gold, Race 4: 17.02 Homer Stokes, Race 5: 17.32 Karakula Dancer, Race 6: 18.02 SPRING IS SPRUNG (NAP), Race 7: 18.32 That's Amore, Race 8: 19.07 Spirit Of Jura, Race 9: 19.40 Hatysa.

CATTERICK: Race 1: 16.10 Pigeon House, Race 2: 16.40 I C U In My Dreams, Race 3: 17.10 Marty McFly, Race 4: 17.40 Junior Des Mottes, Race 5: 18.10 Gaboriot, Race 6:18.40 Enya.

KEMPTON: Race 1: 19.00 Magna, Race 2: 19.30 Picture Palace, Race 3: 20.00 I'm Workin On It, Race 4: 20.30 Supreme King, Race 5: 21.00 City Cyclone, Race 6: 21.30 Sparksmith, Race 7: 22.00 Jodhpur Blue, Race 8: 22.30 Rainbow Sign.

DOUBLE: Spring Is Sprung and Spirit Of Jura (Southwell Races 6 and 8).