Out-fox the opposition at Southwell

The Foxes could set up a trip to Saudi Arabia with victory in the BetUK Winter Derby Trial Conditions Stakes at Southwell on Thursday.

While the four-year-old is entered in the Winter Derby itself next month, trainer Andrew Balding has indicated the Saudi Cup meeting is a more likely option should his charge prevail in this 2200m conditions test.

The Foxes enjoyed a fine start to his Classic campaign last year, coming home second in the Craven Stakes before successfully stepping up to register a narrow victory over White Birch in the Dante at York.

That rival turned the form around in the Derby at Epsom, taking third place while The Foxes was fifth, with a stumble hardly helping his cause although he was never going to trouble the winner Auguste Rodin.

The Foxes then headed to America for the Belmont Derby but a tardy start proved costly as he came home second, having far too much ground to make up at the business end, while the Juddmonte International at York just proved a step too far.

It was a disappointing end to his season but his mark of 113 puts him 4 points ahead of his nearest rival for this all-weather debut, with his class hopefully negating his lack of a recent run.

Trojan Storm can make a winning start for Ian Williams in the BetMGM: Its Showtime Restricted Novice Stakes.

This son of Ulysses was beaten a short head on his racecourse bow at this track earlier in the month when trained by Ralph Beckett, with new connections subsequently snapping him up for 35,000 guineas.

That could prove a shrewd investment as Trojan Storm showed plenty of promise that day when his inexperience was evident.

Brides Hill can launch another successful raid for Gavin Cromwell in the Pertemps Network Lady Protectress Mares' Chase at Huntingdon.

The Irish handler has eight British victories to his credit this term, although Brides Hills' previous trip to these shores ended in a first-fence fall in another Listed heat at Perth last April.

She has since scored twice in Ireland, hacking up by eight lengths back in September before returning last month to secure a head verdict at Fairyhouse, where she looked value for the official margin.

Steal A March should strip fitter for the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle qualifier after returning from a year on the sidelines at the end of December.

Victorious in one of these races at Wincanton on Boxing Day 2022, Steal A March did not run again until Newbury 26 days ago when he came home last of five finishers after just running out of petrol at the finish.

Better is expected here with a run out under his belt.

The Edgar Wallace can make it three from three this term in Wetherby's Join Racing TV Now Handicap Chase, while Pallas Lord can bring up his double in the Win £2,000,000 With BetMGM's Golden Goals Handicap on Newcastle's evening card. - Press Association

TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings on Thursday. Here are the tips.

SOUTHWELL: Race 1: 13.25 Musical Diva, Race 2: 13.55 Basholo, Race 3: 14.25 Trojan Storm, Race 4: 5.00 THE FOXES (NAP), Race 5: 15.35 Duisker, Race 6: 16.10 Stoic Syd, Race 7: 16.45 Daafy, Race 8: 17.20 Media Guest, Race 9: 17.55 First Company.

HUNTINGDON: Race 1: 14.50 Lime Drop, Race 2: 15.25 Strutter, Race 3: 16.00 Hard Frost, Race 4: 16.35 Rascal, Race 5: 17.10 Brides Hill, Race 6: 17.45 Steal A March, Race 7: 18.20 Seas The Day.

WETHERBY: Race 1: 15.15 Torneo, Race 2: 15.50 Mister Barclay, Race 3: 16.25 The Edgar Wallace, Race 4: 17.00 Tedtwo, Race 5: 17.35 Oakley Dancer, Race 6: 18.10 My Strong Man.

NEWCASTLE: Race 1: 18.15 Optik, Race 2: 18.45 Call To Action, Race 3: 19.15 Marcello Si, Race 4: 19.45 Pallas Lord, Race 5: 20.15 Urban Dandy, Race 6: 21.45 Noble Captain, Race 7: 22.15 Leap Day.

ALL TO COME: The Foxes (Southwell, Race 4) and Brides Hill (Huntingdon, Race 5).