Spark set to light up Southwell

Just A Spark can chalk up her fourth successive victory in the Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Fillies' Handicap at Southwell on Sunday.

Rod Millman's charge has been in flying form since returning to action in January, shrugging off 98-day absence to beat a useful yardstick in Intervention by just over 2-lengths.

That horse followed her home again next time, though he narrowed the gap to a short head, the distance which separated Just A Spark and Al Farabi when she made it a hat-trick at Kempton last month.

Her narrow margins of victory have ensured the handicapper has not been too harsh, with Just A Spark being raised a total of 4 points for her last two victories, leaving her on what remains a very workable perch of 84.

Prince Eric got off the mark at the fourth attempt and can build on that victory in the Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap.

He was sent off no shorter than 28-1 in each of his three unsuccessful juvenile outings, so it perhaps speaks volumes Prince Eric went to post as the 6-4 favourite on his handicap bow last month.

James Ferguson's runner certainly put his best foot forward as he overcame a slow start to work his way into contention and eventually come home a head winner, looking very good value for that winning distance in the process.

Moving up to a mile from sprint distances clearly had the desired effect and while he is now 4 points higher, he still makes plenty of appeal.

Fashion's Model should appreciate a drop back in trip for the EBF Mares' Novices' Chase at Warwick.

A point-to-point winner back in 2020, the Flemensfirth mare failed to really find her stride over hurdles with five spins yielding just a fourth place.

Her pulled-up chasing bow was similarly uninspiring but she showed more promise when finishing second to Supervisor, eventually beaten 12 lengths as the 4800m trip possibly looked to stretch her stamina.

Dropped back to 4000m by Sheila Lewis, Fashion's Model could enjoy her moment in the spotlight.

Clondaw Royale is the pick in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap Hurdle after a fine Bangor victory in December.

A couple of those who finished in behind have run well since and Clondaw Royale was a cut above on the day.

Velasco is on a rapid upward curve and can make a quick reappearance pay in the Bruce Farms Handicap Hurdle at Kelso.

Successful at Doncaster a week ago, he shoulders a 7lb penalty but given he won by 18 lengths, he could still be a bit ahead of the weights. - Press Association

SELECTIONS:

KELSO: 15.35 Man Of Monaco, 16.10 Go Boy, 16.45 Limerick Leader, 17.20 Velasco, 17.55 Kidman, 18.30 Dream Boy.

LIMERICK: 16.00 Karl Des Tourelles, 16.35 A Penny A Hundred, 17.10 Seangoell, 17.45 Find A Fortune, 18.20 Nobody Home, 18.55 Dundaniel, 19.30 Sommesky.

NAAS: 15.07 Bodybuilder, 15.42 Mirazur West, 16.17 Ricky Bobby, 16.52 Cramers Valley, 17.27 Kashi, 18.02 Jumping Jet, 18.37 Velvet Elvis, 19.07 Ma Belle Etoile.

SOUTHWELL: 18.50 How Impressive, 19.25 Duke Wellington, 20.00 Prince Eric, 20.30 JUST A SPARK (NAP), 21.00 King Of York, 21.30 Urban Dandy, 22.00 Big Narstie, 22.30 Haku.

WARWICK: 15.50 Billythebigred, 16.25 Tactical Affair, 17.00 Zonda, 17.35 Fashion's Model, 18.10 Bretney, 18.45 Clondaw Royale, 19.15 Valgrand.