Southwell preview: Lucky Mark primed for repeat bid

David Metcalf | November 24, 2015

Lucky Mark can take advantage of a drop in the weights to land the 6f handicap on today’s card at Southwell (15.10) for second year running.

The John Balding trained gelding has a good record at the venue, having won twice and been placed five times from 15 starts.

In the first of those successes in this race 12 months ago, Lucky Mark showed a good attitude to dig deep and beat Speightown’s Kid by a short-head off a mark of 57.

The six-year-old went on to score again over course and distance two starts later by 1 1 3/4 lengths off 60, and has since finished in the frame twice at the track off a rating of 65.

Lucky Mark is now able to race off 61, just 1lb higher than when last successful, and that gives him major claims from a handicapping perspective.

The son of Moss Vale also comes into the contest on the back of three runs on the turf following a break, and should be spot on to do himself justice now returned to a venue that clearly brings out the best in him.

Schottische set for frame finish

In the 1m lady amateur riders’ handicap that opens proceedings (12.10), Schottische can go well at a big price.

The Alan Bailey trained mare was last successful over course and distance back in January when battling on to beat Poppy Bond by 3/4 of a length off a mark of 57.

The five-year-old is now able to race off 2lb lower and, prior to disappointing last time out at Lingfield, had posted two really solid efforts to make the frame.