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Wednesday 5 August 2015

7.00 Southwell, Thursday, August 6

John Balding’s 7-year-old Showboating made short work of Miniskirt and eight other rivals at Southwell ten days ago, winning by 6 lengths, eased down. Unfortunately, that fact won’t have escaped the bookmakers but, back over the same course and distance, in the same grade, the Shamardal gelding is hard to oppose under a 6lb penalty in the Mansfield Town Raceday 2nd September (7.00) at Southwell on Thursday.

All his previous seven career wins had come over 6 and 7 furlongs, but he clearly relished the extra furlong on a course where his previous form figures read 3411. He’s never won off a mark this high, but seems sure to go up by more than 6lb once the handicapper has his say, so it’s easy to see why connections are keen to strike again while the iron is hot.

Apprentice Joe Doyle takes over from Shane Gray, who’s ridden him to his two most recent victories but, with a 3-8 (38%) strike rate on synthetic surfaces this season, his presence in the saddle is hardly a negative.

Selection: Southwell 7.00 Showboating to win