Horse racing tips and best bets: Southwell, Chelmsford, Dundalk

There's another packed day of racing up and down the country

A general view of runners and riders at Southwell Racecourse (Getty Images)

As freezing temperatures continue to bite, action again focuses on the all-weather and Excessable has plenty in his favour as he lines up in the Play 4 To Score At Betway Handicap at Southwell.

Course form is so often key at the Nottinghamshire track and with Excessable having been in the first three in each of his five runs on the Fibresand, it is clearly right up his street.

Tim Easterby has seemingly found Excessable's optimum trip too, with this six-furlong distance playing to his strengths as he kept on with real purpose to triumph just over a week ago.

That length verdict from Nick Vedder supplemented his neck win back in December and while he is now off a 4lb higher mark, Excessable looks capable of confirming that form as he remains a good chunk below his career-high rating of 94 from his juvenile days.

Bill Cody is another going for a Southwell double in the Betway Handicap.

He made a glorious return from 325 days off last month when making all for a cosy three-length win over an extended two miles.

One or two rivals failed to stay that day with the first three home some 21 lengths clear of the fourth-placed runner, but Bill Cody was tough from the front and Callum Rodriguez certainly utilised his mount's strengths.

Julie Camacho steps into the unknown with Bill Cody as she ups him to two and a quarter miles, but this strong-staying six-year-old can rise to the challenge.

Kabuto shaped with promise on his racecourse bow here and can make it second time lucky in the Get Your Ladbrokes Daily Odds Boost Maiden Stakes.

FRIDAY TIPS

CHELMSFORD: 5.15 Under Wraps, 5.45 Countessa, 6.15 Maxine, 6.45 Kendergarten Kop, 7.15 Kentucky Kingdom, 7.45 Velvet Vista, 8.15 Stopdworldletmeof.

DUNDALK: 4.00 Wee Pablo, 4.30 Scott Lang, 5.00 Fox Fearless, 5.30 Saltonstall, 6.00 Major Power, 6.30 Iseebreeze, 7.00 Sister Lola, 7.30 Devil's Outlaw.

SOUTHWELL: 12.45 San Juan, 1.15 Kabuto, 1.45 Dr Jekyll, 2.15 EXCESSABLE (NAP), 2.45 Bill Cody, 3.15 True Hero, 3.45 Deb's Delight.

DOUBLE: Excessable and Bill Cody.

Sent off an 18-1 shot over a mile, Kabuto was slow to break and on the back foot from the off, before eventually finding his rhythm too late to have any real impact.

Beaten nearly nine lengths, Kabuto looks better than that performance.

Under Wraps has been found wanting in novice and maiden company, but an opening mark of 64 looks fairly workable in the tote Placepot Your First Bet Handicap at Chelmsford.

Bred in the purple as a daughter of Kingman out of French Oaks victor Confidential Lady, Under Wraps has yet to come anywhere close to victory in three runs, being beaten just over six lengths in third on her latest attempt.

Her earlier outing suggested at more ability, so it perhaps makes sense to switch to handicap level now as connections seek that all-important first win.

Maxine might appreciate edging up in trip to 10 furlongs for the CCR Handicap.

Harry Dunlop's charge has been knocking on the door in each of her last four runs, finishing third at Wolverhampton on her most recent attempt.

She has been consistent in defeat and looked as though a little further would suit when tackling an extended nine furlongs.

Velvet Vista is on a roll and hard to oppose in the tote.co.uk Now Never Beaten By SP Fillies' Handicap.

A winner off a mark of 44 last month, Velvet Vista is now rated 62 - although she must carry a couple of extra pounds in penalties here.

PA

Racing coverage is brought to you in association with Betfair. Build your free bet pot for Cheltenham with Betfair. Bet £20 across UK & Irish racing, Get £10 free bet on the Cheltenham Festival. Runs every Saturday. Terms: Min £20 in Exch bets on Saturday races, excludes ante-post. Max £10 free bet per qualifying day, awarded 15/03. Betfair Rewards 'Basic' customers excluded. T&Cs apply