Sam King returns with two selections on Thursday.
It's the time of year where the flat season begins to step aside for the jumps but there are still some interesting heats to be held on the level today and as a result, both selections come from the flat.
Conditions look certain to be on the soft side at Nottingham this afternoon but that will not phase renowned mud-lover Flash Bardot, who bids to rediscover the winning formula in the PricedUp Handicap (4.32).
Jack Channon's mare hasn't shown a great deal all season, but she did hint that she was returning to something like her old self when fifth here last time, travelling keenly throughout at the rear of the field before fading late on in stronger company.
A winner off a mark of 85 over a mile and a half on soft ground at Doncaster in April last year, there's no doubt that she's capable of playing a major role off her current rating of 74, while this also represents a drop back to Class 5 company for the first time since she scored at Epsom in July 2023.
There remains a question mark surrounding if she stays the one-mile six trip, but if settling better this afternoon under suitable conditions, she should give herself every chance of getting the extra yardage.
Flash Bardot – 1pt Win
Odds – 11/2
Quamby looks to hold outstanding claims in the Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Maiden Fillies' Stakes (6.00) at Southwell this evening.
The David Simcock and Jamie Spencer partnership can still be a formidable one and they should have every chance of being in the winners' circle tonight with Quamby , who sets the standard on what she has shown this far.
Having caught the eye with a running-on fifth at Kempton towards the backend of last season, Quamby made the lengthy journey to Wetherby on her reappearance in April. Despite being sent off a 20/1 chance under Jamie Spencer, who wouldn't often be seen riding at the West Yorkshire venue, David Simock's charge once again posted an eye-catching effort in defeat, keeping on strongly after missing the break to fill the runner-up spot behind Victoria Harbour.
The winner, who made virtually every yard of the running that day, went on to follow-up in the Listed Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood next time out, while the third-place horse of William Haggas' is now rated 90 after progressing through the handicap ranks.
I suspect soft ground over a mile and a quarter will be her optimum on turf in time but dropping back to a mile on an all-weather surface like Southwell shouldn't pose too many issues and with further improvement possible back from another break, she gets a confident vote to shed the maiden tag.
Quamby – 2pt Win
Odds – 11/8
