As autumn racing heads into its twilight rhythm, the Southwell evening flat fixture on October 31, 2025, unfolds across nine competitive contests from 4:10 pm to 8:15 pm. This evening card brings together apprentices, juveniles, and experienced campaigners for a night that highlights the breadth of British flat racing. With total prize money exceeding £90,000, the meeting blends opportunity with atmosphere — Southwell’s floodlit turf serving as both theatre and proving ground.
A Stamina Test to Start – £7,100 on the Line
The action begins at 4:10 pm with The Midnite: Built for 2025 Not 2005 Apprentice Handicap Stakes (Class 5), worth £7,100, run over 1 mile 6 furlongs and 21 yards for 3YO and upwards. A demanding opener, it will test both rider judgment and staying power. Among the entries, Dance Time (William Pyle/David Loughnane) aims to build on consistency, while Different Tone (Kaiya Fraser/Rebecca Menzies) brings an improving profile. Alnayef (Lauren Young/Jim Goldie) offers durability, and Prince Quattro (Ashley Lewis/James Owen) could stay better than most. Fleur de Mer (Aiden Brookes/Martin Todhunter) rounds out a field where patience may pay dividends.
Juveniles in the Nursery – £6,000 at Stake
At 4:45 pm, the Always Gamble Responsibly at Nursery Handicap Stakes (Class 6) offers £6,000 over 1 mile 14 yards for 2YO runners. These late-season nurseries often reveal next year’s handicappers in the making. Lady Milton (Rob Hornby/Jonathan Portman) sets the early standard, while Mali Star (Callum Rodriguez/Jack Channon) looks progressive. Dual entries from Richard Fahey — Ciao Capo (Cam Hardie) and Twilight Serenade (Oisin Orr) — will draw support, while Trust No One (Kieran O’Neill/Alice Haynes) adds intrigue with a strong finish expected.
Promise in the Maiden – £6,300 to Be Won
The third event, the Always Gamble Responsibly at EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes (Class 5), gets underway at 5:15 pm, with £6,300 in prize money over 6 furlongs and 17 yards. The race often produces sharp types ready to break their maiden tags. Caballo Grande (Jason Hart/Michael Bell) stands out on paper, while Chhota Saab (Kieran O’Neill/S.P.C. Woods) continues to improve. A Lottbof Kane (Joey Haynes/Chelsea Banham), Black Missile (Ryan Sexton/Julie Camacho), and See That Spark (Callum Rodriguez/Edward Bethell) each carry claims in a field that rewards balance and a well-timed ride.
Quality Sprint Showdown – £15,200 in the Pot
The tempo quickens at 5:45 pm with The Make The Move to Midnite Handicap Stakes (Class 3) for 3YO+, run over 6 furlongs and 17 yards and carrying a rich £15,200 purse. Here, quality meets pace. Hucklesbrook (Joanna Mason/Roger Teal) is reliable on quick surfaces, while Rogue Sensation (Oisin Orr/Edward Bethell) has tactical versatility. Badri (Jason Hart/Michael Herrington) represents proven form, while Never Just a Dream (Kieran O’Neill/Alice Haynes) and Twilight Jet (Tom Eaves/Jim & Suzi Best) both add depth to a sprint that could go to the wire.
Pure Speed and Timing – £6,000 Reward
At 6:15 pm, attention turns to the short-course dash — The Midnite: A Next Generation Handicap Stakes (Class 6) over 4 furlongs 215 yards, worth £6,000. This race promises an explosive break from the gates. Good Point (Oliver Carmichael/Bryan Smart) has form at the trip, while Ready Freddie Go (Harry Russell/Ollie Pears) carries pace pedigree. Sanbona (Sean Kirrane/Michael Dods), Popular Dream (Joanna Mason/Derek Shaw), and Minnesota Lad (Jason Hart/Ivan Furtado) will all look to time their burst perfectly. Expect a photo finish.
Fillies’ Novice Grace – £7,300 Up for Grabs
The card stretches again to 1 mile 4 furlongs 15 yards at 6:45 pm with The Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog at Fillies’ Novice Stakes (Class 5), offering £7,300. A classy field of 3YO+ fillies features Ada’s Day (Paul Mulrennan/Stella Barclay), Ohana (Ben Ffrench Davis/Derek Shaw), and the well-bred Desert Spring (Benoit de la Sayette/John & Thady Gosden), who could prove a standout. Montana Dancer (Ryan Sexton/Julie Camacho) and National Voice (Cam Hardie/Jessica Bedi) add depth to a race where stamina and composure under lights will count.
The Headliner: Class 2 Handicap – £25,200 Feature Race
The highlight of the Southwell evening flat fixture arrives at 7:15 pm — The Always Gamble Responsibly at Handicap Stakes (Class 2) — a 1 mile 14 yard test worth £25,200. The top-tier contest draws seasoned handicappers and tactical jockeys. Rajeko (Callum Rodriguez/Michael Bell) heads the line-up with solid consistency, while Two Tempting (Rob Hornby/Jonathan Portman) poses a major threat. Dividend (Hollie Doyle/De Richard Newland & Jamie Insole) brings both class and momentum, while Nikovo (Jason Hart/Michael Herrington) and Supido (Paul Mulrennan/Ian Williams) complete a fascinating feature where fractions and timing will decide the outcome.
Late-Night Divisions – £9,000 Each
The evening closes with twin handicaps, each worth £9,000 over 1 mile 14 yards.
Division I (7:45 pm) of The £10 Get £40 with Handicap Stakes (Class 6) includes Tonal (Ryan Kavanagh/Ian Williams), Kondratiev Wave (William Carson/Tony Carroll), and Spirit of Bowland (Callum Rodriguez/Stella Barclay). Tam Lin (Kieran O’Neill/Alice Haynes) and Marry the Night (Sean Kirrane/Tim Easterby) could make late runs.
Division II (8:15 pm) closes the curtain on the night. Heretic (Dylan Hogan/Michael Herrington) returns to familiar ground, while Outrace (Sean Levey/Richard Hannon) and Back from Dubai (Lewis Edmunds/Roy Bowring) add proven experience. Duke Orsino (Jonny Peate/J.R. Jenkins) and Dash Power (Jack Callan/Lawrence Mullaney) round off what promises to be a competitive finale.
Across its nine races, the Southwell evening flat fixture offers a sweeping showcase of flat racing — from apprentices to elites, with total prize money topping £90,000. Each contest presents its own character: staying power, sprint aggression, or youthful ambition. The floodlit backdrop ensures drama at every turn, as Southwell continues to prove one of the UK’s most atmospheric evening tracks.
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