Thursday horse racing summary

Southwell, 1:20
Its been six days now since we had a jumps meeting because of the cold snap. Two more relatively low grade meetings on the all weather today, and I haven't been able to identify any opportunities to back a horse to win. But low grade racing often throws up good opportunities to lay horses to lose. This first race under the microscope is a class 5 maiden race over 1m 3f. Wing Diva is the forecast favourite but this morning MUSASHI is top of the market. He is still a maiden in his second season and after 8 races, and I don't see any reason why today will be his day.
Lay to lose - Musashi Result: Lost

Southwell, 1:50
This is a class 6 sprint handicap over 5f. HALAAK is the favourite for the race, but I am going to oppose him. He is strong in the market based on his comfortable win two runs ago. But that was a race for 2 year olds only and today he is mixing it with older and stronger horses. He also steps back to the shortest trip, and is unproven over this distance.
Lay to lose - Halaak Result: Won

Great Leighs, 1:55
This is another sprint handicap, this time a class 5 affair. SILVANUS is a short priced favourite considering he has yet to win in handicap company. His only win to date was a maiden race, so he has only beaten horses that had never won themselves. He has good claims on this race, but the price is too short compared to his realistic chances of winning, so in my opinion the value lies in opposing him.
Lay to lose - Silvanus Result: Lost

Southwell, 3:20
Another handicap race to finish, this time over 7f. Old faithful WHITBARROW lines up this afternoon and is favourite this morning, yet hasn't put his head in front for a dozen races and more than a year. He has not won over 7f.
Lay to lose - Whitbarrow Result: Lost