One of the better races at Southwell on Wednesday is the 0-85 fillies’ handicap over 1m at 6.45, which looks a good opportunity for DREAM ILLUSION to return to winning form. Michael Herrington’s 4yo won twice earlier in the year, including a convincing success over course and distance last month. Although runner-up in both outings since (behind a subsequent winner in the first), she didn’t really enjoy the rub of the green on either occasion so she remains capable of winning off this mark granted a bit more luck.

The closing 0-75 handicap over 7f at 8.15 is a competitive race for the grade, with the top two in the weights both bidding for a hat-trick. I’m a big fan of the consistent Goldmoyne, but there is a strong chance he will be taken on for the lead which could compromise his chance, so I prefer to side with PACKETOFBISCUITS. John Mackie’s gelding has gained his two recent wins over course and distance (beating Dream Illusion on the first occasion) and winning with even more authority 11 days ago (fourth has won since). The way he took that latest contest suggested this 5lb higher mark may not be enough to stop him from going in again.

Over at Newcastle STAFFORDSHIRE can take the 0-60 handicap over 1m2f at 5.00. Jennie Candlish’s gelding appreciated the drop back in trip and removal of the hood when getting off the mark over course and distance last month. He has been put up 6lb for that, but he and the runner-up (who has won back here since) pulled a long way clear of the others, so the extra burden looks well within reach.

The 0-60 handicap over 5f at 7.30 can go to GUSTAV GRAVES. Although more of a fixture at Wolverhampton, Derek Shaw’s gelding has won and run well over this course and distance. He ran well to finish second of nine at Wolverhampton nine days ago, but has been dropped another 1lb in the meantime which puts him back on his last winning mark. It also looks as though he will get the strong pace he needs. David Bellingham