The main handicap at Southwell on Thursday is the closing 0-85 contest for 3yos over 6f at 9.00, a race in which the nine runners boast a record of 12-18 on the AW between them. Roger Varian’s AW debutant Gaurdman is of obvious interest despite the nine-month absence, given his sire’s fine record here, but AY UP DUCK may offer a bit more value. Mick Appleby’s gelding has been well held in his last two starts on turf, albeit in stronger races than this, but was in good form around here prior to that. The form of his win in a 7f novice in April was boosted with the runner-up winning his next two starts, while his second of six behind the useful She’s Got A Brother over 5f here the time before suggests this trip isn’t a problem.

The opening 0-50 classified event over 5f at 5.55 can go to DESERT CHAMPION. One of three in the race with an official rating right on the race ceiling, Paul Midgley’s gelding is just 1-20 but that is no great negative in this company. This will be his first try down at this level and anything like his second of eight in a 0-60 handicap at Newcastle in November would be more than good enough to win this.

The 0-70 fillies’ handicap over the same trip at 6.30 can go to LA BELLE FOREST. Winner of a maiden over course and distance for Karl Burke in March, the 3yo has been bitterly disappointing in her two handicaps since, including on her debut for Archie Watson at Ffos Las a fortnight ago. A filly with bundles of early speed, she didn’t appear to get home in the good to soft ground last time, but she may be happier back here and this is a slight drop in class.

The 0-75 confined handicap (no win since the 2025 turf season) over 7f at 8.00 can go to SILVER TRUMPET. Eve Johnson Houghton’s gelding is one of just two previous course-and-distance winners in the field and he has mainly been running well since his near-5l romp at Epsom last August. The real key to this chance, though, is the drop in grade with his record in Class 5 handicaps reading 4111721. David Bellingham