Southwell (AW) 5:35 Result

Surgeon Commander sits top of the weights on merit with an OR of 60 and looks the classiest runner here on recent form: 713641 shows a recent win last time out and consistent placing, with the 1 representing a victory just two starts back. He's fresh off a 67-day break which could mean he's spot on after a let-up, and Billy Loughnane takes over which is a positive booking. Blinkers already fitted suggest the yard is trying to sharpen him and it's working given the recent scoreline. Draw 2 is workable over 6f at Southwell. Most of this field are moderate handicappers around 52-59 with mixed/patchy form (Taaklam -32576, Harlequin Bay 2-3005, Masai Angel 5-4300) - none screaming class edge over the selection. Great Success and Golden Harvest are both low-rated and inconsistent. Lope Y Linda has some earlier placed form but has since tailed off to a 0. Overall Surgeon Commander looks the one they all have to beat, with the form figures suggesting he's in good heart and the highest-rated in the field, which should see him go off favourite or near it - but the strength of that recent winning effort and the drop to fresher legs make him worth siding with at a fair price rather than an overround favourite.