Southwell (AW) 5:35 Result

Al Maslool has the clearest recent form of anyone here - 502314 shows a horse in good order with a win and a couple of places at this trip/type of grade. He's by Dark Angel out of a Cape Cross mare, trained by Haggas who is excellent with three-year-olds progressing through handicaps, and the booking of Darragh Keenan plus the blinkers first time (already worn - "b") suggest they're targeting a sharp performance. His OR of 68 with 131lbs is workable, and unlike some in this field he looks fully at home over 1m4f having already won/placed at similar trips. Roker Roar (72 OR) is the classy type on pedigree but his form figures 74-332 suggest he's flattering to deceive without quite getting his head in front recently, and Fiefdom's form has tailed off after a break. Much has some promise but the switch to headgear (tongue-tie) and finishing pattern doesn't inspire top confidence, and Mr Moonshine, Choir Boy and Grand Pier are all lower-rated and unproven to the level required to beat this into. Draw 4 is fine for Southwell AW 1m4f, no bias concerns. Overall Al Maslool looks the most progressive, competently placed by a shrewd yard, and represents the best combination of solid recent form and value at his likely price compared to a short-priced favourite like Roker Roar who hasn't won for a while.