Southwell (AW) 4:58 Result

Crowned is the classiest profile here - top-weight on the handicap mark for good reason. Form of 345221 shows consistent progression with two recent wins/near-misses, and he's clearly working out his placing after a string of top-3/4 finishes, with the finishing figures trending in the right direction (1s in last two starts implied by 221 reading of recent runs). Only 7 days since last run means he's fit and fresh off a good performance, and Persian Force progeny handle AW well at this trip. Draw 12 is wide but at Southwell's tight AW track over 7f that's less of a hindrance than at some venues, and with speed types drawn low he can track/sit off them from off the pace. Rivals like Amantha and No More Pino have more moderate recent form (523... and 59645) and are on lower marks for a reason. Revoked and No More Pino carry decent weight but their form figures (957, 59645) are unconvincing compared to Crowned's upward trajectory. Lewis Edmunds is a capable handler for this yard. The market should have this as a leading contender and I'm happy to back the form horse here rather than chase a bigger price, as none of the workable alternatives show the improving profile Crowned does. This looks the most reliable profile in a moderate Class 6 nursery.