The Andrew Slattery-trained Plains Indian might be a good option in this handicap hurdle given his current weight.
A Listed winner, he previously defeated the now 134-rated hurdler The Friday Man to secure black-type success at Limerick two years ago, and earlier finished fourth behind Champ Kiely in a Grade Three contest.
A mark of 127 looks manageable as he returns to hurdles and steps back up to three miles.
In his only previous attempt at this trip, he competed in this race last year, performing well until fading from the lead two furlongs out.
Heavy ground likely tested his stamina on that occasion, but his strong traveling up to that point suggests three miles on better ground is within reach. This time, he’s 4 lbs lower, with a 5-lb claimer aboard, now Cian Quirke.
The eight-year-old has had a busy season on the Flat, which should have him in good shape for this return to hurdling at a track he knows well.
One brightbluerose has dropped 1 lb after a recent effort at Gowran Park, where she traveled strongly but faded when challenging.
This five-year-old mare should appreciate the step up in trip from a mark that seems competitive.
Ground conditions suit her, as she showed good form over the summer, particularly at Wexford, and she’s on a mark that could allow her to be competitive for trainer Patrick Cronin.
After nearly a five-week break following a busy summer, she’s been given a first-time tongue-tie, which might unlock some improvement.
Her dam, Give Her Bach, won over fences and was third on her chasing debut, which adds some confidence in her chances of handling this new challenge.
Although she’s currently a second reserve and might not make the lineup, she makes an appealing each-way option with five places on offer.
Jersey Rocs could be worth a chance at Southwell, racing off a low mark of 60.
A gelded son of Twilight Son, he hasn’t replicated his promising debut second to Seven Questions in five starts since.
He’s had some difficulties, including finishing lame at Ripon in his second race.
In his first start as a gelding, he showed promise in the closing stages when launching a challenge, though he was impeded and quickly faded.
He was too keen early on in his recent course-and-distance start, unable to make an impact from the back of the field.
Despite his challenges, his early form suggests there may still be more to come. Wearing blinkers for the first time might help him focus and improve.
Trainer Charlie Hills has a 22 percent strike rate at this track, and with the in-form Cieren Fallon aboard, Jersey Rocs could be worth considering at 25/1.
