Southwell

This is competitive and some interesting runners return from lengthy absences. Dixieland Blues (second choice) has been off for 11 months since winning a race that's worked out well and it's encouraging that his yard is in such good form, while Valvano ran pretty well in the Lincoln when last seen and Midnight Thunder, who has the longest absence to overcome, has form that reads too well to be dismissive about his chance. However, there should be a big run in SOVEREIGN OCEAN (nap), a lightly raced colt who really should have won last time at Chester and that effort suggests he's still progressing.[Alistair Jones]