'We expect him to put up a bold show' - who fancies their chances as unexposed sorts clash in competitive Southwell handicap?

The logical place to start in this competitive affair is with the unbeaten Moon Over Miami, who will be a popular selection as he seeks a hat-trick. 

Despite having just two runs, he has plenty of form to recommend him having beaten the very smart Harper's Ferry on his debut at Doncaster in March. That horse is now rated 100, and the horses in behind have marks of 87, 81, 100, 81 and 86.

He beat lesser opposition next time at Yarmouth but still gave four of his rivals 7lb with a strong-staying performance, so an opening mark of 91 looks fair, while there is reason to think he will handle this surface given his half-brother Forest Of Wisdom won on Chantilly's Polytrack. 

Glen Buck has raced exclusively on the all-weather, winning his first two starts and finishing third in a decent race at Wolverhampton last time. He put in a powerful finish there and the extra furlong and a half here should bring out improvement. 

Another eyecatcher last time was Old Harrovian, who came from last to finish third at Kempton on his first run for 115 days. A dual all-weather winner who was tried at Group 3 level on turf, he can be competitive off just 1lb higher now.

Gaassee: Yorvik handicap winner at York in 2022 when trained by William HaggasCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The former William Haggas-trained Gaassee is interesting on his first start for in-form trainer Jack Morland (5-7, 71 per cent strike-rate in last fortnight). He needs to recapture his form, but is 4lb lower than when last successful.

Hat-trick seeker In The Breeze and last-time-out winner Asgard's Captain deserve respect but will have more on their respective plates this time.
Analysis by Maddy Playle

What they say

Alex Elliott, spokesman for Valmont, owners of Moon Over Miami
Obviously it’s not been plain sailing for him as he’s had a couple of hold ups but Ralph was keen to keep going with him as he was progressing well. We are concerned the trip is short of his best so we go there hopeful rather than confident.

Jack Morland, trainer of Gaassee
He’s having his first run for us. He's been off a while and should come on the outing in what looks a competitive race.

Kate Grimwade, assistant to Roger Varian, trainer of Glen Buck
He’s done well since his comeback run and has pleased us in his work on the all-weather. We expect him to put up a bold show now he’s up in trip.
Reporting by David Milnes

 Read these next:

'There is surely more to come from him' - Tom Segal with his best bet for the all-weather action at Southwell 

Can fledgling trainer continue his winning streak? Punting pointers for the action at Wolverhampton and Southwell 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.