4:25 Southwell Tips

Adjuvant must have been frustrating for connections, as he has never quite reached the level expected of him judging by his previous history. He hasn't won for almost three years but is on a low mark in a low class with a top A/W jockey and a in-form trainer, so he has a chance.

This James Owen-trained 6-y-o gelding is the winner of eight races from one mile four furlongs to two miles on the all-weather, the latest over one mile six furlongs at Chelmsford City when staying on strongly from the last to beat the well-backed H. Charlton-trained Tryfan by one length. So, with the five-pound claimer Mason Paetel on board, he can follow up.

Rounded off last season with a win. Has been gelded since and steps up in trip here. Should go well.

Imperial Sovereign returns from a break, which is the main concern, but his recent form suggests he has the ability to be competitive at this level. Last time out, he finished 3rd in a Class 3 handicap over 1M6F, beaten just 1 length after being held up in rear and staying on well ??' a performance that hinted he remains in good form. Prior to that, he was narrowly beaten in a Class 4 handicap over course and distance, going down by a neck and finishing 1½ lengths clear of the third, who is now rated 91, giving that effort solid substance. Looking further back, he also has useful form as a 3YO, including a 4th behind the 102-rated The Reverend, as well as some promising efforts earlier in his career as a 2YO. Now returning off a mark of 83, he appears fairly treated based on those performances. If ready to go after the break, and with his proven ability to stay strongly at this trip, he looks to hold solid claims in this field.