5:25 Southwell Tips

I know, another Bowen-ridden horse I hear you say! However, this has been backed overnight and is literally falling to its lowest level in the weights since and is now the favorite today at the moment. Owned by the Bowen family and saddled by Sean himself puts confidence in this horse (they know what they are doing). Leading Force's previous successes included a win over a 21f chase at Sedgefield last year. His recent form is below par since that win, but he is now trained by James Owen, which could spark a revival in him. So what we have is recent form that is lacking, the handicap mark has dropped significantly, and the yard switch is an unknown potential, but he is well handicapped and very dangerous to dismiss.

This horse has stepped up in distance for its handicap debut, coming out of a yard in top form, and can plan a good handicap mark.

Indian Sunbird is an 8-year-old gelding trained by Sara Ender and is 1/21 wins, so hardly prolific. Won at Worcester last July under today's jockey, Harry Bannister, off a 1lb lower mark on today's good ground. Then finished 213, beaten 1/2l behind Iron Heart on the next start off a mark of 90. So today's mark of 85 should be doable. The only win came after two runs after a third start following a 217-day break, and today runs on the third start after a 205-day break, so should be race fit and is of significant interest at 12-1 with conditions to suit. Not won over today's trip but has run very well over 23f.

I do think that stable debutant Leading Force is a crazy price and he's worth taking on. LIZZIE REY travelled a lot kinder in first-time cheekpieces when scoring on her penultimate outing, where I thought she had something in hand. The subsequent quick turnaround can be forgiven and Richard Phillips' mare is effectively only 1lb higher than her triumph with Finn Lambert able to claim his 5lb.

2nd at Exeter back in March, and hasn't won since November back at Fakenham. Reverts back to hurdling and comes here on the back of a wind op to support performance further. The favourite 'Leading Force' races for the first time for a new yard but has something to find after losing by twenty-eight lengths or more in the last three races.

Fox’s Socks made an encouraging comeback run and was strong on return from a 9-month layoff when 2nd at Huntingdon over 25f, which should make him a reliable each-way option here. Very lightly raced for his age and just 1 lb higher here keeps him competitive and in the game. That run does say to me that he retains the ability to win and may come forward again fitness-wise. Still only 1 win from 15 hurdles starts, but he is a reliable, consistent type who should be thereabouts again. A very workable mark and solid form make him a strong each-way shout.

Moro Rock only had four runs last year but was placed in two of those. Although UR on the return last month on Chase debut, he now gets back hurdling and is second up after wind surgery, which is when I would expect improvement. He could be involved again EW.

Wins at big prices 80/1, 50/1, and was 2nd in this race last year at 40/1 after a long break. Comes back here again after a long break and must be in with a squeak e/w at 40/1.