The feature handicap at Southwell looks highly competitive, but I’m confident there’s a standout performer whose credentials are being slightly overlooked by the market. The pace map suggests a strong early gallop, which should suit those who can race prominently or pounce from just off the pace.


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🏇 Strongest Contender – Royal Zabeel (5/2)

Royal Zabeel looks to have an outstanding chance of completing a hat-trick. His last two wins at Southwell and Wolverhampton were achieved with authority, and he’s shown a powerful finishing kick in both races. The key to his success has been his ability to race prominently while still having a change of gear late on – a crucial asset on the Southwell Tapeta, where front-runners often go too hard and fold.

What sets him apart is his consistency under pressure. He posted excellent sectionals when winning comfortably last time, and the Michael Appleby yard has a superb record at this venue. While his price is short, he fully deserves to head the market and should be tough to beat.


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💎 Market Overlooked – Our Havana (5/1)

The market may be underestimating Our Havana, who produced a career-best last time when winning decisively over this course and distance. Crucially, his closing sectionals suggest there was more in the tank than the 2¼-length margin implies. Trainer Richard Fahey’s runners often progress quickly once they hit form, and with his TimeWise rating on par with Royal Zabeel, he looks a real threat.

He is likely to settle just behind the pace, and with a strong tempo expected, he should be perfectly placed to launch a late challenge. At around 5/1, he offers real value and looks the most likely to capitalise if the favourite underperforms.


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🎯 Worth a Second Look – Apiarist (17/2)

Apiarist is worth mentioning for those seeking a runner at a slightly bigger price. He was too free last time when finishing mid-division, but his two wins in December and January demonstrated a useful turn of foot. With a more patient ride from Robert Havlin and a truly run race likely, he could bounce back. His recent form and upward trajectory suggest he is better than his current odds imply.


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📝 Verdict;

🏇 Strongest Contender: Royal Zabeel (5/2) – Proven at the course, thriving on the surface, and tactically versatile.

💎 Market Value Pick: Our Havana (5/1) – Strong last-time-out winner with a profile suggesting further improvement.

🎯 Worth a Look: Apiarist (17/2) – Capable of surprising if ridden with restraint.


A well-run race will suit both Royal Zabeel and Our Havana, but the latter’s value at 5/1 makes him particularly appealing from a betting perspective.

Good luck! 🤞