1m13y | Class 5 Handicap | Standard Tapeta | 3yo only | 13 runners

A lively and competitive 3yo handicap where a few upwardly mobile types lock horns with some darker, still-improving runners. Southwell’s fair but unforgiving Tapeta surface will test both positioning and finish—so expect a strong gallop and a real emphasis on stamina at the business end.

🔥 Strongest Contender

Tuco Salamanca

Rated 87 (ProHandicap Max Adjusted)
Trainer: Ollie Sangster | Jockey: P.J. McDonald
Timeform Insight: “Promising individual. Career best when winning 9-runner handicap at Newcastle (7.1f) 4 days ago, pushed out.”
This progressive Belardo gelding has thrived since wind surgery, completing a stylish hat-trick at Newcastle just 4 days ago. He’s thriving in his work and still looked full of running last time. Carries a penalty, but given how strong that effort was—eased down late—he may still be a step ahead of the assessor. Trainer and jockey are in sync, and the return to 1m suits.

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⚠️ Main Dangers

Best Adventure

Rated 78 (Adj)
Trainer: Andrew Balding | Jockey: Jason Watson
Timeform Note: “Creditably third of 7 in nursery at Doncaster (8f), needing stronger gallop. Off 6 months (gelded).”
Lightly raced and bred in the purple (by Frankel), he’s the type to improve markedly as a 3yo, especially after being gelded. This stable rarely wastes runs early in the season, and although fitness needs to be taken on trust, he brings real upside and has the pedigree for AW.

Minelone

Rated 72 (Adj)
Trainer: Charlie Clover | Jockey: Kieran O’Neill
Timeform Note: “Very good third of 8 in handicap at this C&D (6/1) 29 days ago, rapid headway but unable to sustain effort.”
Ran a stormer from off the pace over this C&D last time, slicing through the pack with a killer turn-of-foot before peaking late. From just 1lb higher and with that pipe-opener under his belt, he could go even closer in a race likely to be run to suit.

Everyoneknowsadave

Rated 76 (Adj)
Trainer: Jessica Macey | Jockey: Lewis Edmunds
Timeform Note: “Career best when winning 10-runner handicap at this C&D, well on top finish.”
Won well over C&D two starts ago with cheekpieces on for the first time (retained today). He switches yards but remains unexposed over this trip and looked well suited to a strong-run mile.

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🧊 Others to Note

• Bulletin – Not without potential on AW debut; likely better than the bare form but still a maiden.
• West Tyrone – Won here LTO in lower grade; needs more with pressure on for lead.

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✍️ Final Verdict

Tuco Salamanca looks like a colt on the march and may well overcome his penalty with another assertive display, especially with the race set up to play to his strengths. That said, Best Adventure brings elite connections and a potentially untapped well of improvement, while Minelone is a strong-finishing type who can exploit any pace burn-up—and looks to offer real value against the fav.