Sun Can Shine at Southwell

Best bet on Sunday's low-key card at Southwell on Sunday comes in the very first race, where Tom Symonds saddles recent C&D second Trojan Sun. The rangy son of Kayf Tara had already shown his ability to act round the track when winning over hurdles on his sole previous visit, and a defeat at the hands of the progressive Toby Lerone was no disgrace. The winner followed up next time, and was strongly fancied in the Grand Sefton Chase at Aintree last time, only to capsize. With Symonds sending out a trio of winners from his last six runners, it's clear that the yard is in good order, and a repeat of his latest effort may suffice for Trojan Sun, notwithstanding the competitive look of this contest.

There are several others in the field with claims, and Roc d'Apsis in particular will be popular, particularly as he was contesting Grade 2 contests over hurdles not so long ago. He's gone with ample promise in 2 starst over fences, but is still a maiden, and the Slad handler's record of 3 winners from 59 runners since the start of last month highlights why his is a very frustrating yard to follow.

It may prove to be a red-letter day for the Symonds yard, with Midnight Belle, Kaki de La Pree and Avoca Promise all holding solid claims for the yard, and punters could do worse than include them in one of those fancy multiple bets designed to pay for Christmas.

For my second bet, though, I'm looking to bookend the card by selecting Airmen's Friend to beat some ropey opposition in the three-mile handicap hurdle at 15:35. Charlie Mann's charge has had his problems since making the frame three times over hurdles in 2011, but he's lightly raced for one his age, and looked to have plenty more to offer when belatedly off the mark in a handicap chase at Market Rasen last June. He backed that up with a pair of solid placed efforts before again meeting with a setback, but returned over hurdles at Taunton recently looking as good as ever, if understandably rusty. With that race sure to have put an edge on his, he can bolster his trainer's impressive track record.

Opposition is thin on the ground, with the pair feared most being dour stayers Iconic Rose and Realta Mo Chroi. The latter was a bet for me 2 starts back, and remains capable of better, but the way she hung under pressure at Ludlow last time was off-putting, and she has a little to prove in terms of temperament, for all headgear may simply be what she needs. She'll put it together at some point, but I'd rather it wasn't today!

Recommendations:

Both at Southwell

Back Trojan Sun @ [5.0] in the 12:25 (NAP)

Back Airmen's Friend @ [4.9] in the 15:35 (NB)