Leofric set for winning return at Southwell

Leofric can prove good value to win a very competitive race for today's Tote Handicap at Southwell. This £10,000-added sprint has attracted a strong field and course and distance winner Theatre Magic and the improving Baptismal Rock are two who instantly catch the eye.

Baptismal Rock in particular will be a popular order, having won easily at Wolverhampton and Lingfield. But he is worth opposing at this unfamiliar track.

One horse with no such worries is Leofric, who is trained adjacent to Southwell racecourse by Mark Polglase.

Polglase's fortunes have taken a big turn for the better since he moved from Newmarket to Nottinghamshire, and Leofric made his contribution with a very easy win at this track last week.

Starting at 20 to 1 for a seven-furlong claimer, Leofric blitzed his rivals, making all to beat Scotland Bay by seven lengths.

Leofric takes a step up in grade now and drops down by a furlong in distance but he is well-handicapped and showed plenty of pace on his latest start.

Receiving weight from all of his 15 opponents, Leofric can again lead from start to finish.

Cyro is another horse going the right way and he can win the Scarlet Flame Claiming Stakes. Trained by David Nicholls, who always makes an impact with his runners here, Cyro confirmed earlier promise when winning a seven-furlong claimer here, comfortably beating Stutton Gal by two and a half lengths.

Southwell's maidens always seem to be so moderate and Lucky Touch will get few better opportunities than the Jade Jewel Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

Willie Muir's six-year-old is no great shakes but his one and a half lengths third to Spirit of The Nile at Lingfield was a reasonable effort. This contest is weaker.

Course stalwart Elton Ledger can resume winning ways in the Silver Ice Selling Stakes.

At Wetherby, Foundry Lane is worth another chance in the Skiplam Novices' Chase. Mary Reveley's eight-year-old, a very useful hurdler, has had mixed fortunes over fences but showed enough when one and three-quarter lengths second to Niki Dee, pair 17 lengths clear, at this track, to suggest he can make it over the larger obstacles.

Birkdale, a typically consistent servant from Lenny Lungo's successful Scottish yard, can defy top weight in the Riccal Dale Handicap Hurdle.