Alan Thomson's Tips: Star is rising at Southwell

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POOR old Sizing John was reported to be “clinically abnormal” after yesterday's flop in Ireland and I felt a little like that myself after taking a quick shifty at the bank balance.

It is probably prudent to return to safer domestic waters and although it's the usual bread and butter stuff at Southwell there a few cracking bets on the card.

STAR ASCENDING (3.30) was an expensive runner-up a week ago but full marks to winner Ochos Rios after he got left 10 lengths at the start.

Star Ascending was his usual sluggish self leaving the stalls but worked his way into a lovely position down the back straight. Rossa Ryan, who is excellent value for 7lb, got himself into a bit of a pickle entering the home bend, however, and Star Ascending found himself shuffled back at a crucial stage.

The five-year-old was gaining at the line and his earlier defeat of subsequent winner Lean On Pete suggests he remains in good form.

Star Ascending has something to find with Go On Gal on a line through Lean On Pete but Go On Gal has been off the track for quite a while.

Dream Magic's eight lengths victory romp at Wolverhampton seven days ago was a bolt from the blue as he had finished tailed off last on his previous start at Southwell, albeit over a much shorter trip.

Connections are obviously keen to run Dream Magic under a penalty before he is re-assessed by the handicapper.

DECLAMATION (3.00) tried to burn off his rivals here over six furlongs but was taken on by winning favourite First Excel.

He stayed on gamely in second once headed over a furlong out and this looks slightly weaker. That was his first run for John Butler still leaving Alistair Whillans and Robert Winston is a good booking.

Satchville Flyer runs the track well and moved into contention quite smoothly before Candesta powered five lengths clear here eight days ago. To these old eyes Satchville Flyer didn't relish the battle and although the drop to 7f will help, he is probably more of an each-way player.

The stayers' handicap is something of a head-scratcher, with Serenity Now, Deep Resolve and Vercingorix all beaten by The Lock Master here over 1m 4f in May.

A few of the beaten horses are in much better form now and we are likely to get a totally different result over today's two miles.

Song Of Love ‘s close fourth to Sonnetist last week is possibly the strongest piece of form on offer but that came over 1m 3f, so there are clearly stamina questions to be answered.

At decent odds RULER OF THE NILE (1.50) will be carrying a tasty each-way bet if all eight stand their ground.

A past course and distance winner, Ruler Of The Nile shaped quite well at Chelmsford City a fortnight ago when fourth to Caged Lightning, leading two out before looking one-paced in the closing stages.

The Essex track is much slicker than Southwell's Fibresand surface and Ruler Of The Nile romped home by an easy seven lengths over course and distance in February 2016.