SECRET DES DIEUX – Newbury 12:45 @ 12/1*
Aside from the complete outsider in the field here Mighty Bandit, you could make a case for any of the runners in what looks to be a very competitive race. What appeals to me about this 5-year-old is how comfortably he won on chase debut at Fakenham last month, winning by over four lengths when odds on favourite. This is a step up in class here, but from what he showed in that first race over fences there is plenty to warrant this step up. 8lbs lighter than that winning mark and Sean Bowen on board is a massive plus. Make no mistake this looks a tough first class 3 chase encounter, but at current odds and three places available in this 7-runner field, at the very least he has each-way claims.
APOLLO ONE – Southwell 15:15 @ 15/2*
Having racked up nearly £500,000 in prize money across his busy career so far, he is no stranger to the winners enclosure, including in Group 3 company, which he will face here. Striking at 25% on the all-weather is a very respectable return, and he was a little unlucky last month when missing out by a short head again in Group 3 company. Only up 1lb from that run, and arguably the field looks less of a challenge this time around. Colin Keane is a classy jockey on his day, which is another positive.
ALLIGATOR ALLEY – Southwell 18:45 @ 11/2*
Striking at an impressive 19% on the all-weather, a winner just last month at Newcastle, where he also finished as a runner-up last time out. He has not been penalised by the handicapper for that last effort and goes off the same weight here, wit jockey William Pyke taking 3lbs off his back. He is a course and distance winner, although that can be said for most of the field here. Favourite Sturlasson is the clear danger here, but if he can’t continue his good form then there is enough to suggest Alligator Alley could be the one to pick up the pieces.
*Odds correct as of 21:30pm 27/11/25