Tony McFadden provides an overview of the key things to note on Wednesday.
Long-absent Brechin Castle an interesting recruit for Mullins
Brechin Castle catches the eye starting off over hurdles in the two-mile maiden (14:20) at Naas on Wednesday given he's joined Willie Mullins since last seen competing 803 days ago.
Winning pointer Brechin Castle made a big impression when breezing 16 lengths clear in a Sedgefield bumper on his debut under Rules for Ben Brookhouse in the autumn of 2023. He backed that up by scoring in listed company at Cheltenham on his next start and then ran at least as well in defeat when runner-up under a penalty in a similar contest at Ascot.
That earned Brechin Castle a smart bumper rating of 112 and placed him among the top handful of British horses in the division that season.
He's been off for a very long time, so there are questions around how much ability he retains, but the level of form he showed in bumpers means he's still an interesting hurdling debutant for Mullins. That switch in yard has generated Timeform's Trainer Uplift Flag, while Paul Townend taking over in the saddle has prompted the Jockey Uplift Flag.
Crimson Rambler has clear claims on ratings
Crimson Rambler remains a maiden but has gone close on all three starts since fitted with blinkers and entering handicap company, and he looks to have been found a good opportunity to get off the mark at Southwell on Wednesday (15:32).
Crimson Rambler made no impact in maiden/ novice company last year but proved much more competitive on his handicap debut at Wolverhampton in February, missing out by only a neck after seeing out the trip well in a strongly-run race on his first attempt at seven furlongs.
He has also found one too strong on his last couple of outings, though in Timeform's view he showed improved form on his latest outing at Kempton and looks well treated off the same mark here. He heads Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings by 4 lb.
Timeform's reporter noted last time that Crimson Rambler 'shapes as though 1m will suit and that could the catalyst for breaking his run of seconds'. Crimson Rambler duly steps up to a mile at Southwell and looks to have plenty in his favour.
Step back up in trip to suit Kate O'Riley
Kate O'Riley is one of only two runners on Wednesday who has the Horse In Focus Flag which is awarded by Timeform's reporters to those likely to be of firm interest next time.
Kate O'Riley had been hurdling over the winter and shaped with encouragement on her return to the Flat at Lingfield last month. She finished only sixth in that mile-and-a-quarter handicap but was beaten little more than a length and a quarter in a messy affair that placed more of an emphasis on speed than ideal.
She was also hindered by a wide draw in stall 11 and forced wide on the home turn, but she put in some good late work in the straight, leaving the impression she's capable of better form granted a stiffer test of stamina.
Timeform's reporter noted she 'will prove suited by a return to 1½m and is one to bear in mind'. She may not have optimum conditions in the 11-furlong handicap (17:07) at Southwell but the longer trip than last time will help, as will the stiffer track, so she can build on the promise of her latest effort.
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