October 20 / 16.35 Wolverhampton (AW)

16.35

Standard

Spreadex Sports Get £40 In Bonuses Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £4536
  • 0m 7f 36y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Spreadex Sports Get £40 In Bonuses Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Showers

11/4 (Won)

  • Win: £3.00
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 8-5261 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
It all clicked for this unexposed sort with a 3l win at Kempton (7f) 22 days ago, quickening clear off the front end; had plenty in hand and a 6lb rise may not stop him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(8)

10th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 5

17:35 Lingfield (AW)

Ring Of Light

9st 6lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Henry Candy

Completed an AW hat-trick in the autumn of 2022, but despite having dropped below the marks he defied for his last two wins he has fallen just short of late; down another 1lb but others look more compelling.

7/1

4th

5

(1)

30th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

17:23 Southwell (AW)

Ring Of Light

9st 7lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Henry Candy

Won final three AW starts in 2022, at 7f and 1m; missed 2023 and slow to find form again but he gave way only late on at Kempton recently (first run following wind surgery) and too well treated to ignore.

3/1

4th

12

(8)

14th Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Ring Of Light

9st 0lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Henry Candy

Ended 2022 on a sharp upward curve but he missed 2023 and it's taken him a while to find his feet this year; latest third to Dutch Kingdom at Lingfield was better though and a subsequent wind operation could prompt another step forward.

10/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 15-685

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Raced only at 6f; unplaced in four outings since Redcar 2yo debut success, but he did shape as if this step up to 7f could suit when fifth at Southwell 11 days ago and he has fewer convictions than the majority of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

30th May 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:45 Carlisle

Milbanke

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Paul Midgley

Three-time winner but has beaten one rival in three starts this year and blinkers clearly need to do something.

20/1

1

(7)

30th May 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:45 Carlisle

Milbanke

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Paul Midgley

Three-time winner but has beaten one rival in three starts this year and blinkers clearly need to do something.

20/1

9th

1

(10)

27th Apr 2025

Good

0m 5f 110y

Class 5

16:30 Wetherby

Milbanke

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Yet to beat a rival in two runs for new stable this year; dropped 6lb but need to see more before getting involved.

33/1

12/1

  • Place: £4.30

Form: 111765 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
All four wins on turf but he showed plenty of promise on AW at the start of his career, including over C&D; latest 7f Leicester fifth was a bit of a step back in the right direction and he's back to only 1lb above his last successful mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(11)

11th May 2024

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

14:45 Haydock

Liangel Hope

9st 4lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Christopher Mason

Runner-up at Brighton 11 days ago (7f, good) in a race he won the previous season; that was a Class 5 and he has never won at this loftier level, but there are no wellbeing issues.

10/1

6th

6

(11)

11th May 2024

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

14:45 Haydock

Liangel Hope

9st 4lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Christopher Mason

Runner-up at Brighton 11 days ago (7f, good) in a race he won the previous season; that was a Class 5 and he has never won at this loftier level, but there are no wellbeing issues.

10/1

2nd

3

(5)

30th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 210y

Class 5

14:25 Brighton

Liangel Hope

9st 13lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Christopher Mason

Won this race off today's mark on last season's reappearance outing but has disappointed on all three subsequent appearances, the latest a fortnight ago; returns here with a point to prove.

14/1

7/1

Form: 261507 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Four-time 7f AW winner in 2022, including twice here; not at best on turf the last twice but should be more at home back on an artificial surface and he's back to his last successful mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(4)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Thapa Vc

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Mark Rimell

Multiple wins include four over C&D; his losing AW run goes back two years but he's on a handy mark now and showed he can make it pay when close up at Bath (1m) recently after getting checked in his run; blinkers return and Oisin Murphy rides for the first time; can be involved.

100/30

3rd

1

(9)

12th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:00 Bath

Thapa Vc

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Mark Rimell

Multiple winner; goes well at this track and was outstayed over 1m2f here 15 days ago; this trip is a better fit for him.

4/1

5th

3

(7)

27th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 37y

Class 6

14:30 Bath

Thapa Vc

9st 6lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Mark Rimell

13-time winner who has frame possibilities returned to Bath with AW reappearance under his belt; record here comprises a 2l fourth in this race last year and two wins over 1m.

3/1

9/2

Form: 242561 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Came good at the 13th time of asking when coming from the rear to see off Dark Swansong over C&D 23 days ago; that race was run to suit those coming from off the pace so he perhaps isn't an obvious one to defy even a 1lb nudge.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(5)

25th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Flatley

9st 7lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Adrian Wintle

Turf winner who has bagged four wins at this venue; returns following a two-month break (has gone well fresh) but he's more a place prospect than a win-only one.

20/1

2

(5)

22nd Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 80y

Class 6

15:20 Ffos Las

Flatley

9st 8lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Adrian Wintle

Returned to form with 8.6f AW win in March and comes here after two good efforts over 1m on turf; drops in grade here and should be fine over this extended 7f; might be the answer.

7/2

8

(6)

18th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 212y

Class 5

14:05 Haydock

Flatley

9st 10lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Adrian Wintle

Four-time AW winner who returned to form when scoring at Wolverhampton (8.6f) in March; record of 1-18 on turf but he went close at Chepstow (1m, good) last month and is a big player if he can back that up off unchanged mark.

5/2

OUR TIP

5/1

Form: 262952 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Won his maiden here and recorded a career-best RPR when chasing home Flatley in a C&D handicap last month; left on the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(3)

20th Oct 2022

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

16:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Dark Swansong

9st 13lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Clive Cox

dwelt start, took keen hold, held up in rear, ridden and some headway over 1f out, soon no impression

5/1

2nd

4

(8)

27th Sep 2022

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Dark Swansong

9st 10lb

J: John Fahy

T: Clive Cox

dwelt start, pushed along early, in rear, going okay but still plenty to do 2f out, shaken up and headway over 1f out, ridden and went second final 110yds, soon edged left, kept on well but just held

10/1

5th

7

(3)

2nd Sep 2022

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Ascot

Dark Swansong

9st 2lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Clive Cox

in rear towards near side, shaken up over 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous

8/1

Form: 221229 C

Last run: 78 days

W: 9st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Not at best at Brighton when last seen in August but this 8yo had been a model of consistency in 2022 prior to that, scoring twice in small fields and also second over C&D in April; claims if refreshed by an 11-week break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(5)

4th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

17:50 Wolverhampton (AW)

Poetic Force

10st 0lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Tony Carroll

Recorded the 18th win of his long career when leading late over C&D in February (for Myla Coppins); ran well behind a thriving rival at Lingfield next time but he failed to fire over C&D a fortnight ago (finished behind Coloane); he has bounced back from quiet runs before so can't be ruled out.

6/1

8th

7

(7)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Poetic Force

9st 5lb

J: Olivia Tubb

T: Tony Carroll

18th success of his long career when getting the better of Antiquity (winner since and runs in the 6.00) over C&D last month; bumped into an in-form opponent at Lingfield two weeks ago (7f; blinkered first time); another 2lb rise is not ideal but he is likely to give his running.

5/1

2nd

2

(4)

5th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 6

13:53 Lingfield (AW)

Poetic Force

9st 9lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Tony Carroll

Well into the veteran stage but he retains plenty of enthusiasm and ran on well to beat a subsequent winner (Age Of Time third) at Wolverhampton (8.6f) three weeks ago, his 18th success; a 2lb rise not excessive but late in the day to be giving blinkers a go (has run well in new headgear before).

10/1

12/1

Form: 314478 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Three wins this year, including two on Polytrack (also placed on Tapeta); recent turf efforts nothing to get excited about so needs a change of headgear (first-time visor replaces regular cheekpieces) to spark her back to life.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(5)

27th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

16:28 Southwell (AW)

Nikkis Girl

9st 5lb

J: Morgan Cole

T: Ed Dunlop

All wins at up to 8.5f; ran respectably in first-time blinkers at Kempton (1m3f) most recently, while shaping as if this drop back in trip will prove ideal; possibilities off same mark in the retained blinds.

6/1

3rd

2

(3)

3rd Feb 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 5

20:15 Kempton (AW)

Nikkis Girl

9st 11lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Ed Dunlop

Turf/triple AW winner who is probably in slightly better form than her two runs at Wolverhampton this year might suggest; blinkered first time on this first attempt over 1m3f (stays 1m2f); has form figures of 122334 when partnered by Hollie Doyle in handicaps; could play a prominent role.

9/2

9th

1

(4)

19th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

15:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Nikkis Girl

9st 12lb

J: Morgan Cole

T: Ed Dunlop

Turf/triple AW winner who is better than she was able to show (denied room at a crucial stage) here last time; should go well back up in trip with capable apprentice back on board.

6/1

Form: 6-3534

Last run: 84 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Fair form in six outings for Kevin Philippart De Foy, achieving his best RPR when third in a C&D maiden in May; returns from a break under the care of a new trainer; headgear worn in recent starts is left off; worth keeping an eye on in the market.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(8)

29th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Give A Little Back

9st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Amy Murphy

Strike-rate is a moderate 1-25, that sole success coming almost a year ago; form patchy since and below best last time; Hollie Doyle again rides but probably one to watch.

12/1

9th

11

15th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

14:02 Southwell (AW)

Give A Little Back

9st 4lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Amy Murphy

Only 1-24 but ran his best race yet for current connections when beaten a length in this new headgear combination at Chelmsford; has won on Tapeta and should be well handicapped.

7/1

3rd

1

(4)

9th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

20:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Give A Little Back

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Amy Murphy

Generally consistent for three yards but has only won once from 23 starts, that coming over further on Tapeta; is down to a career-low mark, though, and needs a second look in first-time cheekpieces.

8/1

Form: 646945 BF

Last run: 3 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Took losing run to 26 when fifth of 11 over C&D on Monday; that was another respectable effort but others are preferred for win purposes again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(2)

26th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Ebury

9st 9lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Scott Dixon

Won twice for Martyn Meade at a much higher level back in 2019, but has failed to score since; always behind at Wolverhampton (9.5f; 40-1, held by Storm Asset) last time; highly unlikely to offer the solution.

25/1

8th

2

(9)

11th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ebury

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Won twice in 2019 but he's not added to his tally since, often well backed too; others look safer.

20/1

Non-runners

Give A Little Back, Ebury

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £18.80
Straight Forecast £22.86
Tricast £337.97
Trifecta £154.50

Selections

POSTDATA:

Dark Swansong

SPOTLIGHT:

Ring Of Light

Daily Mirror:

Flatley

NEWMARKET:

Nikki's Girl

RP Ratings:

Thapa Vc

The Times:

Dark Swansong

The Guardian:

Dark Swansong

Daily Mail:

Dark Swansong

D Express:

Dark Swansong

Daily Record:

Dark Swansong

The Sun:

Flatley

Telegraph:

Ring Of Light

The Star:

Ring Of Light