May 16 / 15.50 Chepstow

15.50

Good To Soft

Happy Birthday Steve Wilkins Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £3245.08
  • 0m 7f 16y
  • Class 6
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Happy Birthday Steve Wilkins Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.00
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 765-62 BF

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Better since upped to this trip, finishing behind Dodgy Bob on the AW before a Brighton near-miss a fortnight ago; lightly raced compared to the rest of these and open to a bit more improvement if first-time headgear helps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(2)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 16y

Class 6

17:10 Chepstow

Romanovich

9st 0lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: John O’Shea

Won off reduced mark at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in March and has remained in good form since; only faded out of contention in closing stages when fifth over C&D (good to soft; behind Too Much Trevor and Connie's Rose) last week and ought to be better suited by today's faster ground; one to consider.

9/2

5th

11

(4)

21st May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 16y

Class 5

19:10 Chepstow

Romanovich

8st 10lb

J: David Probert

T: John O’Shea

Four-time C&D winner, including twice in the month of May; got his head back in front at Wolverhampton (7f) in March; respectable return to turf when third of 11 at Bath (1m good) 17 days ago; can be expected to go well back at Chepstow.

11/2

3rd

3

(3)

4th May 2026

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

13:45 Bath

Romanovich

10st 13lb

J: Miss Iesha Wilding

T: John O’Shea

Back to winning ways in a 7f handicap at Wolverhampton in March; not so good back at Wolverhampton last month but 1m on fast ground is no problem and he is still on a fair mark.

5/1

3/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 1-0283

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Has lacked consistency of late, albeit that the cheekpieces have helped; does most racing now over 6f but is fine over this extra furlong and will rightly be popular.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(7)

21st May 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

21:00 Southwell (AW)

Bomb Squad

9st 8lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: John Mackie

Dual C&D winner, but has raced exclusively over 7f since December and was successful over that distance here four weeks ago; has to prove he still has the speed for this trip, but his course record makes him hard to dismiss.

4/1

1st

6

(4)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Bomb Squad

9st 5lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: John Mackie

Eight wins on the AW include three at this track (6f/7f), the last win coming off 2lb lower at Wolverhampton last month; ran well when runner-up here 16 days ago and there's no reason why he can't go well again.

4/1

2nd

10

(13)

7th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Bomb Squad

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: John Mackie

Eight wins on the AW including three over 6f/7f here; still 2lb above his highest winning mark and will need things to pan out right from the outside stall, but one for the shortlist nonetheless.

6/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 5370-3 BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Went close first time out last season and made a fair comeback six weeks ago, albeit turned over as favourite (raced freely); 1lb lower today and capable at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(1)

22nd Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

13:40 Leicester

Lockdown Lass

8st 13lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Gary Hanmer

Showed some ability remained when fifth at Chester in June (7.6f, good) but well held Flat and hurdles since; tailed off in the faces of a stiff task at Chester on Saturday.

16/1

9

(6)

20th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

15:05 Chester

Lockdown Lass

9st 2lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Gary Hanmer

Modest mare who was tailed off on her hurdling debut last month and this is an impossible task back on the Flat.

200/1

12

6th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

16:45 Stratford

Lockdown Lass

10st 11lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Gary Hanmer

Four-time winner on the Flat but not since September 2023 and she has a lowly mark nowadays; best watched on hurdling debut.

100/1

33/1

Form: 890/0-

Last run: 371 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Did her racing for John Spearing over a bit further once handicapping and hasn't been seen in a year following one poor run last season; best effort came on fast ground and she's entitled to need this run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(6)

19th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:40 Bath

Kinz

9st 5lb

J: Tom Queally

T: John Gallagher

Failed to build on her reappearance Chepstow fourth when beating only one at Leicester (1m) 20 days ago; hood is reached for with a bit to prove.

9/1

6th

7

(3)

29th Jun 2023

Good

1m 0f 53y

Class 5

19:15 Leicester

Kinz

8st 5lb

J: Mollie Phillips

T: John Gallagher

0-8 for previous stable; made a promising start for this one when only a length away at Chepstow (7f, good to soft) and returning to 1m can suit.

12/1

12/1

Form: 918605

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 46

Form & Verdict
Has done his winning, and most racing, in sprints but is fine over this trip (has gone close over C&D before); made all for Olivia Tubb on Polytrack early in the year and offered some promise for her when back from a break last time (missed the kick) behind Romanovich.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(6)

18th Jan 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Moveonup

9st 0lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Gay Kelleway

Pops up with a good run every now and then but finished well down the field after fluffing the start in Chelmsford classified race a week ago and his overall profile is not appealing.

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: 496932 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Veteran who's on the downgrade but handicapped accordingly; arguably an unlucky loser last time off 2lb lower and he is a course winner who's fine on any ground, so goes on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(10)

9th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Madrinho

8st 13lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Tony Carroll

Almost two years since he won and is knocking on now but he remains pretty consistent for his age; has won a couple of times round here and, while he'll need luck if dropped in as usual from a wide stall, he remains capable back in headgear.

7/1

7th

6

(10)

4th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

0m 7f 216y

Class 6

16:45 Brighton

Madrinho

9st 6lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Tony Carroll

Getting long in the tooth now and hasn't won for a while but chased home Reel Power in C&D classified race in July and was close second to He's Our Star in that grade over 7f here last month; probably won't be far away.

15/2

2nd

4

(7)

10th Aug 2023

Good

0m 6f 210y

Class 6

16:30 Brighton

Madrinho

9st 8lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Tony Carroll

took keen hold, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, ridden and went second final 110yds, kept on well towards finish

7/1

Form: -01961 D

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Two wins at big prices round Wolverhampton this year, both under aggressive rides, latterly off a 4lb lower mark; fine on this sort of ground and has run well here a few times without winning, so is one to consider back from seven weeks off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(1)

11th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Dodgy Bob

9st 9lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Michael Mullineaux

Veteran who is without a win since September 2023 and looks out of form; faces tough terms as well.

25/1

10

(7)

15th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

16:05 Southwell (AW)

Dodgy Bob

10st 4lb

J: Mr Sebastian Perry

T: Michael Mullineaux

12yo who is without a win since September 2023 and recent evidence doesn't indicate he's about to end that losing sequence.

66/1

11th

5

(5)

10th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Dodgy Bob

9st 9lb

J: Poppy Scott

T: Michael Mullineaux

upset in stalls, midfield

33/1

20/1

Form: 268-77 D

Last run: 92 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Boasts a very poor strike-rate and his yard has been quiet of late; has gone well fresh, which is a bonus back from three months off, but others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

(13)

11th Aug 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:10 Thirsk

Red Bravo

9st 6lb

J: Adam Tracey

T: Adrian Wintle

Looks on the downgrade and dropping to 6f didn't help at Ffos Las 11 days ago; others safer.

25/1

5th

12

(3)

31st Jul 2023

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

18:02 Ffos Las

Red Bravo

9st 0lb

J: Mia Nicholls

T: Adrian Wintle

Poor strike-rate of 2-51 and recent efforts are not overly encouraging, last time finishing behind Diamondsinthesand.

20/1

7th

6

(7)

20th Jul 2023

Good To Soft

0m 7f 16y

Class 6

16:05 Chepstow

Red Bravo

9st 1lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Adrian Wintle

One of three runners for this stable; hinted at a return to form in C&D classified event last time, finishing fifth to Fact Or Fable; poor strike-rate and long losing spell are the negatives.

16/1

9th
10 (4)
Nemorum

16/1

Form: 48777-

Last run: 203 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Best effort came first time out last year but he's a regressive maiden who's yet to achieve anything significant on turf.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(6)

21st Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 6

15:08 Lingfield (AW)

Nemorum

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: T J Kent

Inconsistent sort with a record of 1-27 but his win was on Polytrack (7f) last autumn and he finished a fair fourth at Chelmsford (5f, AW) last Thursday; was well backed into 6-1 for that race and he could be dangerous back up in trip.

11/2

5th

9

(6)

21st Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 6

15:08 Lingfield (AW)

Nemorum

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: T J Kent

Inconsistent sort with a record of 1-27 but his win was on Polytrack (7f) last autumn and he finished a fair fourth at Chelmsford (5f, AW) last Thursday; was well backed into 6-1 for that race and he could be dangerous back up in trip.

11/2

4th

7

(4)

14th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

20:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Nemorum

9st 3lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: T J Kent

took keen hold, prominent, kept on

16/1

10th
9 (9)
Epeius

25/1

Form: 6534-0

Last run: 123 days

W: 9st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
His wins have come over 6f, mainly on Tapeta, and he rarely goes this far now; can go well fresh but he's getting on and been on the downgrade for a while.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

(5)

16th Sep 2023

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

16:35 Bath

Epeius

9st 3lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Veteran who has shown only occasional glimpses of retaining ability this year; others look safer.

16/1

5th

4

(7)

31st Aug 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 10y

Class 6

16:00 Bath

Epeius

9st 9lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Shaped better when having a troubled run at Chepstow last week but he has something to find on these terms and was never in contention in a similar C&D race in July.

33/1

8th

13

(13)

24th Aug 2023

Good

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

13:40 Chepstow

Epeius

9st 0lb

J: Georgia Dobie

T: Joe Tickle

Over three years since the last of his six wins and he has to bounce back from a low-key run at Bath on Saturday; others look much safer.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £19.40
Straight Forecast £21.94
Tricast £35.76
Trifecta £47.60

Selections

The Times:

Lockdown Lass

SPOTLIGHT:

Romanovich

Daily Mail:

Bomb Squad

RP RATINGS:

Madrinho

The Guardian:

Moveonup

Daily Mirror:

Dodgy Bob

WEST COUNTRY:

Romanovich

Telegraph:

Romanovich

The Sun:

Lockdown Lass

The Star:

Lockdown Lass

Daily Record:

Lockdown Lass

D Express:

Bomb Squad

POSTDATA:

Madrinho