December 22 / 16.20 Southwell (AW)

16.20

Standard

Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Handicap

  • Prize money: £3140.4
  • 1m 0f 13y
  • Class 6
  • 12 runners
SKY
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Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £3.60

Form: 526113 D

Last run: 72 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Two turf wins on slower than good this summer and creditable third on heavy when last in action on the Flat ten weeks ago; jumped poorly on hurdle debut last month; should be seen to better effect back on the Flat; AW debut but it's unlikely to be an issue on pedigree.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(3)

30th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Yorkstone

10st 11lb

J: Mr Eireann Cagney

T: Michael & David Easterby

Made all to win a 7f classified stakes at Newcastle 11 days ago when wearing cheekpieces for the first time; below best in two previous runs over this trip (has won at 1m).

5/1

1st

12

(5)

19th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Yorkstone

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

No win since 2023 but he did record his best effort since returning from a 296-day break when second in 1m Southwell classified event 15 days ago; claims if in similar form with cheekpieces added.

8/1

2nd

9

(2)

4th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

14:32 Southwell (AW)

Yorkstone

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

C&D winner in December 2023 (all three of his wins came in 2023); struggled on his first two starts since returning from a 296-day break but he ran better at Newcastle (1m, AW) 28 days ago; blinkers removed.

5/1

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £3.60

Form: 378738 BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Exposed maiden; sent off favourite for a 7f handicap here two weeks ago (first run after wind surgery) but dropped away to finish eighth; probably had too much use made of him on that occasion and he's not discounted dropping into Class 6 company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(2)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 173y

Class 6

15:50 Carlisle

Soames Forsyte

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Michael Herrington

Popped up at Southwell (1m) off a 2lb higher mark in January; the odd good run since but he needs to bounce back from a lacklustre AW run last month.

14/1

10th

8

(4)

7th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Soames Forsyte

9st 4lb

J: William Pyle

T: Michael Herrington

Gained his fourth win at his track when coming from off the pace to win by a neck here in January; kept on into fifth behind Avatar Jet over C&D 12 days ago and has each-way claims if this is run to suit.

16/1

5th

6

(6)

25th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Soames Forsyte

9st 5lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Four-time course winner, all in the winter months, latterly off this mark in January; usually misses the break and again hung left when behind Marry The Night over C&D last time; a stronger pace would help for last year's winning yard.

10/1

6/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 272771 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
7f winner here in February (handicap debut) and he gained his second success when coming out on top at Wolverhampton (extended 1m) 17 days ago; only 2lb higher but that form has taken some knocks and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(4)

17th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Landlordtothestars

9st 8lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: James Evans

Boasts a decent record in handicaps round here (two wins and two seconds from six starts) and ran better than his final position suggests over C&D from a wide stall two weeks ago; one to consider.

12/1

9th

3

(9)

3rd Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Landlordtothestars

9st 8lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: James Evans

Didn't get home at Southwell (7f, Tapeta) last month, but his record in handicaps around here reads 21412, his latest win coming over this trip in November after six months off; still just 1lb higher and respected; stable also runs Bungle Bay.

6/1

14/1

Form: 349406

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Exposed 17-race maiden; not beaten far at Wolverhampton 13 days ago (after a break) but connections may have stronger claims with Sycamore.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(7)

25th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

20:30 Southwell (AW)

King Of York

9st 6lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Five-time 7f winner here (well suited by a good test over that trip) who's currently 0-17 over C&D; patchy since a win here off 1lb lower in February and others have more pressing claims.

16/1

18th

1

(22)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:47 Doncaster

King Of York

11st 2lb

J: Mr Simon Walker

T: Scott Dixon

Still on a realistic mark and several good AW runs to his name already this year; 0-13 on turf and 0-31 at 1m+ so he will need to break new ground to come out on top today; Simon Walker booked but others might be seeing it out more strongly.

10/1

5th

11

(1)

21st Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:43 Southwell (AW)

King Of York

9st 3lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Dual course winner (1m/7f) this year, following a layoff; managed only sixth when favourite here (1m) 11 days ago but has a big role to play from the inside stall if quickly back in the groove.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 02-094 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Only 1lb lower than for his C&D win in January 2022; patchy record since but these conditions suit him well and the drop into Class 6 company is in his favour too.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(3)

1st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 75y

Class 5

15:45 Nottingham

Sycamore

10st 0lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Scott Dixon

Best form of the season when narrow winner over C&D last time (good to firm; Terries Royale half a length back in third); not certain to confirm that form.

5/1

1st

6

(5)

27th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 75y

Class 6

15:45 Nottingham

Sycamore

9st 7lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Scott Dixon

Both wins on the AW, most recently over 1m at Newcastle in January, but rarely ventures on to turf now and he never showed over this trip at Yarmouth in April.

20/1

Form: 556218 BF

Last run: 109 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Two good runs in Class 6 company at Chepstow in the summer, getting off the mark at the 14th attempt in August; bled from the nose when disappointing at that track in September; sold for 5,000gns in November and just the type that Mick Appleby will find races for; betting instructive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

3

(4)

22nd Dec 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

16:20 Southwell (AW)

Pavlodar

9st 7lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Two good runs in Class 6 company at Chepstow in the summer, getting off the mark at the 14th attempt in August; bled from the nose when disappointing at that track in September; sold for 5,000gns in November and just the type that Mick Appleby will find races for; betting instructive.

6/1

Form: 570320

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
0-7 but he's had a couple of near misses on Tapeta in recent months, admittedly over 7f; ignore last time as his saddle slipped; stamina for 1m has to be taken on trust.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

6

(3)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:38 Newcastle (AW)

Haworth Star

9st 5lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Max Young

Just one win from his 20 starts but that came over C&D, and Tapeta brings out the best in him; not disgraced on last month's reappearance at Bath and he's down to a handy mark; of interest now back here.

16/1

8th

5

(3)

22nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

17:03 Bath

Haworth Star

9st 6lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Max Young

Looks interesting on his second at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) in November but he took backward steps on final two runs last year; overall record is now 1-19 and he's yet to be placed in seven runs on turf; has work to do on return.

25/1

Form: 0-7212 CD BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Bolted up over C&D 15 days ago, coming from off the pace and drawing clear; beaten at odds-on here last week (7f) when plenty went wrong, leaving the impression he still had more to come; he'll need it off his new mark but returning to 1m should suit and he's one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(6)

22nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 210y

Class 5

20:10 Brighton

Tea Sea

9st 8lb

J: William Carson

T: Tony Carroll

Win (off 2lb lower last August) and two seconds to his name from four runs over C&D; pulled hard and didn't see it out over 1m here last time, and this hold-up performer should fare better as long as it doesn't become tactical.

5/1

8th

2

(6)

9th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 216y

Class 5

19:21 Brighton

Tea Sea

9st 9lb

J: William Carson

T: Tony Carroll

Won here (7f, good to firm) last August and made an encouraging reappearance when fifth of 14 at Kempton (7f, AW) last month; does stay this far but could do with the ground drying out.

10/1

5th

12

(1)

6th May 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Tea Sea

9st 0lb

J: William Carson

T: Tony Carroll

Four-time Tapeta winner who resumes from eight months off on a career-high mark; gone well fresh before but is used to plying his trade in lesser company and may need some help from the handicapper.

12/1

Form: 137123 CD

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Four wins since April, one of them over C&D; placed over this trip at Newcastle twice in October; may not have reached his ceiling just yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(1)

6th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:09 Ripon

Urban Road

9st 9lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Alan Brown

Posted duck eggs at York the last twice but this is a drop back in class and he's on last winning mark; however, still has a much better strike-rate on AW than on turf and his losing run is mounting up.

12/1

11th

9

(9)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Urban Road

10st 8lb

J: Mr David Dunsdon

T: Alan Brown

He's 8-50 on the AW and only 1-13 on turf; he was bang there over this far and off this mark at Redcar in April but he's another in here on a recovery mission after two lesser efforts.

40/1

15th

13

(1)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:18 York

Urban Road

9st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Alan Brown

Eight of his nine wins have been on the AW, including a hat-trick in February last year; pulled too hard when well beaten last time but had run two sound races ar Redcar prior to that (1m2f, good to firm); worth considering from his inside draw.

25/1

Form: -48636 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Third over C&D in September and when unplaced at Wolverhampton last time he faced a hopeless task being held up in a steadily-run race; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(5)

15th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Masterpainter

9st 3lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

9lb lower than when beaten a head over C&D in February and last month's fourth of 14 back here (just behind Mr Heinz) was another good effort; just 1-21, but shortlist material on the pick of his form; blinkers return.

6/1

4th

12

(4)

12th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Masterpainter

9st 1lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

1m turf winner who has twice been placed over C&D; 8lb lower than when going close here in February but has been well below that level since.

16/1

5th

9

(9)

30th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 6

17:20 Thirsk

Masterpainter

10st 10lb

J: Mr Philip Thomas

T: Michael Dods

Sole win came over C&D (good) two years ago, when 12lb higher; well beaten in his last three turf handicaps; more needed.

20/1

Form: 738996 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Won four 7f handicaps in January, three of them here, and she's now 8lb lower than for the latest of them; not beaten far at Newcastle last month but still to prove she really wants this trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(3)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 6

13:00 Nottingham

Comedian Leader

9st 2lb

J: William Cox

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Has gained all eight of her wins over further (6f-1m); finished off well to be beaten around 2l over 5f on the AW at Lingfield 97 days ago; returns to turf having been off since and will need a good pace to aim at.

11/2

Form: 025469 CD

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Won the corresponding event last year off a 3lb higher mark; drawn a blank since but the return to Class 6 company will suit and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(12)

2nd Apr 2024

Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:45 Pontefract

Perfect Swiss

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Can race freely but has responded well to blinkers, winning two of his three starts in this headgear (all on AW); up 7lb for the latest but that was quite decisive from off the pace and this could also be run to suit; 1m with cut underfoot is fine.

10/1

11th

11

(12)

2nd Apr 2024

Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:45 Pontefract

Perfect Swiss

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

took keen hold, in rear

10/1

1st

8

(10)

18th Mar 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Perfect Swiss

9st 4lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Tim Easterby

Tends to race too freely but seemed to respond well to first-time blinkers when winning off reduced mark at Southwell (7f) last month; ought to have been suited by the return to 1m when very disappointing joint-favourite here two weeks ago but no surprise if he bounces back quickly.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £57.60
Straight Forecast £44.06
Tricast £438.36
Trifecta £503.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Tea Sea

TOPSPEED:

King Of York

NEWMARKET:

Comedian Leader

Daily Mail:

Urban Road

Daily Mirror:

Landlordtothestars

D Express:

Soames Forsyte

RP RATINGS:

Perfect Swiss

POSTDATA:

Tea Sea

Telegraph:

Tea Sea

Daily Record:

Tea Sea

The Times:

Comedian Leader

The Sun:

Urban Road

The Guardian:

King Of York

The Star:

King Of York