January 23 / 18.00 Southwell (AW)

18.00

Standard

Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 0m 7f 14y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Rain

OUR TIP

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £29.10
  • Place: £5.30

Form: 4/783-

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Pick of his three runs for this stable in 2023 came last month when he finished third of 12, beaten over 5l, in a 6f handicap at Newcastle; becoming more realistically treated now but he's found himself in a deep race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

12

(4)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 182y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Grant Wood

9st 1lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Paul Midgley

Almost as good as ever at the age of seven and went down narrowly at Ripon (6f, good) earlier this month; hard to knock but this is a warm race and he faces some unexposed rivals.

14/1

3rd

5

(7)

8th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Ripon

Grant Wood

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Began this year with two Newcastle wins (6f, Tapeta) but he was only eighth of ten there last month; has won over C&D but has a patchy profile and needs to step up again on this return to turf.

10/1

8th

8

(1)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Grant Wood

8st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Began the season with two C&D wins, the second an impressive one; only fourth at Wolverhampton last time but he was putting in good late work and that form has been well advertised since; another 4lb higher today but the return to Newcastle is in his favour.

5/1

9/4

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 0042-1 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
BHA-rated 89 early in his career but his form dropped off in 2023; sold for 9,000gns last summer and he made a perfect start for his new yard when running out the easy winner of a 7f handicap at Lingfield last week (well backed); good Topspeed figure there and he's greatly respected under a penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(10)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:37 Thirsk

Counsel

9st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Won on AW in December (6f) and March (5f) but ran poorly at Wolverhampton four weeks ago; 0-13 on turf and others have more compelling profiles.

20/1

6th

4

(5)

17th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 4

15:53 Wolverhampton (AW)

Counsel

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Michael Appleby

Made it 2-2 over C&D when scraping home last month; up 2lb, but that latest run came after 79 days off so he could be a bit sharper for it; high on list.

4/1

1st

1

(4)

24th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Counsel

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Michael Appleby

C&D winner last February; back to winning ways with a front-running 6f win at Lingfield in December; not quite so good twice since and he needs the 11-week break to have freshened him up.

5/1

9/1

  • Place: £4.60

Form: 90003-

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Drawn a blank since arriving in Britain but he's tumbled down the weights and there were more promising signs when third over C&D last month (first run after wind surgery; finished in front of Arika); should give it another good go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(9)

2nd Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:50 Southwell (AW)

San Isidro

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

taken down early, took keen hold, held up in rear, rapid headway halfway, raced slightly wide but pressed leaders home turn, weakened quickly from 2f out

7/1

8th

5

(9)

2nd Nov 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:50 Southwell (AW)

San Isidro

9st 10lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

taken down early, took keen hold, held up in rear

7/1

7th

3

(2)

1st Oct 2024

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

16:00 Ayr

San Isidro

9st 12lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

His last win was in France in 2021 but he's dropped a long way in the weights and showed signs of a revival when third at Thirsk (7f, good to soft) two weeks ago; that was with an eyeshield added and he has claims if he can back that up.

3/1

Form: 706-21 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Comfortable success over 7f at Wolverhampton last week, travelling strongly; penalty asks a stiffer question but the latest win was backed up by the clock and he's a leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(6)

13th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Surprise Picture

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Grant Tuer

Four wins at Wolverhampton include this race (off 1lb higher) last year; not solid on recent form but is interesting returned to this venue and back down in grade (3-5 in Class 6).

7/1

4th

1

(6)

13th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Surprise Picture

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Grant Tuer

Four wins at Wolverhampton include this race (off 1lb higher) last year; not solid on recent form but is interesting returned to this venue and back down in grade (3-5 in Class 6).

7/1

9th

6

(10)

28th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:45 Southwell (AW)

Surprise Picture

9st 6lb

J: Sam James

T: Grant Tuer

midfield

33/1

Form: 77117- CD

Last run: 118 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Three C&D wins to his name and he's still well treated judged on his best form; returns from a four-month break with his yard in good order; looks a likely type.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(3)

10th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 13lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Revived by the drop to 0-50 classified events, runner-up over 7f at Wolverhampton and then C&D before seeing off six rivals in a 1m event here last week; that was a notably weak race, even for the grade, and he has a bit more on his plate as he bids to defy a penalty.

5/2

1st

3

(7)

4th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

15:02 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: David & Nicola Barron

No win since 2024 and all his succes has come over 7f; that said, he is effective at this trip and arrives on the back of a pair of runner-up finishes at this level; unlikely to be found a better opportunity to register a first 1m success.

5/4

2nd

3

(2)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: David & Nicola Barron

Has won three times over C&D; clear of the remainder when runner-up in a Wolverhampton handicap last time; sound chance down in grade.

11/4

16/1

Form: 0324-6

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Two solid efforts here last month but he wasn't in the same form at Wolverhampton 18 days ago (drawn wide); others appeal more for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

13

(5)

17th Aug 2024

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 6

16:24 Ripon

Vondelpark

8st 12lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Sara Ender

in touch with leaders

50/1

13

(5)

6th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

14:50 Catterick

Vondelpark

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Sara Ender

Runner-up on AW last December but has struggled on his five starts from this April onwards; major turnaround required.

25/1

8th

4

(5)

5th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 6

20:20 Beverley

Vondelpark

9st 10lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Sara Ender

in touch with leaders

25/1

Form: 743-27 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Just one win to his name after 26 starts; he's run some good races in defeat this winter but he was left behind by Surprise Picture at Wolverhampton last week.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(4)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 210y

Class 6

16:23 Brighton

Dion Baker

8st 10lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Michael Wigham

Four wins include one over C&D (good) in May 2024; hasn't scored since August of that year but he's now 20lb lower and latest fourth of 13 at Doncaster (7f, good to soft) was a solid effort despite hanging; should enhance creditable Brighton form figures of 21424.

4/1

4th

13

(3)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

20:15 Doncaster

Dion Baker

9st 2lb

J: William Carson

T: Michael Wigham

0-30 on AW but he's won four times on turf (7f); struggled during the winter but he returned to this scene with a respectable effort at Yarmouth (6f, good) last month; should benefit from that run and he's in the mix on this step back up in trip; cheekpieces reapplied.

12/1

12/1

Form: 328-13 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Made most of the running to win a C&D handicap this month; held up (slow start) when only third behind Surprise Picture last week; a career best will be required for her to come out on top.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(13)

21st May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

19:40 Chepstow

Autumn Angel

8st 11lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Tony Carroll

Exposed mare whose last win came in Wolverhampton classified (6f, AW) in January 2025; having first start on turf since September 2024 and others are more persuasive.

12/1

7th

8

(8)

7th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Autumn Angel

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Tony Carroll

Without a win since last January but her last two efforts have been solid, including when third over C&D 26 days ago; visor (worn once before) replaces blinkers and she has place claims.

4/1

3rd

9

(5)

11th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Autumn Angel

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Tony Carroll

On a lengthy losing sequence but she fared better than of late when third of 11 in 6f classified event at Wolverhampton 18 days ago; this C&D winner needs considering.

7/1

8/1

Form: 25/45-

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 5yo who finished in midfield over C&D on last month's handicap debut (4-1 second favourite); capable of better and he should get a good pace to aim at in today's field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(9)

29th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Arika

10st 5lb

J: Mr Jack Lander

T: K R Burke

13-race maiden; fair third (beaten over 4l) over C&D in October on final start for Jane Chapple-Hyam; is entitled to have needed his recent Southwell (7f; stable debut) comeback, but still prone to being picked off late again if adopting the same trailblazing style; others preferred.

12/1

4th

7

(9)

29th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Arika

10st 5lb

J: Mr Jack Lander

T: K R Burke

13-race maiden; fair third (beaten over 4l) over C&D in October on final start for Jane Chapple-Hyam; is entitled to have needed his recent Southwell (7f; stable debut) comeback, but still prone to being picked off late again if adopting the same trailblazing style; others preferred.

12/1

7th

2

(8)

14th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

13:52 Southwell (AW)

Arika

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

Placed in 3-12 starts, including over this trip, when with Jane Chapple-Hyam; changed stables since latest start in October; trainer among the winners and it wouldn't be a huge shock if he manages to coax a first one out of this gelding, who drops back again in trip; check for any market confidence.

11/4

Form: 0044-3 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
C&D winner; solid effort over this trip last month and ran even better over 6f two weeks ago; other pace to deal with this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(5)

9th Sep 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Mr Squires

8st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Made all to win a 7f handicap here in June; not beaten a rival in three subsequent runs; has the pace to be effective at this trip and he's favoured by these weights; not ruled out.

5/1

12th

1

(9)

18th Aug 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

14:20 Southwell (AW)

Mr Squires

10st 4lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Dual winner from the front this season, including over C&D in April off 12lb lower, who hasn't been able to dominate the past twice and has been eased off each time; needs to bounce back and also show this mark within range.

12/1

13th

5

(8)

2nd Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:45 Southwell (AW)

Mr Squires

9st 8lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Successful under positive rides over C&D in April and at Wolverhampton (7f, Tapeta) in June; taken on in front when last of nine at Chester (7.6f, good) ten days later; not many confirmed front-runners among this opposition, so he could be dangerous if allowed his own way.

8/1

50/1

Form: 6009-0

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Struggled in handicaps for former stable and he was sent off at 150-1 for his stable debut here (1m) 12 days ago, eased and tailed off; hood experiment quickly aborted; not easily recommended.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(8)

4th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Smalleytime

9st 11lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

midfield

15/2

5th

1

(11)

24th Sep 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Smalleytime

9st 11lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Scraped home over C&D in April but he's been through difficult times since and although he ran well for a long way back over 7f here last time out he did drop out quickly in the closing stages; has a shade to prove.

12/1

6th

2

(14)

3rd Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Smalleytime

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Ben Haslam

Regressive form on turf since the spring, but is back off the same mark as when winning over C&D in April; possibilities if the return here does the trick.

14/1

Non-runners

Wilde And Dandy

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £94.30
Straight Forecast £46.84
Tricast £464.79
Trifecta £1070.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Counsel

The Times:

Mr Squires

POSTDATA:

Surprise Picture

Daily Record:

Mr Squires

RP RATINGS:

Counsel

Telegraph:

Counsel

The Guardian:

Counsel

Daily Mail:

Counsel

D Express:

Counsel

Daily Mirror:

Counsel

The Sun:

Counsel

The Star:

Surprise Picture