March 10 / 16.50 Southwell (AW)

16.50

Standard

BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap

  • Prize money: £13870.1
  • 0m 7f 14y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
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BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Light rain

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £1.80

Form: 6-0112 D BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
In excellent form on Polytrack last month, winning over 7f at Lingfield and Kempton before going close over 6f at Chelmsford; on new career-high mark here but has the services of Oisin Murphy and Tapeta also suits.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

4

(8)

11th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

14:30 Catterick

How Impressive

10st 0lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Hugo Palmer

Runner-up at Kempton (7f, AW) two starts ago and he has a 9lb lower mark to work with on turf; however, he's been inconsistent this year and his sole turf win (from 15 attempts) came back in 2023.

8/1

9th

3

(8)

11th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:15 Southwell (AW)

How Impressive

9st 8lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Hugo Palmer

Two-time C&D winner; solid efforts in defeat on his last two starts; still feasibly weighted but happiest when dominating and a few of these like to force the pace.

6/1

2nd

4

(1)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:07 Kempton (AW)

How Impressive

9st 8lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Hugo Palmer

Seven of his eight wins have come on AW, including two over C&D; only 1lb higher than for his last success in October and he ran for a long way when fourth at Chelmsford 18 days ago; has good draw back at this track and it wouldn't be a surprise if he made a bold bid.

9/2

33/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: 4-4707 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Won comfortably off today's mark over 1m here in December and is also suited by 7f but needs to up his game after some below-par recent efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(6)

12th Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

17:22 Yarmouth

Visibility

9st 9lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Scott Dixon

In good form this spring, winning at Thirsk (1m, good) and over C&D (good to firm) last month; front pair were 6l clear that day and if he can maintain that level of form he'd still look well treated despite a 5lb rise.

3/1

1st

1

(1)

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

17:00 Yarmouth

Visibility

9st 9lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Scott Dixon

Has registered most wins on AW but ran creditably last Saturday when bidding for a Thirsk (1m) double; this 8yo remains in form and is still well treated on historical data.

5/1

1st

1

(1)

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

17:00 Yarmouth

Visibility

9st 9lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Scott Dixon

Has registered most wins on AW but ran creditably last Saturday when bidding for a Thirsk (1m) double; this 8yo remains in form and is still well treated on historical data.

5/1

OUR TIP

12/1

  • Place: £5.90

Form: 80311- D

Last run: 134 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Ended last season in excellent form on slow turf, winning twice over 7f in October, but has fitness to prove after 134-day absence and we can't be sure this switch to Tapeta will show him in his best light.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(13)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Thunder Roar

9st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

7yo who was better than ever last season, a campaign that concluded with a fine second of 17 over C&D (good); races off the same mark today but he hasn't shone on his two outings this year.

33/1

Form: 4-6793 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Has not kicked on since winning over 6f at Wolverhampton (stable debut) in December but kept on well for third over that trip here last month and today's move back up in trip is sure to suit; might be the answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

3rd Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

14:32 Yarmouth

Starshiba

10st 0lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jack Morland

Eight-time winner on AW and 0-24 on turf but he went very close off his lower turf mark at Nottingham (8.5f, good to firm) one week ago; same mark here and must have claims in search of his turf breakthrough.

15/8

2nd

1

(3)

26th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 75y

Class 6

14:12 Nottingham

Starshiba

9st 12lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jack Morland

Last nine starts on AW; ended a losing run when scoring at Lingfield (1m) in December but that set up for his closing style and he's not really threatened in four runs since, latterly at Kempton (7f) 113 days ago; can race off his lower turf mark today but others are more persuasive.

8/1

10/1

Form: 61-713 C

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Dual 6f Tapeta winner this AW season (once here); not seen to quite the same effect when tried over 7f in between but is well worth another crack at this trip; considered, despite his awkward draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

(9)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

Rock Opera

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

In reasonably good form having made the frame in last two starts, rallying both times; on a two-year losing spell but remain 7lb below last winning mark; enters calculations.

6/1

4th

11

(1)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

18:15 Hamilton

Rock Opera

8st 13lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Winless in two years but has slid to a handy mark and resumed in decent form; holds each-way claims but this is a stronger race than the Thirsk handicap in which he was a bit unlucky not to finish closer last time.

10/1

3rd

7

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Rock Opera

8st 13lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Hold-up sprinter and on a losing run of 21; well handicapped as a consequence and should be sharper for his Ripon reappearance 16 days ago.

5/1

14/1

Form: -12816 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Largely in good form since the autumn, winning four times (6f-7f) along the way; sometimes races too freely, and was below par after doing so at Chelmsford last month, but has a fighting chance if all goes to plan here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

17:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ultramarine

9st 9lb

J: Toby Moore

T: David Evans

Shaped well, amid traffic issues, over 6f at Kempton on reappearance; has gained most wins over 7f, including twice at Wolverhampton; interesting back up in trip with Toby Moore taking off a handy 7lb.

8/1

5th

4

(4)

14th Jan 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Ultramarine

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: David Evans

6f winner but majority of his wins at 7f; went back-to-back at Chepstow in May/June; not in same form since and returns to AW after a break with his mark still looking tricky; drop back down in trip also a slight query.

10/1

Form: 11522- CD BF

Last run: 141 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Runner-up on first two starts for Alice Haynes, both over 7f on heavy turf in the autumn; very well suited by this C&D but looks a shade vulnerable off career-high mark on first start for 141 days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(3)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 11lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Herrington

Won a division of this off 9lb lower in 2025 when it was run as a 0-85, and raised his highest mark defied twice more after; holding his own in Polytrack Class 2s of late, but has more back in his favour tonight.

7/2

3rd

4

(6)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 2

16:53 Lingfield (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Herrington

Has registered all wins over 7f and in lower grades; however, ran respectably in Lingfield Class 2 most recently, while shaping as if this return to 1m is worth a go; whether he can defy current mark is another matter.

12/1

4th

3

(5)

14th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 2

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Legal Reform

9st 3lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Michael Herrington

Into the veteran stage but in the form of his life this winter, finishing third over C&D before a Wolverhampton win and a Southwell second; likely vulnerable to an improver but should give his running again.

9/2

Form: 12-04 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Ran quite well when fourth in 7f Chelmsford handicap a fortnight ago, despite racing too freely, but is yet to make any further progress since winning C&D novice on debut in November and seems to have some quirks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(5)

6th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:25 Thirsk

Guy Fawkes

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Charlie Clover

Made a winning racecourse debut in November 2023; he has found life tougher in handicaps, including four runs for new yard in 2025; latest effort was slightly better but others appeal more.

10/1

8th

2

(7)

1st May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

15:25 Redcar

Guy Fawkes

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Charlie Clover

held up in rear, some headway against near rail when bit short of room over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong

25/1

8th

2

(7)

1st May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

15:25 Redcar

Guy Fawkes

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Charlie Clover

held up in rear

25/1

9/1

Form: 72680- D

Last run: 156 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Three-time AW winner; will be suited by today's trip-and-surface combination and current mark is workable but he has been absent since down-the-field turf run in October and is entitled to benefit from this outing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(1)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Wyvern

9st 6lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Patrick Morris

Does most racing now at Newcastle, the scene of his last three wins; off for six weeks since finishing well held behind Captain Pickles over C&D.

20/1

9/2

Form: 783-11 CD

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Came good for Paul Midgley at fourth attempt, with clearcut C&D win in January, and followed up over 6f at Newcastle last month; latest 7lb rise asks quite a lot of him but he still commands respect in current form.
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

6/1

Form: 31802- D

Last run: 142 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Not yet fully exposed after only nine runs and won over 7f on this surface at Newcastle a year ago; ran well in defeat behind much-improved rival over that C&D in October and has good claims if in similar form after break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(2)

16th Apr 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Engelbert

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Two starts over C&D have yielded a win and a second behind a highly progressive sort; well beaten on last month's Southwell return (7f, Tapeta), but can't be dismissed back under these conditions.

12/1

7th

3

(2)

16th Apr 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Engelbert

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Two starts over C&D have yielded a win and a second behind a highly progressive sort; well beaten on last month's Southwell return (7f, Tapeta), but can't be dismissed back under these conditions.

12/1

11th

10

(11)

10th Mar 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

16:50 Southwell (AW)

Engelbert

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Not yet fully exposed after only nine runs and won over 7f on this surface at Newcastle a year ago; ran well in defeat behind much-improved rival over that C&D in October and has good claims if in similar form after break.

6/1

Form: 2767-1 C

Last run: 47 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Returned to form with 6f course win in first-time blinkers in January and is now 2-4 on AW; not yet proven over 7f but has possibilities if the new headgear continues to aid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(5)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Redcar

Mountain Warrior

8st 7lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Edward Bethell

Kickstarted 2024 with 6f Southwell success and he's continued in good form, a close sixth of 12 at Doncaster (5f) three weeks ago; can go well.

8/1

6th

11

(5)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

19:20 Doncaster

Mountain Warrior

8st 13lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Edward Bethell

Dual 6f winner at Southwell (AW); good second dropped to 5f at Carlisle (good to firm) most recently, meeting traffic then keeping on well once in the clear; unexposed at this distance and warrants respect off unaltered mark.

13/2

2nd

1

(2)

20th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Carlisle

Mountain Warrior

9st 10lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Both wins over 6f on Tapeta at Southwell; led until folding in the final 1f at Thirsk (6f, good to soft) most recently, suggesting this drop in distance is worth a shot.

9/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £76.20
Straight Forecast £106.29
Tricast £1983.90
Trifecta £1258.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Starshiba

Telegraph:

Grant Wood

The Star:

Mountain Warrior

TOPSPEED:

How Impressive

D Express:

Wyvern

NEWMARKET:

Legal Reform

The Sun:

Grant Wood

Daily Record:

Mountain Warrior

Daily Mirror:

How Impressive

RP RATINGS:

Starshiba

POSTDATA:

Starshiba

The Times:

Starshiba