October 20 / 14.30 Southwell (AW)

14.30

Standard

Huge Daily Boosts Only At Bet UK Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £4536
  • 0m 6f 16y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Huge Daily Boosts Only At Bet UK Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Showers

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.20
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 333855

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Still seeking his first handicap win but he has run creditably in both starts for this yard; returning to 6f won't hurt and he's not a forlorn hope on his Tapeta debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(6)

11th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Hello Zabeel

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Michael Blake

Has form in better races than this but he's on a losing run now and failed to benefit from a drop to this level at Southwell (6f) last month; needs revival back over 7f on course debut.

6/1

6th

2

(4)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Hello Zabeel

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Michael Blake

Losing run up to 16, but he has winning form over C&D and drops to this level for the first time; not beaten far the last twice and a major player on these terms; cheekpieces removed.

9/2

6th

2

(4)

7th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Hello Zabeel

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Michael Blake

Losing run up to 16, but he has winning form over C&D and drops to this level for the first time; not beaten far the last twice and a major player on these terms; cheekpieces removed.

9/2

7/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 682714 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Dropping to 6f worked the oracle at Lingfield last month when he produced a strong late run to score; only fourth at Chelmsford latest (didn't look straightforward) and connections now reach for more severe headgear; others preferred for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(4)

20th Oct 2022

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

14:30 Southwell (AW)

Chief Of Staff

9st 13lb

J: Louis Steward

T: Saeed bin Suroor

slowly into stride and squeezed out start, in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on well, went second post

7/1

4th

9

(7)

8th Oct 2022

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Chief Of Staff

9st 3lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Saeed bin Suroor

in touch with leaders, raced awkwardly over 4f out, ridden 2f out, edged left and weakened inside final furlong

9/4

2

(12)

1st Oct 2022

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Chief Of Staff

9st 13lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Had looked exposed but the drop back to 6f saw him land a 6f Class 5 event at Lingfield 11 days ago; only 2lb higher and although he's drawn wide, he is likely to be dropped in; could rate higher as a sprinter.

7/2

8/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 011492 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Reinvigorated by a switch to this yard, winning two 6f handicaps at Nottingham in August; put a quiet run at Windsor behind him when second of 16 back at Nottingham three weeks ago; 2lb higher as a result but he's back down in class and should have a good run in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(4)

1st Nov 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

Cooperation

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Katie Scott

First 7f win at Newmarket in May; just 1-22 on the AW but this surface suits and he was unlucky in his sole C&D run, when runner-up in September, and looks well worth another go back over this trip.

11/2

6th

5

(4)

1st Nov 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

Cooperation

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Katie Scott

First 7f win at Newmarket in May; just 1-22 on the AW but this surface suits and he was unlucky in his sole C&D run, when runner-up in September, and looks well worth another go back over this trip.

11/2

4th

6

(2)

21st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Cooperation

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Katie Scott

All bar one of his seven wins has come over 6f, but he has finished runner-up in both goes over this trip including here; still 6lb above his last winning mark, though, so needs to find a bit more.

9/1

Form: 63106

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced Tapeta winner; latest Pontefract sixth offered hope of better and he's been dropped 2lb since; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(8)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Beattie Is Back

9st 8lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Did best of those in the stands' side group at York (6f, good to firm) in July and then kept on for third of nine at Southwell (6f, AW) 27 days ago despite not getting the best of passages; now down to a career-low mark and this dual C&D winner should appreciate stepping back up in trip.

7/2

3rd

1

(7)

6th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

19:51 Southwell (AW)

Beattie Is Back

9st 9lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

He's struggled to get competitive on turf on his four starts since May, albeit he fared best in the near-side group at York a fortnight ago; Tapeta seems to be his preferred surface and he's 5lb lower than when going close at Wolverhampton (7f) in February; no surprise to see a big run.

8/1

15th

15

(22)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Beattie Is Back

9st 2lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Has not matched this year's AW form since returned to turf; should be well treated now but not sure stall 22 will be an advantage.

33/1

OUR TIP

12/1

Form: 401087 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Thrown in on last winter's AW best; held up when only seventh at Wolverhampton 19 days ago and a return to a more prominent ride might bring about an improved showing; one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(6)

10th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 4

19:35 Epsom

Muscika

9st 7lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: David O’Meara

Veteran with 18 wins on his CV, including over C&D; last success was from the front at Redcar (6f, good to firm) in May but he's been well held in both runs since; bit to prove again but has possibilities if he can bounce back.

12/1

Form: 521115 CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Rattled off an AW hat-trick this summer when cheekpieces were added (first two legs over C&D); form dipped on turf last time but he still has time to do better back on Tapeta.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 6

19:40 Yarmouth

Dark Side Thunder

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Eight-time AW winner but he's 1-21 on turf; placed a couple of times this season, including over C&D (good to firm) in April, but he's not easy to predict and was out the back at Doncaster last time; has another switch of headgear and he comes with risks attached.

9/2

8th

6

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 5

20:00 Doncaster

Dark Side Thunder

9st 9lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Jessica Macey

A dual 6f scorer last season; comes here on the back of a good third of eight in 6f Leicester handicap last month so needs considering.

7/1

3rd

4

(4)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:40 Leicester

Dark Side Thunder

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

He has a much better strike-rate on AW than turf and was well beaten over C&D last time; however, prior to that he was second of six at Yarmouth (6f, good to firm) and is not written off today.

9/1

7th
10 (12)
Gowanlad

12/1

Form: 155070 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
He hasn't hit top form in three runs back from a summer break but he's now back to the mark off which he landed a Newcastle handicap (5f) in February; market support would be encouraging.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(7)

8th May 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

Gowanlad

9st 3lb

J: Madi Patzelt

T: Philip Kirby

midfield

16/1

13th

9

(5)

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:50 Thirsk

Gowanlad

9st 4lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Philip Kirby

raced near side

14/1

10th

6

(9)

23rd Feb 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Gowanlad

9st 2lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Philip Kirby

All three wins on Tapeta, the latest over 5f here a year ago; now 6lb lower, but he has finished out of the frame in all eight starts since that success so doubts over whether he can take advantage.

14/1

8th
11 (3)
Ben Macdui

20/1

Form: 057970 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won a small-field Newcastle handicap (6f) off a 12lb higher mark as recently as March; well short of that level in eight runs since and others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

11

(9)

10th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Ben Macdui

9st 3lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Paul Midgley

Form dipped sharply the last twice, so needs to bounce back in a major way; however, looks difficult to dismiss, having scored over C&D (off 3lb lower) on last AW appearance.

12/1

9th

5

(15)

20th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:20 Redcar

Ben Macdui

9st 7lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Paul Midgley

Smart earlier in career, when acting on soft; revived since wind surgery, winning on AW then a luckless third at Beverley (5f, good); however, he finished nearer last than first at Ayr since and left on the same mark.

12/1

15th

10

(16)

21st Sep 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:25 Ayr

Ben Macdui

9st 8lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Paul Midgley

In great form since having wind surgery, winning at Newcastle (AW) then unlucky third at Beverley (good; would likely have won with clearer run); raised only 1lb for latest effort and commands respect.

7/1

5/1

Form: 631261 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Improving 3yo who has won two of his last four starts, more recently a Class 6 at Wolverhampton off a 4lb lower mark; placed over C&D in two runs at the track; should give it another good go.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(3)

26th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:00 Pontefract

Eldeyaar

9st 7lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Ended a losing run with a front-running 6f win at Thirsk in April; not so good since but he is well drawn to attack and this track suits his aggressive racing style; one to take seriously.

7/1

8th

8

(9)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 110y

Class 6

17:15 Wetherby

Eldeyaar

9st 5lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Antony Brittain

Seemingly perked up by change of headgear when winning from the front at Thirsk (6f, good; first-time visor) in April and again ran well when third of 17 over that C&D last month; high on the list.

6/1

3rd

11

(7)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:57 Thirsk

Eldeyaar

9st 1lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Antony Brittain

A switch of headgear saw him end a losing run when making most in a big-field handicap over C&D last month; not in the same form when third at Southwell 16 days ago; no surprise to see him bounce back.

10/1

10th
5 (11)
Embour

16/1

Form: 360008 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Had a wind operation in June and ran creditably on his next two starts; retreated into his shell again since and has plenty to prove, for all that he has slipped to a very dangerous mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(12)

7th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

17:50 Beverley

Embour

10st 1lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Ruth Carr

towards rear

50/1

6th

2

(3)

20th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

19:15 Beverley

Embour

9st 10lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Ruth Carr

Won three times (5f/6f) on the AW last autumn/winter and he's equally good on turf; however, he's not known for his reliability and his last two efforts have been poor ones; bit to prove after an absence.

14/1

10th

10

(6)

3rd Mar 2023

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 3

15:00 Lingfield (AW)

Embour

9st 3lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Ruth Carr

Deserves some credit for winning three times this autumn/winter, including here; however, the negative is his inconsistency, as reflected in his form figures; not entirely sure what to expect.

14/1

11th
7 (5)
Amber Dew

12/1

Form: 807054 D

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Second over C&D on her stable debut in April when 9lb higher; has fluffed the start on occasions since but she bounced out of the stalls at Wolverhampton on Saturday, only to tie up in the final furlong and finish fourth (6f); down in class today but this does look a more competitive race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(4)

29th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Amber Dew

9st 9lb

J: Dominique Van Der Kraats

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Broke lengthy losing run at Southwell in January but failed to back that up on either of two subsequent starts; needs to fare better if she's to return to winning ways.

12/1

8th

8

15th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

16:22 Southwell (AW)

Amber Dew

9st 5lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

midfield, weakened gradually final 110yds

7/1

8th

8

(1)

4th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Amber Dew

9st 5lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Belatedly added to her 2021 nursery win with narrow success at Southwell (6f; first-time tongue-tie) last month; this race is much more competitive, though, and she needs to prove she can cope with the drop back to 5f.

8/1

Form: 64111- D

Last run: 334 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Firmly on the up when last seen last November, completing an AW hat-trick when easily winning at Wolverhampton (good time); 6lb higher mark unlikely to be beyond him now he has turned a corner but the subsequent absence is slightly offputting; gelded since last seen.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(4)

4th Sep 2024

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 5

16:05 Bath

Sovereign Slipper

9st 9lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Henry Candy

Pipped So Smart in the final strides at Chepstow in July (5f, good to soft) and he's 2lb better off with that rival today; subsequent Leicester run (6f) less convincing but returning to a stiff 5f should suit, especially with a fast pace looking assured.

6/1

10th

2

(3)

11th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:00 Leicester

Sovereign Slipper

9st 12lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Henry Candy

took keen hold, towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out

5/1

1st

4

(6)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 16y

Class 6

18:25 Chepstow

Sovereign Slipper

9st 8lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Henry Candy

Better with each of his three runs back from almost a year off, latterly on his first crack at this trip a month ago; that gave something to build on off the same mark.

4/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £47.20
Straight Forecast £34.81
Tricast £230.81
Trifecta £330.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Cooperation

POSTDATA:

Dark Side Thunder

RP Ratings:

Muscika

TOPSPEED:

Eldeyaar

The Times:

Amber Dew

D Express:

Chief Of Staff

NEWMARKET:

Hello Zabeel

Daily Record:

Sovereign Slipper

Telegraph:

Dark Side Thunder

The Star:

Dark Side Thunder

The Guardian:

Cooperation

Daily Mail:

Cooperation

The Sun:

Cooperation

Daily Mirror:

Muscika