January 09 / 20.30 Wolverhampton (AW)

20.30

Standard

Huge Daily Boosts Only At BetUK Handicap

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 1m 1f 104y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
SKY
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Huge Daily Boosts Only At BetUK Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Showers

25/1 (Won)

  • Win: £39.80
  • Place: £7.90

Form: 60880-

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Two 6f wins at Lingfield (Polytrack) for Andrew Balding last winter but he's finished down the field in four runs this yard since September; on reduced mark but he has quite a bit to prove from wide draw at this new trip; cheekpieces removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(10)

21st Sep 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

19:00 Chelmsford (AW)

War In Heaven

9st 4lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

pressed leader, hung right over 1f out, no extra final furlong

6/1

1st

3

(8)

9th Jul 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:20 Chelmsford (AW)

War In Heaven

9st 13lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Improved for a step up in trip over the winter, reeling off a four-timer over the extended 1m1f at Wolverhampton in January/February; came up short off a BHA mark in the 90s on his next three starts but he was back on track with a game effort over 1m here 17 days ago (front two clear); the combination of a 4lb rise and a drop in trip could find him out today.

6/1

1st

3

(2)

22nd Jun 2023

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Chelmsford (AW)

War In Heaven

9st 6lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

prominent

13/2

11/4

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 71761- CD

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who made it 2-4 in handicaps when scoring over C&D (first-time hood, retained) in November; 8lb higher after a short break but she forged clear from a hat-trick seeker last time and is open to further progress; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

20th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Lingfield (AW)

Miss Bluebelle

9st 10lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Marcus Tregoning

Won at Bath (1m2f) in August and better than ever when adding to her tally at Wolverhampton (9.4f) last Saturday, pulling 3l clear; a 7lb rise demands even more but she does have a steadily progressive profile on AW.

6/1

1st

4

(3)

13th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Miss Bluebelle

9st 12lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Marcus Tregoning

Won at Bath (1m2f) in August and bounced back from a couple of below-par efforts when 2l second over C&D in November; that looks solid form and she should play a part again.

7/2

2nd

13

(7)

25th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 3

18:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Miss Bluebelle

9st 4lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Marcus Tregoning

Won at Bath (1m2f) in August and has had excuses the next twice, namely soft ground at Goodwood then the 1m4f trip here (set strong pace); won over C&D last November and she's on the shortlist today.

7/1

OUR TIP

9/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: D55742-

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Has mixed record since his Doncaster win (1m) in June, but he was a creditable fourth here (8.6f) in November and backed that up with a near miss over C&D 19 days ago; back up 3lb in the weights but he's still unexposed on AW and should get a decent tow into this race; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15

(9)

26th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 192y

Class 4

16:25 York

Master Of Combat

9st 1lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Kevin Frost

Runner-up twice in a row on AW in the winter before two heavy defeats; didn't run badly back on turf at Haydock (1m, good) last month after a break but the AW seems to be his preferred sphere (just 1-15 on grass).

33/1

7th

7

(4)

21st Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 37y

Class 4

19:45 Haydock

Master Of Combat

9st 3lb

J: William Pyle

T: Kevin Frost

Four-time AW winner but he was disappointing at Southwell (1m) in his final two runs during the winter; has won on turf but that was a long time ago and he doesn't have a great record when fresh; opposable on return.

16/1

11th

4

(6)

22nd Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Master Of Combat

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Kevin Frost

Disappointing here three weeks ago but he'd been in good form beforehand, second at Wolverhampton and Lingfield around the turn of the year; needs a full revival to win though.

8/1

Form: 36464-

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Won off 9lb higher at Chelmsford (1m, Polytrack) in September 2021 but he's drawn a blank since and was a fading fourth of five at Kempton last month; drops back in trip/grade but his losing run is up to 12 and others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

(1)

19th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 133y

Class 5

14:10 Lingfield

Further Measure

9st 3lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Mike Murphy

Held on to win at Kempton (2m, AW) in February and posted a solid effort when fourth at Southwell (2m, AW) 84 days ago; off since and this drop back in trip probably isn't ideal on his first outing on turf since September 2023.

6/1

4th

5

(5)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 5

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Further Measure

9st 8lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Mike Murphy

2lb higher than when narrowly returning to winning form at Kempton (2m, Polytrack) 13 days ago; that was in a steadily run race, but he has a good record here (4711134) including two wins over this trip; respected.

9/2

1st

4

(1)

11th Feb 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 6

16:28 Kempton (AW)

Further Measure

9st 13lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Mike Murphy

Shaped quite nicely from off the pace in a Southwell handicap three weeks ago (1m6f); dangerous if he can build on it and he is a C&D winner on a dangerous mark.

100/30

Form: 233-16 CD BF

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Never got involved when favourite at Chelmsford (1m2f) last Thursday but he's won twice over C&D since October including under Taylor Fisher on his penultimate run; on same mark as for that success and he looks interesting back on Tapeta.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

25th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 156y

Class 4

15:30 Catterick

Mafia Power

11st 7lb

J: Henry Brooke

T: Patrick Neville

Far from solid on hurdles form and recorded a subsequent Flat success in a low grade (failed to back it up last time); others preferred.

20/1

6th

6

(4)

15th Feb 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 5

16:20 Newcastle (AW)

Mafia Power

9st 4lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Patrick Neville

midfield

100/30

1st

2

(6)

21st Dec 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Mafia Power

9st 12lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Patrick Neville

prominent

12/1

6th
4 (9)
Busby

5/1

Form: 36112- CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Made it 4-4 over C&D when completing a double last month and he ran well again to finish second behind a well-backed improver here 14 days ago; up another 3lb but he remains well treated on his best form and is a key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(2)

17th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Busby

9st 0lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Philip Kirby

Only 2l away over 1m4f here in early March and last win was over C&D just over a year ago; however, this veteran is usually opposable these days.

14/1

5th

9

(4)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Busby

8st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Veteran who gained the last six of his 12 wins on Tapeta; has not been firing on all cylinders since returning from break in October; revival needed.

12/1

7th

6

(1)

15th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

14:42 Newcastle (AW)

Busby

9st 0lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Philip Kirby

Veteran who gained the last six of his 12 wins on Tapeta; ran fairly well from the front when fifth here (1m2f) two starts ago but has not been firing on all cylinders since returning from a break in October; others preferred.

12/1

8/1

Form: 05339-

Last run: 104 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Won a 2yo novice (1m) in September 2021 but he's not made a big impact in five handicaps this year and was ninth of 12 at Ayr (1m2f) last time; left Richard Fahey for 26,000gns since and has been gelded; well treated on his best form but he's untried on AW and has something to prove on return for new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(6)

23rd Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Goodwood

Gorak

9st 0lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Charlie Fellowes

Best form this season when placed twice at Haydock, including latest start; still on a workable mark but continues on a long losing sequence, which makes him a similar type to Billyjoh.

16/1

3

(2)

9th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 3

16:10 Haydock

Gorak

9st 13lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Charlie Fellowes

Record over C&D includes a success in May 2023 and solid second on reappearance this term; disappointing favourite here on penultimate start and losing run is mounting up; best form certainly gives him a good chance off current mark back down in grade.

7/1

11

(1)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:50 Newmarket (July)

Gorak

9st 4lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Charlie Fellowes

Disappointing favourite at Haydock last Saturday, extending his long losing sequence; beaten twice in this contest (seventh in 2023, well held in 2024) and can be opposed.

33/1

20/1

Form: 49460- CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Seven of his eight wins have come on Tapeta including three over C&D; now 4lb lower than for his Newcastle win (1m2f) in February but after a summer break he's been quiet here in both runs this winter; bit to prove and he needs to rediscover some spark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(9)

6th Apr 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Athmad

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ruth Carr

He had dropped a long way in the weights prior to his C&D win last month; followed up at Wolverhampton (extended 1m) three days later and he went very close in his hat-trick bid back at Wolverhampton last week; due to be 2lb higher from the weekend and another good run looks on the cards.

9/2

2nd

3

(5)

30th Mar 2023

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 4

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Athmad

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ruth Carr

held up in rear

5/2

1st

6

(1)

7th Mar 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Athmad

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ruth Carr

Seven-time Tapeta winner who sits 12lb below his last winning mark (dead-heat over 1m2f at Newcastle in February 2022); out of sorts lately, with hopes seemingly pinned on the change of scenery - a first ever visit to Southwell - and a drop back to 1m working the oracle.

12/1

Form: 55442-

Last run: 91 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
4yo filly who was a creditable second on her handicap debut at Windsor (1m2f, good; 28-1) when last seen in October; left Andrew Balding for £6,000 since but she still has potential and needs checking in the market on AW/stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(1)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 5

16:48 Pontefract

Bay Dream Believer

8st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Mark Walford

Showed signs of a return to form at Ripon last time; no certainty to build on that effort, having been inconsistent since a hat-trick last August, but otherwise has become attractively handicapped.

8/1

5th

11

(12)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:17 Ripon

Bay Dream Believer

8st 12lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Mark Walford

Rattled off a three-timer last August (two of which were over C&D); yet to get going this year, down the field at Doncaster and Nottingham; now 2lb lower than her last winning mark but doesn't look ready to take advantage.

16/1

10th

14

(13)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 5

18:45 Nottingham

Bay Dream Believer

9st 0lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Mark Walford

Reeled off a fast-ground hat-trick over this trip last August; also runner-up off 2lb higher at Redcar (1m2f, good to soft) in the autumn but never involved on Doncaster return three weeks ago.

25/1

20/1

Form: 24503-

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on his hurdling/stable debut at Catterick in November and was a remote third back on the Flat at Newcastle (1m novice) 12 days ago; on reduced mark back in a handicap but he's now 0-9 and others are more convincing; tongue-tie added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(6)

4th May 2023

Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

14:55 Redcar

Positive Force

8st 13lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Rebecca Menzies

Yet to get his head in front and he arrives below par, only 12th in 1m Southwell handicap 16 days ago; cheekpieces and tongue strap go back on with lots to prove.

5/1

12th

5

(5)

18th Apr 2023

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Positive Force

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Rebecca Menzies

midfield

10/1

6th

1

(11)

4th Apr 2023

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

16:15 Thirsk

Positive Force

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Rebecca Menzies

Maiden who didn't go on for Kevin Ryan and needs more than he's shown for this yard, over hurdles and on the AW; should be well treated if the return to turf is what's wanted.

9/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £196.80
Straight Forecast £150.71
Tricast £633.38
Trifecta £1585.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Miss Bluebelle

The Times:

Bay Dream Believer

TOPSPEED:

Further Measure

POSTDATA:

Mafia Power

The Guardian:

Busby

NEWMARKET:

Gorak

RP Ratings:

Miss Bluebelle

Telegraph:

Miss Bluebelle

D Express:

Miss Bluebelle

The Star:

Miss Bluebelle

Daily Record:

Miss Bluebelle

Daily Mirror:

Bay Dream Believer

LAMBOURN:

Further Measure

Daily Mail:

Mafia Power

The Sun:

Busby