January 21 / 20.00 Wolverhampton (AW)

20.00

Standard

Top Odds Every Day With BetUK Handicap

  • Prize money: £3402.1
  • 2m 0f 120y
  • Class 6
  • 11 runners
SKY
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Top Odds Every Day With BetUK Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Showers

Form: 450/

Last run: 898 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Best known as a modest hurdler these days and 0-12 under both codes; some promise in his only previous AW start, but that was over 7f as a 2yo and not sure how he will cope with this sort of test after six months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

4

11th Nov 2023

Soft

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

14:50 Kelso

Boundsy Boy

11st 5lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Philip Kirby

midfield

25/1

9th

10

28th Oct 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

15:14 Kelso

Boundsy Boy

10st 11lb

J: Ross Chapman

T: Philip Kirby

First run since leaving Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero when fifth of 12 in handicap at Sedgefield (2m1f,) 17 days ago; while that doesn't necessarily mark him down as a winner in waiting but he has dropped back to the mark he defied at Huntingdon in February.

14/1

5th

3

11th Oct 2023

Good

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

16:40 Sedgefield

Boundsy Boy

11st 9lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

prominent

9/1

Form: 4056-3 C

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Dual course winner (8.6f/9.5f) who suggested he was on the way back when third of 13 here (1m6f) this month, finishing less than a length behind Jenny Ren; remains on a fair mark and no problem with the return to this trip; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(7)

7th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Ghostly

9st 0lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Stella Barclay

Not the most consistent but has won seven times, including when getting the race in the stewards' room in an amateur riders' event over C&D in November; twice held at Wolverhampton since and may just need this after three months off.

20/1

6th

9

(1)

5th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ghostly

9st 5lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Stella Barclay

midfield

33/1

OUR TIP

Form: /266-7 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Seen more often over hurdles in the past year and comfortably held in two starts since returning to Tapeta last month, but his last Flat success came over C&D in September 2021 and he is 6lb lower now; worth a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

11th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 194y

Class 5

12:35 Hereford

Robeam

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Michael Mullineaux

Dual hurdle winner in 2022; placed twice on the AW this autumn but his last two Flat runs were disappointing and this chasing debut will be his 82nd career start; 3lb out of the weights; too risky.

66/1

Form: 2436-2 C

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Dual winner in 0-50 classified events over 1m4f here last year and ran well when second of 13 from 1lb lower over 1m6f at this venue 16 days ago; has stamina to prove, though, having never attempted this far before on the Flat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(3)

8th Jul 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

17:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

Jenny Ren

9st 9lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Sarah Hollinshead

dwelt start, in rear

20/1

8th

9

(9)

27th Apr 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Jenny Ren

9st 0lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Sarah Hollinshead

Her last three wins have come over C&D and latest was last March; well handicapped on that form but she's finished down the field here in her last five runs and needs a major revival after wind surgery.

25/1

8th

9

(9)

27th Apr 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Jenny Ren

9st 0lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Sarah Hollinshead

Her last three wins have come over C&D and latest was last March; well handicapped on that form but she's finished down the field here in her last five runs and needs a major revival after wind surgery.

25/1

Form: 9334-3

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
In the frame in six of his eight starts since his sole win from 22 starts at Yarmouth (1m6f, soft) last May, including when fourth of nine over C&D on his penultimate start (Smart Boyo second); likely to run his race again but others preferred for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

9

(9)

13th Jun 2024

Soft

1m 6f 17y

Class 6

15:00 Yarmouth

Henry The Fifth

8st 9lb

J: Jimmy Quinn

T: Anthony Carson

hampered start and slowly into stride, in rear, midfield after 5f

18/1

6th

7

(1)

8th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

2m 0f 68y

Class 6

17:45 Lingfield

Henry The Fifth

8st 7lb

J: Jimmy Quinn

T: Anthony Carson

took keen hold, midfield

20/1

10th

8

(8)

2nd May 2024

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Henry The Fifth

9st 0lb

J: William Carson

T: Anthony Carson

Well handicapped on his best form and he returned from a lengthy absence with a fair fourth of 11 at Southwell (1m6f) last month; could be dangerous if he can build on that but a strike-rate of 1-29 is off-putting.

12/1

Form: 882-22

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Only win in 21 starts came at Kempton (2m, Polytrack) almost a year ago but runner-up over this trip in his last three starts, at each of the Tapeta venues, and had Steel Helmet and Robeam behind at Southwell 11 days ago; up another 1lb but seems sure to run his race and has every chance of going one better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(5)

24th Apr 2023

Good

2m 5f 139y

Class 6

16:10 Pontefract

Smart Boyo

8st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Philip Kirby

Just one win from his 26 starts across both codes but he kept on to go very close over hurdles at Ayr (2m4f, good) last month and has posted fair efforts on the Flat (2m, AW) the last twice; he's an each-way possible.

13/2

5th

7

(1)

18th Apr 2023

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Smart Boyo

9st 4lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Philip Kirby

took keen hold early, midfield, pushed along and some headway 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra final 110yds

4/1

4th

2

(5)

27th Mar 2023

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 6

15:45 Lingfield (AW)

Smart Boyo

9st 5lb

J: Madi Patzelt

T: Philip Kirby

Strong traveller who doesn't always find a lot and has only won once (this time last year in first-time blinkers); has been in good form over hurdles, however, and has been found the right race under a 7lb claimer.

2/1

Form: 4577-9

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Second of 11 at Southwell (1m4f, Tapeta) last August, but that looking ever more a flash in the pan and now 0-25; looks elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(6)

19th Jul 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Harmonious

9st 9lb

J: Elisha Whittington

T: Scott Dixon

slowly away, in rear

25/1

6th

13

(9)

26th Jun 2023

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

17:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

Harmonious

10st 9lb

J: Mr Andrea Pinna

T: Scott Dixon

Runner-up in 1m4f classified here in February and kept on for modest fourth in 1m6f Yarmouth handicap in May but was never competitive in refitted cheekpieces here (1m4f) three weeks ago and strike-rate now 0-34.

33/1

10th

9

(5)

5th Jun 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Harmonious

8st 4lb

J: Elisha Whittington

T: Scott Dixon

Maiden who has been in the frame a few times here and wasn't beaten far when runner-up in a C&D classified in February; has had a few chances off modest marks in handicaps though and a win looks unlikely.

25/1

Form: 098/5-

Last run: 88 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Sole win in 20 starts came when visored for the first time over hurdles in November; well beaten on only previous AW attempt (1m2f), but couldn't be dismissed entirely if transferring his best jumps form back to the Flat.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

14th Jan 2026

Good

3m 0f 57y

Class 4

14:40 Newbury

Kiss My Face

11st 10lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Alastair Ralph

Hurdles record of 5-32 includes wins over 3m on good ground at Wetherby in October and Haydock latest start; holding his form well and is better than ever; may remain competitive.

12/1

4

19th Nov 2025

Soft

3m 1f 5y

Class 4

15:10 Warwick

Kiss My Face

11st 8lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Alastair Ralph

Running well at present and he followed a Wetherby win (3m) in October with a solid third at Bangor (2m7f, also good), despite giving Joe Anderson a workout, 12 days later; has form on soft and is one to consider.

8/1

6

27th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 4

16:30 Bangor-on-Dee

Kiss My Face

11st 6lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Alastair Ralph

Arguably posted career-best performance when winning at Warwick (3m, good) 12 days ago, but is 6lb higher in a stronger race and not always one to rely upon; others appeal more.

11/2

Form: /05-75 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
All four wins came on the AW in 2018/19 including twice at this trip, but he has endured some long absences in the meantime and, despite dropping to a favourable mark, has finished out of the frame in all four starts since returning from the latest one last month; others stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(5)

5th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Steel Helmet

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Harriet Bethell

Two wins and as many seconds from 11 visits here but was well behind in The Craftymaster's race here 20 days ago.

10/1

7th

3

(2)

16th Dec 2023

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Steel Helmet

9st 6lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Harriet Bethell

Won two of his three most recent course starts, over 1m6f in May and June, and went very close off this mark at Newcastle (2m) in July; can come on for his recent return to action at Southwell; major role likely.

6/1

5th

14

7th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

15:07 Southwell (AW)

Steel Helmet

9st 4lb

T: Harriet Bethell

Seen mostly on Tapeta and has more to prove on Polytrack, as shown by latest start; 1m6f wins at Wolverhampton this May and June, with a close call at Newcastle on penultimate start, but there's a bit more for him to prove with the 105-day absence.

9/1

Form: 9725-3

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Finished second of three at Southwell (16.5f, Tapeta) in November and third of eight at Chelmsford (1m5f, Polytrack) this month, but neither effort amounts to much; more needed if he is to make it ninth-time lucky.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(2)

18th Apr 2023

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Tom Hazelgrove

8st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Phil McEntee

took keen hold early, prominent, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out

50/1

12th

12

(1)

10th Feb 2023

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

14:40 Southwell (AW)

Tom Hazelgrove

8st 6lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Phil McEntee

Modest nine-race maiden; tailed off over 2m here last week and others look much safer.

33/1

11th

14

(1)

2nd Feb 2023

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

17:05 Southwell (AW)

Tom Hazelgrove

8st 10lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: Phil McEntee

Recent placed efforts not so encouraging as they look and he's now 0-8; needs to find something.

20/1

Form: 4/95-8

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Has endured a couple of lengthy absences in her career and has failed to finish within 17l of the winner in seven outings (underwent wind surgery before her latest start); cheekpieces are added to the tongue-tie, but still impossible to recommend.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(1)

4th Feb 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 6

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Reel Of Fortune

8st 5lb

J: Jimmy Quinn

T: John Ryan

always towards rear, ridden and dropped to last 5f out, lost touch and eased final furlong

33/1

Betting Forcast

25/1 Boundsy Boy, 5/1 Ghostly, 12/1 Robeam, 4/1 Jenny Ren, 6/1 Henry The Fifth, 9/4 Smart Boyo, 20/1 Harmonious, 10/1 Kiss My Face, 16/1 Steel Helmet, 16/1 Tom Hazelgrove, 33/1 Reel Of Fortune

Verdict

A few of these have met each other lately. Robeam, who’s 6lb lower than when successful over C&D in September 2021, is worth a second look, while Ghostly remains on a fair mark and is another to consider. However, SMART BOYO (nap) looks the safest option having finished runner-up in his last three starts over this trip on Tapeta. He seems very likely to run his race and that can make the difference.[David Bellingham]

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Smart Boyo

RP Ratings:

Jenny Ren

NEWMARKET:

Tom Hazelgrove

D Express:

Kiss My Face

The Guardian:

Ghostly

POSTDATA:

Smart Boyo

The Times:

Smart Boyo

Telegraph:

Smart Boyo

Daily Mail:

Smart Boyo

The Sun:

Smart Boyo

The Star:

Smart Boyo

Daily Record:

Smart Boyo

Daily Mirror:

Jenny Ren