December 18 / 18.30 Wolverhampton (AW)

18.30

Standard

BetUK. It’s Where The UK Bets Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4104
  • 1m 4f 51y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
BetUK. It’s Where The UK Bets Maiden Stakes (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Light rain

OUR TIP

Form: 422

Last run: 313 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Absent since his consistent efforts on Polytrack early this year, runner-up behind subsequent winners the last twice (1m4f); brings solid claims to Tapeta debut, assuming he returns in similar form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

14:30 Newton Abbot

Polemon

11st 4lb

J: David Noonan

T: Tim Vaughan

Three-time Flat winner (1m1f-1m4f) who showed promise in maiden hurdles but his progress stalled in spring 2025, pulling up on handicap hurdle debut and finishing well beaten on his final start for Denis Hogan in May last year; brought down at the first on stable debut after an absence this April (20-1), but still sets the standard with a mark of 110.

11/2

6

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 16y

Class 4

17:30 Chepstow

Polemon

11st 4lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: Tim Vaughan

Three-time Flat winner who has also shown promise over hurdles; well beaten in this code last May and bought out of Denis Hogan's yard for £17,000 later that month; absent since but he's one of the likelier winners if at the top of his game on this comeback and stable debut; watch the betting.

4/1

3rd

1

15th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 137y

17:45 Clonmel

Polemon

11st 12lb

J: Daniel King

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Three-time Flat winner on a sound surface last year; not as effective a hurdler (0-6), standout effort when second to a 10l winner in C&D maiden last month; stiff task on Flat latest; place claims back in maiden company but no easy task conceding weight.

9/2

Form: 36

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Experienced 8yo who is a ten-time hurdles winner; has raced in two C&D events since switched to Flat, finishing third then sixth; the balance of that form gives him something to find.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(9)

24th Jan 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Thirtyfourstitches

9st 6lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

A fairly useful 2m4f hurdles winner but he has yet to match that form in four runs on the Flat, coming in a never-dangerous fifth on his handicap debut at Wolverhampton (2m) 17 days ago; he may still do better.

9/2

0

7

(12)

7th Jan 2024

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Thirtyfourstitches

9st 7lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

dwelt start, towards rear, took keen hold after 4f

7/1

2

(12)

18th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Thirtyfourstitches

9st 11lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole

Experienced 8yo who is a ten-time hurdles winner; has raced in two C&D events since switched to Flat, finishing third then sixth; the balance of that form gives him something to find.

16/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Son of Galileo and represents major Flat yard; has shown clear promise in two bumpers, finishing second at Exeter (1m5f) and Doncaster (2m); looks a winner waiting to happen and is interesting switched to this code.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(7)

24th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:15 Lingfield (AW)

Caustic

9st 12lb

J: Morgan Cole

T: Owen Burrows

Won a C&D novice last February; mixed bag in handicaps since then and this winter's efforts need bettering to win.

12/1

2

(7)

24th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:15 Lingfield (AW)

Caustic

9st 12lb

J: Morgan Cole

T: Owen Burrows

Won a C&D novice last February; mixed bag in handicaps since then and this winter's efforts need bettering to win.

12/1

1

(3)

28th Dec 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 5

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Caustic

10st 0lb

J: Morgan Cole

T: Owen Burrows

Off the mark in 1m4f novice on Lingfield AW in February but mixed results since and well back when upped to 2m at Wolverhampton in November.

7/1

Form: 3

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Cracksman gelding who has shown promise in both runs, finishing fourth in Huntingdon bumper then staying-on third (came from difficult position) in C&D novice contest; open to progress and enters the reckoning.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(5)

1st Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:45 Windsor

Composite

10st 4lb

J: William Buick

T: George Boughey

took keen hold, led but pestered, increased tempo 3f out, headed inside final furlong, soon lost second and no extra

6/4

1st

2

(6)

27th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:05 Newmarket (July)

Composite

10st 0lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: George Boughey

Lightly raced 4yo who won two in a row last winter (1m4f/1m3f, AW) and returned to form when going close in first-time blinkers (retained) at Windsor (1m, good to firm) recently; able to run off 2lb lower today (due to be 6lb higher in future) and can be bang there if confirming that latest promise.

2/1

2nd

3

(4)

17th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 4

20:00 Windsor

Composite

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

AW wins in the winter came over middle distances and he's been expensive to follow since handicapping; has still to prove he's as good on turf and it could well be all or nothing coming right back in distance in first-time headgear.

5/1

Form: 97

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Holds poor claims having been soundly beaten in both outings, latest over C&D; fitting of headgear needs to make a big difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

9th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

14:55 Huntingdon

Implied

10st 10lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

A modest maiden on the Flat and he beat only one on his hurdling debut in 2m Ludlow novice 70 days ago; others appeal more.

50/1

12

9th May 2024

Good

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

14:55 Huntingdon

Implied

10st 10lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Jennie Candlish

towards rear, not fluent 3rd

50/1

6th

7

29th Feb 2024

Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

16:50 Ludlow

Implied

10st 2lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Jennie Candlish

It was low-level stuff in his four runs on the Flat, all on the AW from 1m4f to 1m6f; his trainer could make a jumper out of him but there are reservations for now.

50/1

Form: 3238

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
0-4; didn't look straightforward when beaten favourite on penultimate start; had excuses for heavy defeat over C&D latest (lost a shoe and also sustained a small wound on a leg); leading player on his Pontefract effort (1m4f; second to subsequent Listed winner) in October.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(9)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

16:00 Goodwood

Lord Melbourne

9st 9lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Ralph Beckett

A very useful 1m2f/1m4f winner at his best but lightly raced in recent seasons and came in last of 11 in 1m2f AW Lingfield handicap in February; needs to take a big step forward after a break.

25/1

11th

2

(7)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Lingfield (AW)

Lord Melbourne

9st 11lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Ralph Beckett

2024 November Handicap winner who reappeared with an easy win over 1m2f at Epsom last September; respectable sixth of 22 when bidding to defend his November Handicap crown on sole subsequent start last year; well-beaten fifth on the snow at St Moritz on return last weekend; entitled to come on for that outing but this test might be sharp enough for him.

10/1

1st

1

(1)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 3

16:05 Epsom

Lord Melbourne

10st 2lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Ralph Beckett

Progressive and useful sort but lacks recent match practice, having been absent since winning last year's November Handicap (1m4f, soft), and isn't crying out for this drop back to a sharp 1m2f.

13/2

Form: 74562

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
0-5; nearly made all in C&D handicap (Tapeta debut) most recently and might have won but for drifting right in the closing stages, collared on the line; enters calculations on the back of that good effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(13)

11th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Story Horse

8st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Knight

Short-head winner at the other Newmarket track (1m6f, good to firm; made all) on second start this term and nearly made it 3-3 under Saffie Osborne at Goodwood (1m6f, good; led over 1f out) later in May, holding Dancing In Paris by a short head but pipped by subsequent Royal Ascot winner French Master; up 2lb today, as is Dancing In Paris, and looks a leading contender.

6/1

2nd

11

(1)

24th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Goodwood

Story Horse

8st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Knight

Immediately back to best with his two runs this season, tenaciously making all for a short-head win at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) on latest; that made it 2-2 under Saffie Osborne; 5lb higher today; big question to answer were the ground softer than good but he otherwise looks set to run well.

8/1

2nd

11

(1)

24th May 2025

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Goodwood

Story Horse

8st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Knight

Immediately back to best with his two runs this season, tenaciously making all for a short-head win at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) on latest; that made it 2-2 under Saffie Osborne; 5lb higher today; big question to answer were the ground softer than good but he otherwise looks set to run well.

8/1

Form: 64-

Last run: 361 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed some ability in novice events at this course (9.5f) and Lingfield (1m2f) last December for the Crisfords; had gelding/wind operations and sold for 11,000gns since; now goes in tongue-tie; check the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(1)

11th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

19:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

The Bunt

9st 13lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Pearce

His turn was looking near when runner-up in three handicaps during early 2024 but he's been out for a long time and returns after a wind operation; best to let the market guide.

6/1

2nd

6

(4)

24th Mar 2024

Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 4

13:20 Doncaster

The Bunt

10st 6lb

J: Mr Fletcher Yarham

T: Simon Pearce

Lightly raced 4yo whose turn looks near, having finished a good second in a couple of 2m AW contests since handicapping; possibilities provided he's as effective on turf and back down in trip.

4/1

2nd

1

(3)

11th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

15:27 Lingfield (AW)

The Bunt

9st 10lb

J: George Wood

T: Simon Pearce

led, headed 1f out, kept on

7/2

Form: 39

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Placed at Windsor in the spring on sole start for the Gosdens; well beaten over C&D nine days ago for new stable and needs to improve markedly on that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(7)

18th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Villazon

8st 12lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: James Evans

A poor maiden for Deborah Faulkner who came in last on his yard debut in 1m4f handicap here last month; others are preferred.

12/1

8

(12)

10th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Villazon

9st 9lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: James Evans

in rear, race voided

14/1

8

(12)

10th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Villazon

9st 9lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: James Evans

in rear, race voided

14/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well held in Listed grade on latest bumper start; however, scored decisively at Worcester (2m) the time before and this Dubawi filly may still have more to offer; interesting switched to this code.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

15th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

16:53 Southwell (AW)

Daytona Beach

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Rae Guest

Bumper winner who showed modest form at best in three runs over a variety of trips under Flat rules; should be suited by the return to further for this handicap debut; no surprise if she is able to show more.

10/1

6th

3

(7)

27th Jan 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Daytona Beach

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Rae Guest

Won a run-of-the-mill bumper last summer and was not disgraced on either of her two Flat runs this winter (1m4f/7f) but sets a very modest form standard here.

25/1

5th

8

(7)

14th Jan 2024

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

13:30 Lingfield (AW)

Daytona Beach

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Rae Guest

First four starts came in bumpers, winning at Worcester (2m, good) last July; that makes 7f today look a bit ambitious, albeit after a 13l defeat (modest form) when 16-1 over 1m4f in maiden on Wolverhampton AW four weeks ago on debut under Flat rules; others preferred.

9/1

Form: 005604

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 46

Form & Verdict
0-8; ran well (300-1 fourth) in first-time visor at Chelmsford 11 days ago but isn't guaranteed to back up that effort, having proved inconsistent; goes beyond 1m2f for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(5)

22nd Oct 2024

Soft

1m 3f 104y

Class 6

15:05 Yarmouth

Blondelle

8st 12lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Christine Dunnett

prominent

40/1

16

(2)

7th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 3f 104y

Class 5

16:35 Yarmouth

Blondelle

8st 9lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Christine Dunnett

19-race maiden who has been out of sorts this year and is wrong at the weights; easily dismissed.

50/1

8th

9

(1)

4th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

15:55 Southwell (AW)

Blondelle

8st 4lb

J: Duran Fentiman

T: Christine Dunnett

Achieved her first placing when third of seven at Yarmouth (11.5f, good to firm) on her penultimate start, but still finished 14l behind the winner; now 0-18; look elsewhere.

40/1

Form: 94

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Poor RPRs in a couple of 9.5f contests at this venue; this extra distance needs to prompt major improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(9)

18th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Shes Good For Me

9st 2lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Weston

Poor RPRs in a couple of 9.5f contests at this venue; this extra distance needs to prompt major improvement.

100/1

4th

5

(4)

21st Nov 2023

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

18:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Shes Good For Me

9st 2lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: David Weston

led, headed 2f out

100/1

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Composite

LAMBOURN:

Caustic

The Guardian:

Story Horse

The Times:

Daytona Beach

D Express:

Polemon

RP RATINGS:

Composite

POSTDATA:

Composite

Telegraph:

Composite

Daily Mirror:

Composite

The Sun:

Composite

Daily Record:

Composite

Daily Mail:

Caustic

The Star:

Story Horse