December 22 / 14.42 Southwell (AW)

14.42

Standard

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  • Prize money: £5129.32
  • 2m 0f 102y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
SKY
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Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.40
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 465311

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Did not progress over 1m4f after her novice win in July but scored at Wolverhampton when upped to 1m6f last month and followed up at Lingfield 17 days ago on her first attempt at 2m; raised another 3lb and probably needs further improvement but she could easily have more to offer as a stayer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

9

(9)

22nd Dec 2023

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 4

14:42 Southwell (AW)

Sea Me Dance

9st 3lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: S Woods

Did not progress over 1m4f after her novice win in July but scored at Wolverhampton when upped to 1m6f last month and followed up at Lingfield 17 days ago on her first attempt at 2m; raised another 3lb and probably needs further improvement but she could easily have more to offer as a stayer.

9/2

1st

7

(3)

5th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

15:05 Lingfield (AW)

Sea Me Dance

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: S Woods

Did not progress after her 1m4f novice win in July but scored at Wolverhampton when upped to 1m6f last month and has possibilities off today's 3lb higher mark if today's even longer trip suits.

4/1

1st

6

(10)

17th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Sea Me Dance

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: S Woods

midfield

11/2

5/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 116581

Last run: 2 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Joined this yard in August and has had three wins since, the latest when arriving late on the scene under Joe Leavy in 2m apprentice event on Lingfield Polytrack on Wednesday; escapes a penalty and on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(1)

10th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Western Stars

10st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Jim Boyle

Knows how to win as he showed when successful from four rivals at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) last month, but he was allowed to dictate there and didn't back it up at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) a week ago (has won over that C&D); needs to bounce back.

6/1

7th

1

(1)

10th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Western Stars

10st 0lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Jim Boyle

Knows how to win as he showed when successful from four rivals at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) last month, but he was allowed to dictate there and didn't back it up at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) a week ago (has won over that C&D); needs to bounce back.

6/1

6th

6

(1)

3rd Dec 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

14:27 Lingfield (AW)

Western Stars

9st 11lb

J: Jack Doughty

T: Jim Boyle

Recorded his sixth win when making all to justify favouritism off reduced mark at Wolverhampton (1m6f) 18 days ago; this is a deeper race but he's only 2lb higher than last time and has won over C&D in the past; could be a major force again.

4/1

3rd
1 (4)
Aqwaam

2/1

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 202112 D BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Found his niche as an AW stayer in recent outings, including wins at Chelmsford (1m6f) and Newcastle (2m; from Animato and others in this); good second over C&D in hat-trick bid one week ago and should go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(1)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Aqwaam

9st 9lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Four wins (three on AW at 1m6f and 2m) and was last seen finishing third in the 2024 Cesarewitch; has gone well over this shorter trip but can only be considered if market vibes are positive.

14/1

3rd

13

(22)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Aqwaam

8st 9lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Ian Williams

Reached new heights during a pretty busy AW campaign prior to his creditable and none-too-lucky sixth in the 2m2f Chester Cup in May when last seen (finished lame); that was on good to firm and easily his best turf form, but he won on soft in 2022; withdrawn twice last month; on the Chester Cup evidence he could still be capable of better.

28/1

20/1

Form: 034100

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Coped well with the major step up to 1m6f when scoring at Redcar in October; tailed off on Newcastle AW (1m4f/2m; has won twice there) both starts since, with a respiratory noise reported both times; most therefore seems to hinge on the effects of his wind surgery 23 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(2)

5th Mar 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Award Dancer

9st 12lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

Fourth in three starts off this mark since returning from wind surgery, including twice over C&D, the latest ten days ago (winner has gone in again since); should go well again but a bit more is needed for the win.

15/2

4th

9

(3)

24th Feb 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

17:05 Southwell (AW)

Award Dancer

9st 1lb

J: Sam James

T: Grant Tuer

in touch with leaders on inner

11/1

4th

1

(7)

7th Jan 2024

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Award Dancer

9st 13lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Grant Tuer

midfield

13/2

8/1

Form: 356316 C BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
3yo who is 3-9 on AW, surging 6l clear on his step up to 2m at Newcastle (Tapeta) on penultimate start; cheekpieces were added that day and have been kept since, with a creditable sixth off this 7lb higher mark to Aqwaam at Newcastle on latest outing; thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(7)

4th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Haaland

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Made the most of a drop in class when regaining winning form at Southwell (16.5f, Tapeta) last month (third has won since); 4lb higher and back up in grade, but he still holds more compelling claims than a few.

5/2

1st

1

(8)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

19:48 Southwell (AW)

Haaland

9st 12lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Three AW wins for previous stable; 0-8 for current yard and his form has declined rather sharply; however, he may produce a resurgent display back at this level, being 2-2 in Class 6.

14/1

11th

12

(8)

21st Feb 2026

Standard

1m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:33 Lingfield (AW)

Haaland

9st 2lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Three AW wins (1m2f-2m) in 2023; lightly raced since and he's been well held back from another break in his two runs this winter; mark continues to fall but he needs a major revival back at this trip.

25/1

Form: 748332

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Still seeking his first win after 18 attempts; there have been five seconds, including over 2m at Chelmsford on latest outing, so he has place claims again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

27th Mar 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:57 Warwick

De Vegas Warrior

10st 12lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Henrietta C Knight

Longstanding maiden under both codes but he was running well when crashing out two from home at Taunton 17 days ago (3m, good); enters the reckoning.

7/1

9

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

16:10 Taunton

De Vegas Warrior

10st 11lb

J: Philip Armson

T: Henrietta C Knight

Didn't fire on latest outing but began handicap hurdle career with encouraging thirds at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) and Fakenham (2m7f, good); 4lb lower now and Philip Armson claims 3lb today; could have a say.

12/1

6th

8

3rd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

16:20 Southwell

De Vegas Warrior

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Henrietta C Knight

Fair stayer on the Flat (albeit a maiden); third in both handicap hurdles, more recently when upped to 2m7f at Fakenham (good) a fortnight ago, but needs to find something extra here; cheekpieces refitted.

8/1

20/1

Form: 59-515 D

Last run: 98 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
With new yard last four starts and back to form on last three, including a win; they were all 2m hurdle races but she also won over 2m on Newcastle AW Flat in June (did it well in a four-runner race); wore cheekpieces that day and on her only Flat run since, but they are off today; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

7th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 53y

Class 5

16:37 Hereford

East End Girl

11st 6lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Alastair Ralph

C&D winner who posted a solid third of 15 back over C&D in December; comes here on the back of a recent run on the Flat so can't be dismissed.

7/1

9th

7

(7)

2nd Feb 2026

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

East End Girl

9st 6lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Alastair Ralph

Good third of 15 over hurdles in December, on her second run after a long absence; now switches back to Flat but she's well treated on old form, including a 2m win on Tapeta at Newcastle; one to keep an eye on.

12/1

14/1

Form: 243325

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Reached the frame for the fifth race in succession when second to Aqwaam over 2m at Newcastle on AW debut in first-time cheekpieces, which have been kept since; not quite so good at Chelmsford (1m6f) last Friday but this return to 2m and Tapeta may help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 5

15:40 Doncaster

Animato

11st 6lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Had plenty of Flat racing and won five times; 0-6 as a hurdler and after his fourth to The Resdev Tyke on Boxing Day he ran no race at Sedgefield; others preferred.

16/1

7th

1

4th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 5

14:42 Sedgefield

Animato

12st 0lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Donald McCain

Five-time Flat winner who is 0-5 over hurdles but ran pretty well when fourth of 11 at Wetherby (2m, soft) on Boxing Day on his first handicap start in this code; today's extra yardage looks a plus and he's in with a chance.

11/2

OUR TIP

Form: 457464 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Can front-run; 2lb higher at Goodwood (2m) in June when he registered his only win this year; some respectable efforts since, including when fourth to Aqwaam at Newcastle last time, but others are preferred for the win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(13)

29th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

19:25 Down Royal

Pons Aelius

9st 9lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: H D McGuigan

Six-time winner at up to 2m in Britain but yet to hit any sort of form for current yard; career-low mark and tongue-tie tried so don't rule out.

12/1

11th

7

(16)

3rd May 2026

Good

1m 5f 190y

15:22 Sligo

Pons Aelius

9st 11lb

J: Gabriella Hill

T: H D McGuigan

Donegal yard likes to pick up horses with back-form, often from Britain, and try to rejuvenate them; six-time winner at up to 2m but hasn't been finishing out his races in Ireland and been off a while.

18/1

8th

9

(9)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

2m 0f 0y

17:15 Dundalk (AW)

Pons Aelius

9st 0lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: H D McGuigan

Six-time winner for Charlie Johnston and best form over this trip; poor on first two runs for this yard at big prices; better than bare result when beaten over 5l at Gowran last May; yard's first runner of the year won on Tuesday; no surprise were he to go well after a break with leading claimer aboard.

20/1

Form: 076343 D

Last run: 78 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
8yo who is 0-10 this year despite coming steadily down the weights; the move back up from 1m6f can help and he probably won't be far away but others are preferred for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(8)

2nd Apr 2024

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Smart Champion

9st 8lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: David Simcock

Has been a useful stayer in his time but losing run is up to 16, despite him having fallen 21lb below his last winning mark, and last two efforts were well below his best; best to look elsewhere.

10/1

7th

6

(8)

2nd Apr 2024

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Smart Champion

9st 8lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: David Simcock

Has been a useful stayer in his time but losing run is up to 16, despite him having fallen 21lb below his last winning mark, and last two efforts were well below his best; best to look elsewhere.

10/1

8th

6

(6)

27th Mar 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Smart Champion

8st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

Defied a much higher mark over C&D in 2022; however, recent form is nowhere near that level and he finished behind two of these rivals here five weeks ago; losing sequence looks set to continue.

16/1

66/1

Form: -90P88 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Multiple turf winner whose latest success came over hurdles in May; in a rut over hurdles, on Flat and AW since, however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

15th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 26y

Class 5

16:20 Wetherby

Red Force One

11st 11lb

J: Miss Natasha Cookson

T: Philip Kirby

Well-beaten when back over hurdles last month but stayed on well from poor position to go close under Natasha Cookson at Kelso (2m5f, good) ten days ago and looks well worth a crack at 3m.

7/2

10

16th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 4

14:10 Uttoxeter

Red Force One

11st 1lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

Won small-field Flat marathon off much reduced mark last month but has not run over hurdles since summer 2023 and his current ability in this sphere is hard to gauge; best suited by good or faster ground.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £31.40
Straight Forecast £24.98
Tricast £35.87
Trifecta £69.00

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Aqwaam

SPOTLIGHT:

Sea Me Dance

NEWMARKET:

Haaland

D Express:

Smart Champion

POSTDATA:

De Vega's Warrior

The Times:

Haaland

TOPSPEED:

Sea Me Dance

The Star:

Sea Me Dance

Daily Record:

Sea Me Dance

Telegraph:

Aqwaam

The Guardian:

Aqwaam

Daily Mail:

Aqwaam

Daily Mirror:

Aqwaam

The Sun:

Smart Champion