January 05 / 18.00 Wolverhampton (AW)

18.00

Standard

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  • Prize money: £4972.3
  • 1m 1f 104y
  • Class 4
  • 9 runners
SKY
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Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 622-

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Improved with each of his three runs in the autumn, failing by just a neck at Newcastle in November (1m; solid form); should be capable of better and the longer trip looks likely to suit; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(8)

6th Sep 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Inspiritus

8st 12lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Progressive on AW, winning twice (9.5f/1m2f); has failed to transfer that form back to turf (1m2f) in last two outings but gives the impression this return to 1m is worth exploring; difficult to write off.

10/1

8th

6

(9)

15th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

20:00 Windsor

Inspiritus

8st 11lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Roger Varian

Major improver in 1m2f AW handicaps, quickening up smartly at Lingfield in March (hood discarded, now refitted; Andaleep back in third); said to have been unsuited by Chester's tight turns when way back there in May; needs to show he's as good on turf as AW but remains of interest.

9/2

11th

1

(6)

9th May 2024

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

16:10 Chester

Inspiritus

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: Roger Varian

Big improver in AW handicaps this year, running out a decisive winner of a 14-runner race over 1m2f at Lingfield on Good Friday; a 5lb rise doesn't look enough to stop him if proving as effective on turf (9l second in a maiden on previous attempt).

3/1

7/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 27864- CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Three AW wins in the first half of 2023, including C&D, and he's now back to his last winning mark; fair effort here 17 days ago but more will be needed to come out on top.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(5)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Arcadian Nights

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Record of 10-33 on AW features six wins at Wolverhampton, including in this race (off just 1lb lower) last year; close fourth at Lingfield for an encouraging start to his 2026 campaign; fighting chance.

7/2

4th

4

(5)

10th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Lingfield (AW)

Arcadian Nights

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Best known as a Wolverhampton specialist (six wins), but is 2-5 over C&D and the middle leg of his hat-trick early last year included this race off 3lb lower; interesting.

7/1

10th

4

(7)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 2f 17y

Class 3

16:05 Epsom

Arcadian Nights

9st 8lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Mark Loughnane

Has a much better stirke-rate on AW than on turf; form dipped back in this sphere when last seen; on a difficult mark and isn't the percentage call.

25/1

7/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 11366- CD BF

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Ready win in a C&D Class 6 on his return to action in October and he followed up when getting the better of Master Of Combat here in November; 2lb better off with that rival today but his progress has stalled in three runs since; needs to raise his game to win but it's possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(6)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Tiger Beetle

9st 3lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Thomas Faulkner

Three-time C&D winner who's getting on and been on the downgrade since missing a year; found his level again lately but is some way down the pecking order.

16/1

5th

2

(7)

10th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Tiger Beetle

9st 9lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Thomas Faulkner

Used to stay this sort of trip; very low-key start for this yard but has gradually found his level and was blinkered when third in 9.5f course selling handicap ten days ago; cheekpieces, previously worn without success, are refitted.

10/1

3rd

4

(2)

31st Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Tiger Beetle

9st 5lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Thomas Faulkner

Won three over C&D and once on turf when trained by Mark Rimell; has not been in the same form since and blinkers now replace cheekpieces; down to a career-low mark but doesn't look ready to take advantage.

12/1

Form: 28343-

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Seven-race maiden who has consistent AW form, most recently a front-running third over 1m2f at Lingfield two weeks ago; more will be needed to break her duck.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(7)

23rd Jun 2024

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 1

15:00 Pontefract

Avon Light

9st 2lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Consistent handicapper until form dipped sharply in the Goodwood race won by Ayyab; stiff task at the weights, upped to Listed grade.

33/1

9th

7

(8)

24th May 2024

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 3

15:00 Goodwood

Avon Light

9st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Maiden prior to finding the winning thread on AW in February/April, then ran creditably at Ascot (1m2f, good) in hat-trick attempt; remains in form and gives the impression she's worth a crack at 1m4f.

10/1

9th

7

(8)

24th May 2024

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 3

15:00 Goodwood

Avon Light

9st 7lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Maiden prior to finding the winning thread on AW in February/April, then ran creditably at Ascot (1m2f, good) in hat-trick attempt; remains in form and gives the impression she's worth a crack at 1m4f.

10/1

Form: 11261- CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Barely put a foot wrong since returning to AW in October, winning three of his last five starts; 2lb rise for latest win (extended 1m) manageable and another good run looks on the cards.
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

8/1

Form: 2154-

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who won a 1m novice at Newcastle on his second start last March; raced freely in a steadily run 1m2f handicap at Newcastle on his return from a seven-month break four weeks ago, tiring in the closing stages; can do better and this represents an ease in class.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(4)

17th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Afterwards

9st 7lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Ollie Pears

Won a C&D novice last March; only had two handicap runs but he'll need to raise his game if he's to come out on top in this field.

25/1

6th

2

(2)

5th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Afterwards

9st 10lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ollie Pears

Lightly raced 4yo who won a 1m novice at Newcastle on his second start last March; raced freely in a steadily run 1m2f handicap at Newcastle on his return from a seven-month break four weeks ago, tiring in the closing stages; can do better and this represents an ease in class.

8/1

4th

7

(7)

9th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

15:30 Newcastle (AW)

Afterwards

8st 7lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ollie Pears

took keen hold, prominent, went second after 1f

14/1

OUR TIP

8/1

Form: 06745-

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
His last two runs haven't been too bad (C&D latest) but he's still to add to his debut win and today's drop in class may not be enough to see him resume winning ways.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(11)

4th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Great Max

9st 11lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

bumped start, midfield

10/1

11th

3

(2)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:14 Southwell (AW)

Great Max

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: David O’Meara

Made a winning debut as a 2yo but beaten on his next 23 starts; revitalised by a drop into Class 5 company though, winning 7f handicaps at Haydock and Doncaster (impressed in a good Topspeed figure); up 7lb for last time but still has some handicapping scope.

7/1

Form: 23010- CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
C&D winner who won three times at Lingfield last year; low-key return from a break at Kempton 16 days ago but likely to be seen to better effect today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Forge Valley Lad

10st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

Was snapping a losing run when prevailing narrowly at Lingfield (1m4f) but then followed up over the same C&D ten days ago, defying a 4lb penalty without being overly pressed; only 2lb higher for this despite another penalty, but stamina for 2m is unproven.

4/1

1

(7)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Forge Valley Lad

10st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

Was snapping a losing run when prevailing narrowly at Lingfield (1m4f) but then followed up over the same C&D ten days ago, defying a 4lb penalty without being overly pressed; only 2lb higher for this despite another penalty, but stamina for 2m is unproven.

4/1

1st

1

(1)

13th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

15:30 Lingfield (AW)

Forge Valley Lad

9st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

took keen hold, prominent, steadied into midfield with one circuit to go, hung left over 1f out, pushed along and ran on well inside final furlong, led final 110yds, comfortably

15/8

Form: 2146- D

Last run: 59 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
1m2f winner on heavy turf in September, his second outing; form dipped markedly on his handicap debut at Chelmsford in November but too soon to write him off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

3

(11)

29th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Ayr

Man Of Monaco

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Lucinda Russell

Heavy-ground novice winner for Charlie Johnston in September but left that stable after running poorly in two AW handicaps, and has shown only minor promise in two juvenile hurdles for Lucinda Russell this year; tongue-tie and cheekpieces added today.

25/1

14th

3

(11)

29th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Ayr

Man Of Monaco

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Lucinda Russell

Heavy-ground novice winner for Charlie Johnston in September but left that stable after running poorly in two AW handicaps, and has shown only minor promise in two juvenile hurdles for Lucinda Russell this year; tongue-tie and cheekpieces added today.

25/1

4th

3

10th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

13:35 Kelso

Man Of Monaco

11st 2lb

J: Stephen Mulqueen

T: Lucinda Russell

7-1, hinted at promise on his hurdling/yard debut when a remote second in juvenile at Wetherby in January; this fair 1m2f scorer on the Flat for Charlie Johnston needs considering with better probably to come.

9/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £55.60
Straight Forecast £59.33
Tricast £267.57
Trifecta £261.60

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Inspiritus

RP RATINGS:

Tiger Beetle

SPOTLIGHT:

Master Of Combat

LAMBOURN:

Avon Light

Telegraph:

Afterwards

The Times:

Arcadian Nights

TOPSPEED:

Forge Valley Lad

D Express:

Inspiritus

The Sun:

Inspiritus

The Star:

Inspiritus

Daily Record:

Inspiritus

POSTDATA:

Tiger Beetle

The Guardian:

Tiger Beetle

Daily Mirror:

Tiger Beetle

Daily Mail:

Master Of Combat