January 30 / 18.30 Southwell (AW)

18.30

Standard

Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap

  • Prize money: £7731
  • 1m 0f 13y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
SKY
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Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

11/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 421-63 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Five wins on Tapeta/turf last year and ran as well as he has ever done when third of 12 at Lingfield (1m) ten days ago; unraced here but this more galloping track may suit; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(6)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Kings Code

9st 8lb

J: P J McDonald

T: David Evans

Second at this meeting in 2024 but only eighth in this race last year; had an excellent autumn on AW and won again in January, but he's struggled to make an impact in recent AW starts and his record is a lot stronger at up to 1m3f than at about 1m4f.

33/1

14th

3

(1)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Kings Code

9st 8lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: David Evans

He's never won off a mark this high and he needs to produce more than he's managed at Kempton and Lingfield on his last three starts; however, before those he won a 13-runner handicap over C&D with something to spare and the return to Newcastle could be in his favour; not ruled out each-way.

20/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 2212-1

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced and progressive 4yo; looks unlucky not to be bidding for a four-timer, winning twice at Wolverhampton (7f, Tapeta) but enduring a troubled passage when narrowly beaten there in between; being by Frankel he should stay this longer trip and respected despite 5lb higher mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(7)

10th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Smoky Mountain

10st 0lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Fellowes

Dual Tapeta winner who ran well from a wide stall on his Polytrack debut in August (first-time cheekpieces); not as good at Southwell last time but is back on his last winning mark and one of his wins came fresh, so the six-week break may help.

10/1

14th

9

(6)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:14 Southwell (AW)

Smoky Mountain

9st 7lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Charlie Fellowes

Can race too freely and hasn't won as often as one of his ability probably should, but he's on a good mark and turned in a solid effort in cheekpieces (retained) at Kempton two weeks ago; work to do with Ayr Harbour on that form though and his yard may have stronger claims with Kodi Lion.

16/1

3rd

7

(10)

14th Aug 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Smoky Mountain

9st 5lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Charlie Fellowes

in touch with leaders when on outer

10/1

12/1

  • Place: £4.60

Form: 1261-5 D BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Wolverhampton regular who has won three times at that track (8.6f/9.5f) since October, but finished out of the frame when sent off favourite there last time; makes his Southwell debut and needs to bounce back.
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

25/1

Form: 24846- D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Front-runs; 3lb lower than when beaten a neck at Kempton (1m) in October but losing run up to 14 and behind a couple of these at Wolverhampton (8.6f) last time; may have an easy lead, though, which is one positive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(4)

7th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

15:40 Pontefract

Larado

9st 9lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Three-time turf winner who is just 1lb higher than when winning at Lingfield (1m, AW) in February; hasn't been in the same form since and returns from a break today, but drops back down in grade and is not ruled out.

9/1

10th

12

(7)

4th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:50 Newmarket

Larado

9st 3lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Often front-runs; Lingfield AW in February ended his losing run and he was 33-1 when well held there in a Class 2 latest outing (rare start with this visor, instead of usual blinkers); second at Epsom last August showed some turf ability remained, but he's 2lb higher today and not the percentage call.

33/1

12/1

Form: 85584- D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner on Tapeta elsewhere but placed in both previous visits here (7f/1m); still 2lb higher than when last successful and although beaten less than 2l into fourth of eight at Wolverhampton (8.6f, Tapeta) last time, more will be needed to win a race of this nature.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(4)

24th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 4

14:05 Beverley

Gincident

9st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: James Owen

Narrowly beat Individualism when winning over C&D off 2lb lower in June (good to firm); excuses for two lesser runs since (soft ground; too free); contender.

6/1

2

(9)

10th Aug 2025

Good

1m 2f 100y

Class 4

15:45 Haydock

Gincident

10st 1lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: James Owen

Soft ground provides an excuse for below-par effort last time; solid record (1333121) otherwise for current stable and gained the most recent success, at Beverley (1m2f, good to firm), in game fashion; remains of interest.

6/1

9th

8

(12)

24th Jul 2025

Soft

1m 2f 23y

Class 2

20:40 Yarmouth

Gincident

8st 11lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: James Owen

In very good form since being upped to 1m2f, which continued when he won at Beverley (1m2f, good to firm) last month; it's a long time since he ran well on slow ground but he's in the mix if the surface isn't an issue.

13/2

Form: 1943-1 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Hold-up performer who is 4-8 around here and put up a career-best performance when winning over C&D this month; 3lb rise puts him back on a career-high mark, but he should have the race run to suit and his record at this venue makes him a major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(1)

26th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 4

15:50 Redcar

Eligible

9st 6lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Veteran who won over 7f at Southwell in January but has been rather below his best since; equally effective on turf and has won over 1m on fast ground; others look better handicapped.

16/1

8th

4

(8)

25th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Eligible

9st 6lb

J: Lewis Chalkley

T: Michael & David Easterby

Seven of his 12 wins have been here (five over this trip); has never won off a mark this high however and most likely needs to drop a few pounds.

20/1

8th

3

(8)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Eligible

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

No signs of age dimming his enthusiasm, completing a December/January hat-trick (second leg over 1m here); a slow start didn't help when sixth of 12 at Southwell last time and he can be treated as if still in form.

14/1

Form: 681-92

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Had two of today's rivals behind when ending a 15-race losing run on his second start for this yard at Wolverhampton (8.6f, Tapeta) last month and ran to a similar level when second of 12 there (9.5f) last time; each-way claims from the same mark on his first visit here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

(9)

30th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ernies Valentine

8st 10lb

J: Phoebe Edwards

T: Ross Burdon

Seven wins on the AW; consistent in the main and ran okay over the 8.6f here ten days ago, leaving the impression that this longer trip is worth another go.

14/1

4th

3

(5)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ernies Valentine

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Ross Burdon

Seven times an AW winner, twice over C&D; back to his last winning mark and Jack Mitchell takes over from a 7lb claimer; one to take seriously.

4/1

8th

8

(1)

10th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

17:08 Southwell (AW)

Ernies Valentine

9st 7lb

J: Phoebe Edwards

T: Ross Burdon

Reliable sort who comes here on the back of a solid fifth of 12 in 7f handicap here 18 days ago; he ought to be in the shake-up once more.

5/1

10/1

Form: 3368-4 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Was 6lb lower than when winning at Newcastle (1m) last April when a close fourth of 11 there this month; now has his first start here and he may prefer a stiffer 1m than this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(1)

25th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Skilled Warrior

9st 8lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

Pleasing return from over eight months off in February; no issue with dropping back to 1m 19 days ago but proved disappointing; rather watch.

7/2

6th

4

(1)

6th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Skilled Warrior

9st 7lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

Last win gained in C&D Class 4 two years ago; most recently runner-up in 1m2f Class 6 here off 249-day absence (beaten by Rock Armour who runs in the 5.30); player if backing that up.

5/1

2nd

9

(12)

14th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

16:57 Newcastle (AW)

Skilled Warrior

9st 4lb

J: Harrison Shaw

T: Grant Tuer

His last win was in April 2023 and he generally struggled in eight runs last year; has dropped a long way in the weights but he has lots to prove after 249 days off.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 7188-4 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Has improved in each of his three starts since returning for this yard last month, finishing fourth of 12 at Lingfield (1m, Polytrack) ten days ago (just over a length behind King's Code); back off his last winning mark and considered if coping with the track (first visit here) and responding positively to the hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(9)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:50 Catterick

Darwell Lion

9st 8lb

J: Sam James

T: Ruth Carr

Dropped a long way in the weights for this yard; retains ability judged on this year's AW best but he has more to prove on turf.

16/1

9th

9

(3)

18th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:54 Thirsk

Darwell Lion

8st 12lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

dwelt start, took keen hold, in rear early, headway into midfield after 2f

10/1

9th

9

(3)

18th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:54 Thirsk

Darwell Lion

8st 12lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

dwelt start, took keen hold, in rear early, headway into midfield after 2f

10/1

Form: 414-47 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Eight Tapeta wins including three here but beaten three times since winning from 4lb lower over C&D last month and this may be a bit too competitive for him; stable also runs Shaw Park.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(6)

12th Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

17:22 Yarmouth

Visibility

9st 9lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Scott Dixon

In good form this spring, winning at Thirsk (1m, good) and over C&D (good to firm) last month; front pair were 6l clear that day and if he can maintain that level of form he'd still look well treated despite a 5lb rise.

3/1

1st

1

(1)

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

17:00 Yarmouth

Visibility

9st 9lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Scott Dixon

Has registered most wins on AW but ran creditably last Saturday when bidding for a Thirsk (1m) double; this 8yo remains in form and is still well treated on historical data.

5/1

1st

1

(1)

22nd May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

17:00 Yarmouth

Visibility

9st 9lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Scott Dixon

Has registered most wins on AW but ran creditably last Saturday when bidding for a Thirsk (1m) double; this 8yo remains in form and is still well treated on historical data.

5/1

11th
1 (7)
Troon

16/1

Form: /063-6

Last run: 3 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Kempton novice winner for Eve Johnson Houghton as 2yo; encouraging yard debut when third at Newcastle (7f, Tapeta) in November but off for 11 weeks before beating one home at Kempton on Saturday; something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

8

(5)

4th Jul 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Troon

9st 2lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Adam West

midfield

66/1

13th

4

(2)

26th Jun 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Troon

10st 0lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Adam West

Lightly raced since making a winning debut here (7f) in October 2022; well beaten on his debut for his third different yard at Lingfield (1m2f, Polytrack; first-time tongue-tie) in March and has been absent for another three months since; look elsewhere.

33/1

14th

13

(1)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

14:05 Lingfield (AW)

Troon

9st 1lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Adam West

Kempton novice winner for Eve Johnson Houghton as 2yo; had three runs for Nigel Tinkler, failing to build on a good first one, and sold on for 7,500gns; new trainer fits a tongue-tie over today's new trip (unraced beyond 1m).

40/1

9/1

Form: 921-14 CD BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Returned to winning form at Wolverhampton (9.5f, Tapeta) last month and was making his first visit here when winning over C&D this month, but he disappointed in his hat-trick bid under a penalty at Lingfield (1m, Polytrack) four days later (usually goes well there); back down 2lb and shortlisted if the return to this venue helps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

17

(7)

29th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

17:40 Down Royal

Goldsmith

8st 13lb

T: H D McGuigan

Third reserve; five AW wins when trained in Britain; mostly below form for this yard.

12th

8

(3)

10th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Goldsmith

9st 8lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: H D McGuigan

Five AW wins when trained in Britain; mostly below form on turf recently for this yard, though was second at Naas over 1m; can do better back on AW.

33/1

2

(8)

1st Oct 2025

Good To Yielding

0m 7f 205y

14:13 Bellewstown

Goldsmith

10st 0lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: H D McGuigan

All five wins in Britain came on AW at 1m-1m2f; 0-14 on turf but was second in a big field at Naas in July so has it in him to go well; hood removed.

10/1

13th
13 (5)
Shaw Park

14/1

Form: 074-43

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Ran well when beaten just over a length into third of seven at Newcastle (7f, Tapeta) 11 days ago, but held by Eligible on previous C&D running and now 0-8; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(1)

11th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:15 Southwell (AW)

Shaw Park

9st 4lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Scott Dixon

Good third over a mile here last month but he failed to back it up over that same distance 11 days ago; perhaps vulnerable once again.

16/1

10th

11

(7)

28th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Shaw Park

9st 0lb

J: Laura Coughlan

T: Scott Dixon

Record of 1-27 on AW but he gave it a good shot when third behind Aisling Oscar over C&D three weeks ago; on same mark here and he could be in the mix again.

12/1

3rd

3

(1)

5th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Shaw Park

9st 7lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

4-13 on turf but just 1-26 on AW; returned from five-month break with low-key 7f run here on Friday and remains on the same fairly tough mark.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £12.00
Straight Forecast £11.05
Tricast £100.08
Trifecta £136.80

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Smoky Mountain

SPOTLIGHT:

Eligible

NEWMARKET:

Smoky Mountain

The Times:

Smoky Mountain

Telegraph:

Smoky Mountain

D Express:

Smoky Mountain

Daily Mirror:

Smoky Mountain

The Sun:

Smoky Mountain

The Star:

Smoky Mountain

Daily Record:

Smoky Mountain

TOPSPEED:

Eligible

POSTDATA:

Eligible

The Guardian:

Eligible

Daily Mail:

Eligible