February 23 / 17.30 Wolverhampton (AW)

17.30

Standard

Win £2,000,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap

  • Prize money: £5757.4
  • 0m 7f 36y
  • Class 6
  • 12 runners
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Win £2,000,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Mostly cloudy

Form: 63334-

Last run: 66 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Ran well in first three three starts on the AW after joining this yard and his fourth of nine over C&D in December could hardly be working out better, but well held at Chelmsford (6f, Polytrack) yesterday which took his record to 0-24.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(2)

28th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:55 Goodwood

Northcliff

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ross Burdon

Runner-up in 6f handicaps at Thirsk and Newmarket this month; should run his race but a 3lb rise for the latest defeat does ask a stiffer question of him.

6/1

2nd

5

(4)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:02 Newmarket (July)

Northcliff

9st 11lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ross Burdon

Has a patchy profile but he won at Chepstow (7f, good to firm) in May and was runner-up over this trip at Thirsk (good) 13 days ago; back up 2lb in the weights but he was clear of the third last time and has claims if he can back that up.

13/2

2nd

1

(2)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Thirsk

Northcliff

9st 13lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Ross Burdon

Very disappointing at Ascot (7f, good to firm) three weeks ago which needs forgiving, but his Chepstow success (7f, good to firm) in May was the only occasion he has dropped into Class 6 company in more than two years; worth a second look.

9/2

4/1

Form: 955-27 BF

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
French turf winner who ran his best race for this yard when beaten less than a length into second of 11 behind a triple subsequent winner at Newcastle (7f, Tapeta) last month; didn't back it up there 15 days ago and interesting to see if the tongue-tie helps bring about a resurgence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

15

(21)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Beylerbeyi

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Ian Williams

Acts on good to soft but soft would be a worry; tricky to settle and is held up in rear; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f; 10lb higher today) last October and he's looked just as good on most starts since, without winning but late traffic woes seemingly prevented him from going close last time; without his usual jockey Billy Loughnane today but he was a close second last term under Clifford Lee; probably involved if he can get the breaks.

10/1

11

(1)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Beylerbeyi

10st 3lb

T: Ian Williams

100/30

4th

2

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Beylerbeyi

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Tricky to settle and is held up in rear; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 9lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year; back to near his best when eighth of 20 at Royal Ascot (2m4f) but he needs to hit a new high if he's to win this.

16/1

14/1

Form: 715-47 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 8lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Veteran who is back off the same mark as when winning narrowly at Chelmsford (7f, Polytrack) in December; has it to do from the outside stall, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(12)

30th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

20:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

Reputation

9st 12lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

13yo who reappeared with a win at Southwell in May before a good third over this C&D next time; however, he was well beaten at the former track last time and needs to bounce back.

20/1

9th

9

(1)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:05 Southwell (AW)

Reputation

8st 10lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

13yo who reappeared with a C&D win in May before a good third at Wolverhampton (7f, Tapeta) last month; most of these have something to prove whereas he arrives with very solid credentials.

6/1

3rd

8

(9)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Reputation

9st 6lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Ruth Carr

No sign at all of age wearying him during the winter, having won over C&D in November, and he returned from a break as fresh as paint with a 7f win at Southwell last month; back up 4lb; one of a few to consider.

8/1

25/1

Form: 1-8949 C

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Versatile trip-wise having been placed at up to 1m5f, while his latest win came over 6f here in December; rather in and out since and he failed to beat a rival at Newcastle (7f, Tapeta) six days ago; others safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

(4)

23rd Feb 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

One Last Hug

8st 12lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Jim Goldie

Versatile trip-wise having been placed at up to 1m5f, while his latest win came over 6f here in December; rather in and out since and he failed to beat a rival at Newcastle (7f, Tapeta) six days ago; others safer.

25/1

9th

9

(3)

17th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

One Last Hug

8st 13lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Jim Goldie

Strong at the finish when landing a 6f handicap at Wolverhampton in December; good late headway over 6f here last week too; hard to win with but he's capable at this level.

14/1

4th

6

(6)

10th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:45 Newcastle (AW)

One Last Hug

9st 3lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Jim Goldie

towards rear, ran on from over 1f out, nearest finish

10/1

Form: /346-2

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced since gaining his sole success in the summer of 2022, but was surrounded by subsequent winners when beaten less than a length into second of ten on his return from another absence at Southwell (7f, Tapeta) last month; 2lb higher but still respected with a visor replacing the cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(11)

13th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:05 Chelmsford (AW)

Almodovar Del Rio

10st 6lb

J: Mr Curtis Wilson-Ruddock

T: Marco Botti

One of his better recent efforts when third of eight over C&D in January; now 3lb lower but just 1-23 and not certain to run to that same level.

14/1

3

(11)

15th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

16:05 Southwell (AW)

Almodovar Del Rio

11st 0lb

J: Mr Curtis Wilson-Ruddock

T: Marco Botti

Has a poor 1-22 strike-rate but he returned from a break with a good third at Chelmsford (7f) a fortnight ago and is also effective here and over 6f; could be involved.

7/1

3rd

1

(2)

30th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Almodovar Del Rio

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Marco Botti

midfield

7/1

16/1

Form: 3166-0 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
1lb lower than when gaining his fourth C&D success in October, but out of the frame in three starts since; well backed last time, though, so interesting to see if the money comes for him again now returned here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(7)

21st Mar 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Major Gatsby

9st 7lb

J: William Carson

T: Bill Turner

Won at Wolverhampton (7f, Tapeta) last October and now 2lb lower; however, he hasn't been at the same level on either outing this year and needs to raise his game; just one win from his last 17 starts.

16/1

6th

10

(7)

23rd Feb 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Major Gatsby

9st 3lb

J: William Carson

T: Bill Turner

1lb lower than when gaining his fourth C&D success in October, but out of the frame in three starts since; well backed last time, though, so interesting to see if the money comes for him again now returned here.

16/1

10th

5

(8)

8th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 6

13:15 Lingfield (AW)

Major Gatsby

9st 9lb

J: William Carson

T: Bill Turner

String of good runs on turf and AW last season and there were feasible excuses for his last two defeats (drawn wide/raced close to a strong pace); handicapped to be competitive.

10/1

Form: 117-59 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
All three AW wins at Southwell (7f, Tapeta), the latest two from 2lb lower last August/September; well held there 18 days ago (just behind Reputation) and something to prove on his first visit here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(3)

10th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 13lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Revived by the drop to 0-50 classified events, runner-up over 7f at Wolverhampton and then C&D before seeing off six rivals in a 1m event here last week; that was a notably weak race, even for the grade, and he has a bit more on his plate as he bids to defy a penalty.

5/2

1st

3

(7)

4th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

15:02 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: David & Nicola Barron

No win since 2024 and all his succes has come over 7f; that said, he is effective at this trip and arrives on the back of a pair of runner-up finishes at this level; unlikely to be found a better opportunity to register a first 1m success.

5/4

2nd

3

(2)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: David & Nicola Barron

Has won three times over C&D; clear of the remainder when runner-up in a Wolverhampton handicap last time; sound chance down in grade.

11/4

OUR TIP

Form: 332-6

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Twice placed on Tapeta in December, including when second of ten over C&D, but a well held sixth of ten on handicap debut back here last month; still unexposed and so may yet have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(11)

6th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

14:18 Kempton (AW)

Cobh Harbour

9st 6lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Mark Loughnane

Hung right for Mason Paetel, who was taking his first ride under rules, when below par last time; had previously been narrowly beaten as favourite by United Force and holds claims on that if Wolverhampton is ignored.

8/1

8th

9

(11)

6th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

14:18 Kempton (AW)

Cobh Harbour

9st 6lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Mark Loughnane

Hung right for Mason Paetel, who was taking his first ride under rules, when below par last time; had previously been narrowly beaten as favourite by United Force and holds claims on that if Wolverhampton is ignored.

8/1

8th

8

(7)

24th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

16:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Cobh Harbour

9st 8lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Mark Loughnane

in touch with leaders

6/1

14/1

Form: 332-38 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Placed in four consecutive starts on the AW between November and last month, but only beat one home at Lingfield (6f, Polytrack) three weeks ago; wide draw not helpful.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(3)

18th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 6

17:20 Lingfield (AW)

Vitalline

9st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Keiran Burke

Not very consistent, but has won nine races, eight on the AW; twice well held since winning a handicap at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) in June, but more than capable of playing a part if on a going day.

7/1

9th

12

(6)

4th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 1y

Class 6

18:48 Lingfield (AW)

Vitalline

8st 10lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Keiran Burke

Won over Newcastle's 6f in June (5lb lower) but he's very hit and miss and pulled hard when down the field at Southwell (stays 7f).

25/1

9th

10

(3)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

14:32 Southwell (AW)

Vitalline

8st 5lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Keiran Burke

Won Kempton classified (7f, Polytrack) in March and, after five unplaced runs, he returned to form with convincing handicap win at 20-1 at Newcastle (6f, Tapeta) last week; bang there if backing up that latest effort.

9/2

Form: 54-57

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Out of the frame in both starts here (6f/7f) since returning from 257 days off this month; unexposed after four starts, but more needed off this same mark as last time (due to drop 2lb at the weekend).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(3)

21st May 2024

Good

0m 7f 216y

Class 6

16:55 Brighton

Dolores Abernathy

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Loughnane

Lightly raced 4yo who displayed ability in maidens but she's been soundly beaten in her three handicaps, most recently at Bath (1m, good) last month; major turnaround needed in first-time headgear.

16/1

10th

1

(3)

21st May 2024

Good

0m 7f 216y

Class 6

16:55 Brighton

Dolores Abernathy

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Loughnane

Lightly raced 4yo who displayed ability in maidens but she's been soundly beaten in her three handicaps, most recently at Bath (1m, good) last month; major turnaround needed in first-time headgear.

16/1

8th

8

(8)

19th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:45 Bath

Dolores Abernathy

9st 3lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

dwelt start, in rear throughout

25/1

Form: 13-059 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Dual C&D winner early in 2022; not at his best since returned to the AW last month, but is back off the same mark as when successful at Musselburgh (7f, good) last August; case can be made.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(8)

27th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 53y

Class 6

18:30 Leicester

Sparkle In His Eye

9st 3lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Out of form on AW in early part of this year and his two recent turf runs were no better than respectable; continues to slide down the weights but needs to up his game.

12/1

5th

5

(3)

13th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

20:15 Musselburgh

Sparkle In His Eye

8st 13lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Below his best this year but he's dropped down the weights and Nottingham last week was a step back in the right direction; he's saved his peak efforts over the last two years for this C&D and is a very interesting contender back here; cheekpieces return (worn once in 2019, unplaced).

11/2

5th

3

(9)

5th Jun 2024

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 6

14:27 Nottingham

Sparkle In His Eye

9st 9lb

J: Alex Fielding

T: Micky Hammond

raced wide, in touch with leaders, no impression from 2f out, weakened inside final furlong

20/1

15/2

Form: /329-6

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Six-race maiden who was placed twice on turf (6f/7f) for Sylvester Kirk last September and was returning from 103 days off when not beaten far into sixth of 11 on stable/AW debut at Chelmsford (1m, Polytrack) last month; needs to find a bit more for the cheekpieces, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(6)

4th Jul 2024

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 6

17:00 Yarmouth

Seattle Time

9st 12lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Jack Jones

Maiden who's been turned over as favourite on four of his last six starts; pulled hard/hung left at Brighton last time and has the ability to win this in a first-time tongue-tie but there can only be so many excuses.

12/1

4th

1

(4)

25th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 210y

Class 6

18:55 Brighton

Seattle Time

9st 12lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Jack Jones

Has ability as he showed when second of 11 in the first-time hood at Yarmouth (1m, good to soft) last month, but he didn't back it up there (7f, soft) 12 days ago; now 0-11 and not quite sure what to expect.

2/1

3

(5)

13th Jun 2024

Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 6

14:00 Yarmouth

Seattle Time

9st 8lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Jack Jones

Maiden (0-10); runner-up on both visits to Yarmouth, including over 1m here (in a first-time hood) three weeks ago; shouldn't have any issue with the forecast conditions, so likely to have a say in the outcome.

5/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £32.88
Tricast £832.95

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Almodovar Del Rio

RP RATINGS:

Beylerbeyi

Telegraph:

Northcliff

The Star:

Homer Stokes

The Guardian:

Vitalline

The Times:

Beylerbeyi

D Express:

Beylerbeyi

Daily Mirror:

Beylerbeyi

The Sun:

Northcliff

POSTDATA:

Almodovar Del Rio

NEWMARKET:

Almodovar Del Rio

Daily Mail:

Almodovar Del Rio

Daily Record:

Almodovar Del Rio