February 24 / 17.05 Southwell (AW)

17.05

Standard

BetUK. It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap

  • Prize money: £13085
  • 2m 0f 102y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
SKY
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BetUK. It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

9/2 (Won)

Form: 31/3-1

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Ran only respectably in two handicap hurdles this winter but he took a step forward back on the Flat when leading in the final strides at Lingfield (2m) three weeks ago; only nudged 2lb and he remains unexposed on the level, particularly over 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(18)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Spartan Army

8st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Alan King

Flat form took off again last winter with the switch to AW, winning three in a row before his creditable third at Newcastle on finals day, all over 2m; ran respectably on turf in April on latest outing; each-way claims.

11/1

19

(7)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

19:15 Ascot

Spartan Army

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Reserve; won three in a row over 2m on AW early this year; has run well in defeat the last twice, most recently travelling well when finishing fifth back on turf at Newbury (2m, good to soft); he may benefit from this drop back in distance and could give a good account.

25/1

5th

5

(5)

19th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:45 Newbury

Spartan Army

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

disputed lead early, headed and prominent after 1f

5/1

11/4

Form: 31/1-1

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Horse

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
German Flat winner who was quite useful over hurdles for Fergal O'Brien in the 2022-23 season and has made a really positive start for his new yard back on the Flat in recent months, landing a pair of 1m6f handicaps at Wolverhampton; won going away from a subsequent dual winner latterly and the step up to 2m for the first time on the Flat promises to suit this half-brother to Prix du Cadran winner Princess Zoe; can defy the handicapper again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

2nd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 7f 200y

19:00 Clonmel

Palace Boy

12st 0lb

J: Mr P W Gleeson

T: John F Gleeson

Hurdles winner for Fergal O'Brien and ran in the 2023 Supreme Novices'; three-time Flat winner; back from long absence when tailed off on sole Flat outing for Barry Brennan in December; bought for just £1,400 in January; Irish/handicap hurdle debut.

12/1

12th

5

(3)

11th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

13:30 Ascot

Palace Boy

9st 4lb

J: George Rooke

T: Ralph J Smith

Progressive over 1m6f/2m on AW for new yard, until form dipped on finals day; drops back in grade but reverts to a different scenario; hasn't raced over 1m4f or tackled a Flat turf race since 2020 when trained in Germany.

10/1

12th

5

(3)

11th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

13:30 Ascot

Palace Boy

9st 4lb

J: George Rooke

T: Ralph J Smith

Progressive over 1m6f/2m on AW for new yard, until form dipped on finals day; drops back in grade but reverts to a different scenario; hasn't raced over 1m4f or tackled a Flat turf race since 2020 when trained in Germany.

10/1

16/1

Form: 708-76 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Two respectable efforts on AW since returning from wind surgery, beaten under 2l when sixth to Spartan Army at Lingfield (2m) latterly; is back on the mark he defied at Goodwood last May.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(10)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

First Emperor

9st 6lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: John Ryan

Some creditable efforts over 2m this year and he wasn't far behind Red Flyer in a Class 2 over C&D (sixth of 13) last time; his losing run is mounting up but he's edging down the weights and could go well on this drop back in grade.

14/1

6th

13

(7)

1st Mar 2024

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:47 Lingfield (AW)

First Emperor

8st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Ryan

pushed along soon after start, towards rear after 2f

16/1

3rd

5

(4)

24th Feb 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

17:05 Southwell (AW)

First Emperor

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Ryan

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway over 3f out, soon outpaced, rallied from 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, went third towards finish, not pace to challenge

16/1

11/1

Form: 1004-4

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Has recorded creditable fourths over C&D and at Wolverhampton (2m) since returning from wind surgery, finishing well on both occasions; unexposed at 2m; each-way claims.
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

9/1

Form: 35-243

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Ex-French performer who has reached the frame in AW handicaps between 1m4f and 2m on his last three outings; cheekpieces he wore last time are left off; competitive from his mark but will need to find more if he's to gain a first career success here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(3)

17th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 208y

Class 5

15:27 Nottingham

Simiyann

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Better expected last time, after two poor efforts and back to the visor from cheekpieces, but ran below market expectations in finishing behind Merrijig; 2lb better off today but has work to do if he's to turn things round.

3/1

4th

5

(4)

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 6

20:39 Ffos Las

Simiyann

9st 4lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

C&D win last August came off an 8lb higher mark; the booking of Billy Loughnane will draw some in, back to the visor worn for his two AW victories, but two poor efforts on turf lately will need overlooking.

12/1

10th

4

(5)

8th Jun 2026

Good

2m 1f 27y

Class 6

20:00 Pontefract

Simiyann

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ian Williams

Two 2m wins last year on good and faster ground; a return to hurdling stalled his progress and hasn't been at his best back on the Flat in his last two races, though 1m4f was on the short side after a break at Newbury; could stage a revival.

14/1

12/1

Form: /6-113 C BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Two narrow wins over 1m6f here last month; didn't find 1m4f at Newcastle placing enough emphasis on stamina for him when third of seven on his hat-trick bid; the return to 2m promises to suit but he is 5lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

13

(11)

24th Feb 2024

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

17:05 Southwell (AW)

King Viktor

8st 9lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Brian Ellison

disputed lead, led at slow pace after 2f

12/1

3rd

5

(7)

27th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

King Viktor

9st 5lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

pressed leader, pushed along to lead over 1f out, soon ridden, headed inside final furlong, no extra and lost second inside final 110yds

9/4

4

(2)

23rd Jan 2024

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

King Viktor

9st 9lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Promise here on his return from a long absence in November and he found plenty for pressure when landing a C&D handicap 12 days ago; 2lb rise shouldn't prevent another big run.

5/2

10/1

Form: 912-46 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won easily by 4l on 1m4f course stable debut in December; lost out only narrowly in Class 2 race back here (1m4f again) 17 days later (front pair clear) but his two subsequent efforts have been a bit disappointing; needs to resume his progression now tackling 2m for just a second time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(3)

17th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 4

17:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Heathen

9st 10lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Jennie Candlish

Of his five AW wins, two have come at this track, one over today's distance; respectable third at Chester (2m, good) on his reappearance in May but needs to be at the top of his game here as he is 5lb above his last winning mark.

6/1

25/1

Form: 7947-0

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Failed to progress for William Haggas and soundly beaten in two starts for new yard this winter (well behind Palace Boy at Wolverhampton latterly).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(7)

13th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Lingfield (AW)

Educator

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Henrietta C Knight

His last win was 14 months ago but he made some good late headway when runner-up at Windsor (11.4f, good to firm) last month; only 1lb higher here and he looks interesting back up in trip.

8/1

2nd

2

(7)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 3f 99y

Class 5

20:30 Windsor

Educator

9st 8lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Henrietta C Knight

Defied an 8lb higher mark over C&D in May 2025 but was in better form at the time; chance depends on the effects of a belated third attempt in blinkers (last worn in 2023).

8/1

11th

13

(9)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

18:10 Newbury

Educator

9st 5lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Henrietta C Knight

Won twice over about 1m4f (AW/good to firm) last spring and he's thrown in judged on that form; twice close up on AW in January and a respectable third at Bath (2m) in April, before Ascot 2m race last week proved too tough; there's a rethink on trip today and cheekpieces (last used in June 2024) return.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 8/45-5 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Four wins at staying trips for Keith Dalgleish in 2022; has shown he retains his ability in three 2m AW handicaps for Charlie Johnston this winter; has the tongue-tie he wore regularly during his time with Keith Dalgleish refitted on this first outing for Lucinda Russell.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:20 Wetherby

Evaluation

11st 12lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Useful Flat racer who is still unexposed over hurdles and was close second in Perth handicap (2m, good) on latest outing two months ago; only 2lb higher here and ought to be right in the thick of things again.

7/2

5

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 2

18:07 Perth

Evaluation

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Smart handicapper on the Flat; a tad disappointing so far over hurdles given his ability but was close up in a C&D handicap three months ago when a stronger pace would have suited; could yet raise his profile in this discipline; 2lb out of the weights.

5/1

3

15th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 3

15:53 Perth

Evaluation

11st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Useful Flat performer (second in the 2024 Northumberland Plate); not as good over hurdles so far, winning over 2m at Ayr on debut in November (good; first run after wind surgery) and last time finishing runner-up at Kelso (2m, good); quite interesting on h'cap debut.

11/4

16/1

Form: 29/5-2

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Fell over hurdles on his final two starts for Olly Murphy but made a sound return to the Flat for his new stable when second over 1m4f here 19 days ago, with reopposing pair Animato and Simiyann behind in third/fourth; this is much the longest trip he's tackled on the Flat; 2lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(2)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 32y

Class 5

15:30 Carlisle

Swinging London

9st 4lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: John Mackie

Five wins on AW, including at Southwell (1m6f) last time; may remain competitive but looks by no means guaranteed to follow up, being 0-15 in Flat turf events; just 1-20 over hurdles.

6/1

1st

3

(2)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Swinging London

9st 7lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: John Mackie

Dual C&D winner; beaten 2l when fourth of six here last month and he was unfortunate not to go even closer when fourth of 12 at Pontefract (1m4f, good to soft; short of room late on) 16 days ago; switches back to the AW with a good chance.

7/4

4th

3

(7)

7th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

16:27 Pontefract

Swinging London

9st 7lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: John Mackie

Returned to the Flat with respectable fourth of six at Southwell (1m4f, AW) last month but is still 3lb higher than for narrow AW win last autumn, and his Flat turf strike-rate is 0-14.

10/1

Form: 875-66 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Dual winner on Newcastle's Tapeta but hasn't seriously threatened in a handful of starts since returning from over a year off; down to a mark in the 70s for the first time in a while but others are still preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

18

(3)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Haveyoumissedme

8st 10lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

8yo who has run 19 times at Newcastle (vastly more than any other track) and had two wins here plus five seconds; second in this race in 2022 and 12th in 2024; his most fruitful trip this year has been 1m2f but he won over 1m6f last November and was a C&D second last August; has a competitive mark too, for a stable in good form.

14/1

3rd

6

(12)

1st May 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Haveyoumissedme

9st 7lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Stays a deal further but has always liked it here and has run well a couple of times over C&D this year; a good pace would help but finished behind Say What You See on turf last time and others hold stronger claims.

12/1

7th

12

(1)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 4

17:45 Musselburgh

Haveyoumissedme

9st 2lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Absent 348 days before last September but usually competitive since regaining his fitness and went down by a head last month on latest outing; tenth in this race in 2024 on his only appearance at Musselburgh but he's firmly in the mix on other counts.

11/1

12th
10 (5)
Animato

16/1

Form: 258-53

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Creditable third over 1m4f here 19 days ago; fully effective at 2m but he's now 0-15 since scoring in a small field at Doncaster in July 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

14:35 Cartmel

Animato

11st 11lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Ran well for a long way when third of seven on latest hurdling start, at Doncaster (2m, soft) in February, and will be fine on the faster ground here but recent Flat form has been underwhelming; others appeal more.

10/1

3rd

5

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 47y

Class 5

20:09 Carlisle

Animato

9st 8lb

J: Miss Lizzie O’Neill

T: Donald McCain

Five-time Flat winner for David O'Meara but hasn't really threatened to add to tally on the Flat or over hurdles for this yard, including back on the level last month.

25/1

5th

1

(1)

25th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 6

18:00 Hamilton

Animato

11st 2lb

J: Miss Lizzie O’Neill

T: Donald McCain

Five-time Flat winner, the latest in May 2024, and he ran okay in February on his last hurdle start; he may have needed the run when back on the Flat three weeks ago and is not ruled out off a reduced mark.

16/1

25/1

Form: 0196-0 CD

Last run: 54 days

W: 9st 10lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Durable veteran who scored twice on AW in the autumn (including C&D) but he's been well held in last three runs; back on a winning mark but others are still preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(2)

8th Jul 2024

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

16:05 Ayr

Sir Chauvelin

8st 4lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

held up in last

9/1

4th

9

(9)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 26y

Class 2

17:55 Ayr

Sir Chauvelin

8st 8lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Jim Goldie

Veteran who has won lots of races but hard to be confident in current vein of form.

20/1

10th

8

(7)

9th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:30 Goodwood

Sir Chauvelin

9st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: Jim Goldie

steadied start, in rear

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £18.69
Tricast £217.32

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Palace Boy

POSTDATA:

Spartan Army

TOPSPEED:

Animato

NEWMARKET:

First Emperor

D Express:

Evaluation

RP RATINGS:

Palace Boy

The Times:

Palace Boy

Telegraph:

Palace Boy

The Guardian:

Palace Boy

Daily Mail:

Palace Boy

Daily Mirror:

Palace Boy

The Sun:

Palace Boy

The Star:

Palace Boy

Daily Record:

Palace Boy