April 28 / 16.50 Southwell (AW)

16.50

Standard

Read Harry Cobden’s Blog At Planet Sport Bet Handicap

  • Prize money: £14850
  • 0m 6f 16y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Read Harry Cobden’s Blog At Planet Sport Bet Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Light rain

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 46-361 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 5yo who has endured some lengthy absences but his win at Kempton (6f, Polytrack) last time shows that the ability remains; has winning form on Tapeta (at Wolverhampton) and is respected from 3lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(2)

11th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 42y

Class 5

15:20 Yarmouth

Al Barez

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Tom Clover

Losing run up to 15, but has been running well in defeat as when beaten less than a length into third of ten at Windsor (5f, good) last month; races off the same mark, but he is another for whom this trip looks sharp enough.

100/30

3rd

7

(8)

18th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

18:40 Windsor

Al Barez

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Tom Clover

His last win was off 15lb higher but that was on AW in April 2024 and he has mixed record in four runs this year; ran well at Kempton (6f) in March but he was remote when third at Leicester last time and needs to bounce back again after that disappointing effort.

10/1

3rd

2

(5)

13th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:22 Leicester

Al Barez

9st 8lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Tom Clover

Losing turf run goes back four years and he wasn't particularly convincing on grass in the middle months of 2025; however, he is 11lb lower than the latest attempt and his recent AW run at Kempton was quite encouraging; revival on the cards with Rossa Ryan up for the first time.

5/2

6/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 411247 CD

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Not disgraced when beaten less than 2l into seventh of 16 at Newbury (6f, good to soft) nine days ago, but looks better on the AW and has been successful in his last two appearances over C&D; still 7lb above his last winning mark, but 1lb lower than when second of 12 in a 0-105 at Newcastle (5f, Tapeta) last month; chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(7)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

16:05 Newmarket

Billyjoh

8st 13lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

His losing sequence goes back 22 races to February 2024; however, he's often run well in the interim and he's been given a bit of help from the handicapper ahead of this reappearance; can be in the mix if fully tuned up.

10/1

8th

11

(9)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Billyjoh

8st 10lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

5yo whose 31 starts have been at 5f-7f and his losing spell goes back to February 2024; however, he's run many big races in the interim, most recently at Goodwood (7f, good to firm) in August when finishing strongly for a share of third, and on that evidence this first crack at 1m is well worth a go.

8/1

16/1

  • Place: £11.40

Form: 15807- D

Last run: 205 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Six-time turf winner, including when completing a hat-trick over 5f/6f last summer; half-brother to a couple of AW winners, but still faces a stiff task from the outside stall after seven months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(7)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

14:45 Chester

Paws For Thought

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Donald McCain

Six-time course winner who is versatile trip-wise but all of his wins have been on good or slower and last two have been in the mud; on a dangerous mark but he didn't fire in his three runs this season; has often worn cheekpieces but is now blinkered first time; non-runner here (7.35) on Friday.

25/1

5th

2

(5)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

12:30 Nottingham

Paws For Thought

9st 11lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Donald McCain

His nine wins have been on good ground or slower, with six of them coming at Chester; caught wide there on his reappearance and was well held in seventh there over 7f 13 days ago; drops back in trip with cheekpieces back on.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 1273-0 C

Last run: 72 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
8lb higher mark on the AW than on turf; same mark as when successful at Lingfield (7f, Polytrack) in February last year and can go well fresh, but a suspicion that he needs that extra furlong on the AW now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(10)

20th May 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Tiger Crusade

9st 5lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: David Simcock

Ten-time winner who scored at Lingfield (7f, Polytrack) in Janaury but he's not got involved in his last three starts; now 2lb lower than for that last success but he needs to rediscover his spark.

20/1

5th

2

(7)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

15:45 Lingfield (AW)

Tiger Crusade

9st 7lb

J: Jack Dace

T: David Simcock

Consistent record round here (2-4 over C&D) and is back on the mark off which he won here in January; not in the same form of late, there's always a chance he'll blow the start and it's no certainty the race will be set up for him.

8/1

6th

3

(3)

9th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Tiger Crusade

9st 8lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: David Simcock

C&D winner who gained his sixth success on the AW at Lingfield (7f, AW) in January; didn't quite see 1m out when sixth there in February and he never featured in a 0-105 at Kempton (7f) 22 days ago; will appreciate the drop in grade but he'll want a good gallop to aim at over this shorter trip.

8/1

Form: 3/420- CD BF

Last run: 240 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Two wins in the spring of of 2022 included one over C&D, but he didn't run very well at Thirsk (6f, good) last September on his return from an absence and has been off for another eight months since; comes with risk attached.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(5)

18th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Ingra Tor

8st 12lb

J: George Bass

T: Jack Channon

Resurgent 5yo who won at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) in September before a close call at Wolverhampton the following month; this is tougher back in a Class 2 but he remains well handicapped on his best form and is not ruled out.

11/2

7th

10

(5)

18th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Ingra Tor

8st 12lb

J: George Bass

T: Jack Channon

Resurgent 5yo who won at Newmarket (6f, good to firm) in September before a close call at Wolverhampton the following month; this is tougher back in a Class 2 but he remains well handicapped on his best form and is not ruled out.

11/2

Form: 736-45 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 8st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
2-5 over C&D and has dropped 1lb below his last winning mark; has run with credit in both starts since returning this month and no surprise if he again runs well now returned to this venue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

28th Jun 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

17:03 Wolverhampton (AW)

Shalaa Asker

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Charlie Wallis

Four 5f wins since December, including C&D, with the latest coming at Lingfield 24 days ago; only 2lb higher and looks set for another prominent showing.

13/8

1st

4

(2)

4th Jun 2026

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 6

17:40 Lingfield (AW)

Shalaa Asker

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Charlie Wallis

Busy since the autumn; some narrow defeats to go with three 5f wins, on Polytrack elsewhere and Tapeta; ran flat at Southwell recently but he's realistically weighted if that wasn't a sign that he's going off the boil.

9/2

6th

5

(2)

21st May 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

17:57 Southwell (AW)

Shalaa Asker

9st 4lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Charlie Wallis

Three wins in the winter, including over C&D, and he has continued to run well off his revised mark; drawn wide on turf last time and usually gives his running round here, so holds each-way claims.

12/1

Form: 1748-7

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Three wins over 5f last year, including at Newcastle (Tapeta) and Chelmsford (Polytrack); may not have handled the heavy ground at Bath three weeks ago on his return from five months off, but has something to prove on this first attempt at 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(6)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 34y

Class 3

13:55 Newbury

Rhythm N Hooves

9st 2lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Robert Cowell

Won this 12 months ago off 9lb higher; 0-15 since and a change of headgear (retained) failed to stop the slide at Ascot three weeks ago.

6/1

8th

13

(12)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

17:20 Ascot

Rhythm N Hooves

8st 6lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Robert Cowell

Won at Royal Ascot in 2023 and second in this race in 2025; the handicapper has been in command for much of 2026 but he went close at Windsor last month; not in the same form at Newmarket two weeks ago but the switch from cheekpieces to a visor could help; contender.

10/1

8th
9 (4)
Billboa

4/1

Form: 021-11 D

Last run: 44 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
In fine form on the Dundalk Polytrack since December, rattling off a hat-trick over 5f/6f; up another 5lb in his bid for the four-timer, but he is half-brother to a Tapeta winner so has to be considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

(4)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

15:08 Naas

Billboa

9st 4lb

J: Adam Browne-Souza

T: W P Browne

Three-time AW winner is 0-5 on turf and has failed to trouble the judge; below best in three runs this year at Dundalk and tongue tie now reached for.

25/1

Form: 644822 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Holds his form remarkably well given his busy schedule and has run right up to his best in finishing runner-up over this trip at Lingfield and Kempton in his last two starts; has won twice here (6f/7f) and another big effort wouldn't surprise; stable also runs Billyjoh.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

(8)

12th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 75y

Class 4

15:45 Beverley

Intervention

9st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael Appleby

Hurtling down the weights but for good reason as this multiple winner is looking very regressive.

33/1

15th

17

(1)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:32 York

Intervention

8st 10lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

Fully 15lb lower than when winning at Lingfield (6f, AW) last December but this 9yo has regressed in recent months; has to turn things around.

40/1

7th

6

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 15y

Class 5

14:10 Chester

Intervention

9st 8lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Michael Appleby

On a good mark, fully 14lb lower than when winning last season's Great St Wilfrid, but 0-14 at 5f and he is drawn out wide.

25/1

25/1

Form: 98-968 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Five wins on the AW, including on Tapeta at Wolverhampton, but losing run is up to 19 and there was nothing in three starts since returning from six months off to suggest that is about to change.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(3)

4th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:52 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Power

9st 3lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Not as good or consistent as he was and does a lot of his racing now over 6f, as when behind Monks Dream (Dark Kestrel fifth) here recently; again only holds each-way claims.

8/1

7

(6)

15th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:55 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Power

9st 4lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Dropped to a dangerous mark and his last two efforts have been more encouraging; 7lb better off with Brazilian Rose on last month's C&D run but wouldn't be open to the same progress as that rival.

14/1

4th

2

(2)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Power

9st 9lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

Close third on latest outing but isn't certain to build on that effort; 0-11 for current yard and losing run goes back to 2022.

10/1

16/1

Form: 22619- D

Last run: 218 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Two wins over 6f on turf for Ed Bethell last summer and now makes his debut for his new yard after seven months off; well held in his one attempt on the AW (at Newcastle); market may indicate what is expected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(7)

31st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:10 Ripon

Rock Of England

10st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Paul Midgley

6yo who has won three times this season, including over C&D in June and at Hamilton last month; remains well handicapped on his old form but he didn't shine at Thirsk last time and it would be a worry if the forecast rain arrives (all turf wins have been on good/good to firm).

9/2

4th

5

(1)

14th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:43 Thirsk

Rock Of England

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Paul Midgley

Prominent racer and another of these having a good season; close up behind Accrual and Moulin Booj here last time and he's better off at the weights with both.

10/1

4th

6

(6)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:17 Thirsk

Rock Of England

9st 10lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Paul Midgley

Prominent racer; thriving this season, winning three of his last five starts with the latest a cosy success at Hamilton (5f, good to firm) two weeks ago; up 4lb but he needs serious consideration; stable also runs American Bay.

7/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.00
Straight Forecast £10.06
Tricast £294.03
Trifecta £391.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Al Barez

D Express:

Billyjoh

The Times:

Ingra Tor

POSTDATA:

Shalaa Asker

The Sun:

Billboa

RP RATINGS:

Rhythm N Hooves

NEWMARKET:

Tiger Crusade

Daily Mirror:

Billyjoh

TOPSPEED:

Al Barez

Telegraph:

Al Barez

Daily Record:

Al Barez

The Star:

Ingra Tor

THE NORTH:

Shalaa Asker