July 29 / 16.00 Southwell (AW)

16.00

Standard

Starsports.Bet Handicap

  • Prize money: £4972.3
  • 0m 7f 14y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Starsports.Bet Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.00
  • Place: £1.40

Form: 532-88

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Below par in two handicaps this season; a half-brother to a Tapeta winner and has the ability to win off this mark if the gelding operation has had the desired effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(5)

30th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 12y

Class 2

19:15 Windsor

Grand Karat

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Harry Charlton

Dual Tapeta winner last year who's looked to find this mark just beyond him in three runs back; pulled hard and didn't see it out last time (7f) but this will be more about speed on his first ever crack at sprinting.

8/1

4

(5)

12th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Newbury

Grand Karat

9st 7lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Harry Charlton

Has won two of his five races since gelded, both over 7f on the Southwell Tapeta; latest fourth at Newcastle (7f) was a fine run as well, with the first three ridden handier and he found some trouble in running; should get involved if as effective back on turf.

10/1

16/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 502950 D

Last run: 3 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Has become inconsistent and finished well held at York, a course he likes, on Friday; is fine on Tapeta and capable of popping up but others hold more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

15

(3)

16th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:45 Ripon

Another Investment

8st 8lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

More modest runs than good ones in 2025 but he did bolt up at Doncaster last June (6f, good to firm) and he is 4lb lower now; needs to leave his reappearance effort well behind him and he has finished down the field in his two visits here.

40/1

11th

11

(13)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

15:30 Doncaster

Another Investment

9st 2lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Has become unreliable but is well treated on his standout performance of 2025, namely a comfortable win off 1lb higher at Doncaster (6f, good to firm) in June; scored over 7f in 2023.

25/1

10th

4

(9)

28th Oct 2025

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 4

15:40 Catterick

Another Investment

9st 7lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Easy win at Doncaster in June (6f, good to firm) but generally struggled since; even if he's back in top form he could do with the ground drying out.

16/1

3rd
14 (4)
Sonmarg

14/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 544292

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent gelding whose best runs in handicaps have come round switchback tracks; this is harder now switched to Tapeta and history suggests he's not certain to back up his latest effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(7)

29th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 18y

Class 6

14:08 Nottingham

Sonmarg

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Evans

led, pressed leader under 4f out, led again over 1f out, lost three places inside final furlong, weakened final 110yds

7/1

4th

1

(7)

29th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 18y

Class 6

14:08 Nottingham

Sonmarg

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Evans

led

7/1

10

(5)

26th Mar 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Sonmarg

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Evans

Turf winner at 6f; maiden on AW and below best in two AW handicaps at this trip but he's dropped a few pounds since making his yard debut and remains of interest on autumn form with Rossa Ryan up for the first time.

9/1

Form: 7-2581 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Two handicaps she contested here in the spring have worked out well and she got off the mark herself on soft ground recently; there can't be any complaints about a 2lb rise and she's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(6)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:05 Catterick

Zainabb

9st 9lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Charlie Fellowes

Off the mark with a last-gasp win over C&D (soft) in July but she's finished a well-held fourth in both subsequent runs (AW/turf); only 1lb higher than for her win but she's now 1-10 and has bit to prove again.

6/1

4th

7

(6)

6th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Ascot

Zainabb

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charlie Fellowes

towards rear

6/1

4th

11

(10)

29th Jul 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell (AW)

Zainabb

9st 2lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Fellowes

midfield

4/1

Form: 00-074 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Missed well over a year; better from the front round Chelmsford last time and is well treated now, down another 2lb, if able to build on that, having won twice here before; yard also responsible for Johnny James.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(3)

2nd Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Kempton (AW)

Ayr Harbour

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Michael Appleby

in touch with leaders, took keen hold over 5f out

7/1

4th

2

(3)

9th Sep 2024

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ayr Harbour

10st 1lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

All five wins on the AW and not a lot wrong with his recent efforts at Kempton and Southwell, the latest a 7f Racing League Handicap; stays this far and can again make presence felt.

5/1

5th

8

(1)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:14 Southwell (AW)

Ayr Harbour

9st 7lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Behind a couple of these over C&D last month but he signalled he was ready to strike when second at Kempton two weeks ago, coming from well back having been dropped in from a wide stall; 3lb rise shouldn't prevent a bold showing.

12/1

12/1

Form: 042112 D BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Has taken well to Brighton this summer, winning twice and going close off his revised mark last time; he's had plenty of chances on Tapeta in the past, though, and this is tougher.
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

Form: 322-20 C

Last run: 176 days

W: 10st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Looked to go hard enough in front when below par last time (six months ago); is clearly capable of going well fresh and the return to a turning course looks in his favour, so it will be interesting to see how he goes in the market.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(3)

29th Jul 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell (AW)

Johnny James

10st 3lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: Michael Appleby

led narrowly

10/1

10th

5

(11)

4th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Johnny James

9st 5lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Appleby

Won his first two races; 0-5 since gelded but runner-up in his last three and this prominent racer should go well again.

6/1

2nd

2

(1)

19th Jan 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

14:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Johnny James

9st 9lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

led

5/1

Form: 1-3239 D BF

Last run: 86 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Three-time turf winner last year (soft/heavy ground) who's been at least as good in defeat this time round; 6lb above his last successful mark, however, and drawn wide on his return from three months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(13)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Thunder Roar

9st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

7yo who was better than ever last season, a campaign that concluded with a fine second of 17 over C&D (good); races off the same mark today but he hasn't shone on his two outings this year.

33/1

20/1

Form: 508183 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Adaptable regading tactics, has gone well here before and arrives in decent form; there's not much margin for error off this mark but he should give his running as usual.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

(8)

13th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:40 Chester

Touchwood

10st 5lb

J: Miss Charli Parker

T: Ruth Carr

Ended a losing run in 7f AW Lingfield handicap eight days ago; had a bit up his sleeve there so is very much one to consider under a 4lb penalty.

8/1

5

(9)

5th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

16:25 Lingfield (AW)

Touchwood

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ruth Carr

Acts well over C&D but hasn't been back here since impressive win in 2023; on a handy mark and of interest after a good Leicester run in May, with Oisin Murphy a rare booking for the yard (0-1 in last five years).

7/2

5

(9)

5th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

16:25 Lingfield (AW)

Touchwood

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ruth Carr

Acts well over C&D but hasn't been back here since impressive win in 2023; on a handy mark and of interest after a good Leicester run in May, with Oisin Murphy a rare booking for the yard (0-1 in last five years).

7/2

Form: 351427 C BF

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Has won over this trip but most victories have come over 6f and stall 14 won't help conserve stamina, albeit he's usually dropped in; arrives in good form otherwise, with things not falling his way when favourite at York last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(4)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:40 Leicester

Dark Side Thunder

9st 7lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

He has a much better strike-rate on AW than turf and was well beaten over C&D last time; however, prior to that he was second of six at Yarmouth (6f, good to firm) and is not written off today.

9/1

5th

5

(5)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:25 Leicester

Dark Side Thunder

9st 3lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Jessica Macey

Eight AW wins but just one on turf, at Yarmouth (6f, good to soft) last May; no match for well-treated reviver there 18 days ago but he saw the race out nicely to take a late second; can play a part.

13/2

2nd

3

(5)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 3y

Class 5

15:45 Yarmouth

Dark Side Thunder

9st 8lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Scored at Chelmsford (6f) in December and not so bad as his recent form figures suggests, challenging wide when ninth in 6f Southwell handicap last month; this C&D winner is not out of things.

12/1

16/1

Form: -11578 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Four runs on Tapeta better than his other three efforts, so the return here should help, but stall 12 isn't good given his two wins came under aggressive rides (including over C&D); now tried in blinkers, having worn cheekpieces last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(11)

2nd Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:10 Kempton (AW)

Inner Temple

9st 7lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

slowly away, in rear, pushed along early

10/1

3rd

1

(8)

10th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Inner Temple

9st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

in touch with leaders

16/1

11th

10

(12)

29th Jul 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell (AW)

Inner Temple

9st 2lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Archie Watson

prominent, ridden and weakened over 2f out

16/1

OUR TIP

12/1

Form: 40677- D

Last run: 233 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Two years since he won and regressed for current yard last season; returns from eight months off following a second wind surgery and, while he boasts a good record first time out down the years, he has something to prove now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(6)

29th Jul 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell (AW)

Symbolize

10st 2lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

midfield

12/1

7th

5

(6)

9th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Symbolize

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

in touch with leaders in centre of group

20/1

2

(5)

13th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 3

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Symbolize

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Just one win in 25 starts since his successful debut despite a sliding mark and well held on his return from four months off at Thirsk (7f, good; first since since wind surgery) in September; needs to improve for the different surface on AW debut.

7/1

Non-runners

Zero Carbon, Justcallmepete

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £23.50
Straight Forecast £25.32
Tricast £188.31
Trifecta £179.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Zainabb

TOPSPEED:

Dark Side Thunder

The Times:

Grand Karat

Daily Mail:

Johnny James

Telegraph:

Shaw Park

The Sun:

Thunder Roar

RP RATINGS:

Ayr Harbour

Daily Mirror:

Grand Karat

NEWMARKET:

Zainabb

D Express:

Zainabb

The Star:

Zainabb

Daily Record:

Zainabb

POSTDATA:

Dark Side Thunder

The Guardian:

Dark Side Thunder