August 29 / 17.45 Southwell (AW)

17.45

Standard

tote.co.uk It’s The Final Countdown Racing League R36 Handicap (Trainers Reg’ To Racing League)

  • Prize money: £18039
  • 1m 4f 14y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
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View Course
tote.co.uk It’s The Final Countdown Racing League R36 Handicap (Trainers Reg’ To Racing League)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.10
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 121483 D BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Two wins on turf (1m4f/1m6f) this year and again ran well when third of ten in a better race at the Ascot Shergar Cup meeting (1m4f, good) last time; 5lb lower on the AW having finished out of the frame in all four goes on artificial surfaces; may also prefer a bit further than this now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

7

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Dancing In Paris

9st 2lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Ian Williams

He hasn't won since August 2024 but ran some fine races last season, including when beaten a neck by Spirit Mixer in this event; 4lb higher today and made a muted reappearance at Epsom three weeks ago but that was at 40-1 over 1m4f on soft; should be more interesting again with that under his belt.

14/1

19

(8)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Dancing In Paris

9st 4lb

T: Ian Williams

Third reserve; soft ground wouldn't have helped when well behind Too Soon at Epsom ten days ago on seasonal debut; had some solid form in strong 1m6f/2m handicaps last season but current mark is a tough one.

33/1

9th

6

(4)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 2

17:20 Epsom

Dancing In Paris

8st 13lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Ian Williams

He hasn't won since August 2024 but ran some fine races in defeat last season, including when second of 14 at Glorious Goodwood (1m6f, good to soft) in August; those efforts have ensured his mark is holding up, however, and he makes his comeback over a trip probably short of his best these days.

14/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 2334

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Has made the frame in all four starts but finished behind three of these in his last two outings, firstly in a novice here (1m3f) and then on handicap debut in a Racing League handicap at Newcastle (1m4f, Tapeta) a week ago; still unexposed but a bit more is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

9th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell

Whos Glen

11st 4lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Useful Flat racer who made the frame on four of his five hurdling starts for Donald McCain last season, most notably when third in valuable series final at Musselburgh (2m4f, good to soft) in March; well beaten in good-quality Flat handicap last month but ought to play a significant role in this.

5/2

15th

4

(17)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

Whos Glen

9st 10lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Donald McCain

9-1 when fifth in the Chester Cup last year for Andrew Balding, which is as good as he's ever been on Flat; 7lb lower today, having been right off the boil for that yard later in 2025; recent hurdle efforts for new stable aren't enough to persuade, especially given such a wide draw.

33/1

2nd

5

1st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

16:10 Sedgefield

Whos Glen

11st 5lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

A useful winning stayer on the Flat for Andrew Balding; yet to match that form in this sphere but he posted his best effort when third of ten in 2m4f handicap at Musselburgh 12 days ago; not out of things on this stiffer track.

5/2

6/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 943632 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 10st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Landed a four-runner event at Newcastle (1m4f, Tapeta) in April and was back off the same mark when beaten half a length in a stronger Racing League contest back there a week ago (Who's Glen and Lexington Knight behind); already due a 3lb rise for that and strong claims, especially if able to dominate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:35 Hamilton

La Pulga

9st 8lb

J: Archie Young

T: Charlie Johnston

Front-runner who has been keeping busy, winning at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) last month and going close on two of his three starts since, most recently beaten half a length at Ascot (1m4f, good to firm); has won here and is capable of another bold bid.

7/1

3

(6)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

La Pulga

9st 13lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Charlie Johnston

Usually front-runs; never better than with his first and second at the end of last month, which were on AW however and his top four RPRs have now been registered in that sphere; something to find on turf, including as he was third here (1m6f, good to firm) earlier in July but is now 7lb higher and he dropped out at Chepstow on Thursday.

5/1

20/1

Form: 310773 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Bounced back to winning form at Doncaster (1m4f, good to soft) in May and ran well when third of 11 in an amateur riders' handicap at Catterick (1m4f, good to firm) ten days ago; didn't run very well in any of his last seven starts on the AW, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(3)

14th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Southern Voyage

9st 10lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Scored at Doncaster (1m4f, good to soft) in May off 2lb higher mark; has only been placed once in seven starts since and finds himself on a career-low mark; doesn't seem ready to take advantage and best watched.

10/1

7th

2

(3)

4th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Southern Voyage

10st 0lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Richard Fahey

took keen hold, prominent, ridden and weakened over 1f out

11/2

6th

3

(1)

20th Sep 2024

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:20 Ayr

Southern Voyage

10st 1lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Still just 1lb above his last winning mark and far from disgraced when fourth of 12 in a 0-80 at Southwell (1m4f, AW) last time; each-way claims if seeing out the longer trip.

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 138616 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 10st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Both wins this year have come on turf (1m4f), but he is a four-time winner on Tapeta; finished behind two of these when sixth of 13 at Newcastle (1m4f, Tapeta) seven days ago and has work to do in order to reverse the form on the same terms.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

7th Aug 2025

Good

1m 3f 198y

Class 4

15:40 Brighton

Lexington Knight

10st 3lb

J: Thomas Greatrex

T: Richard Hannon

Won this 12 months ago and returns on a hat-trick after another course win (made all) and a success at Salisbury that looked unlikely until he picked up late on; might travel sweeter back at this track and can cope with this mark.

3/1

1st

3

(2)

12th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 4f 5y

Class 4

19:50 Salisbury

Lexington Knight

9st 7lb

J: Thomas Greatrex

T: Richard Hannon

Returned from three-month break with front-running win at Brighton (1m4f, good) in May and will be fine on the faster surface here but he's probably not quite as good as he was; younger rivals appeal more.

11/4

1

(3)

30th May 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 198y

Class 5

16:05 Brighton

Lexington Knight

9st 9lb

J: Thomas Greatrex

T: Richard Hannon

Ordinary form on the AW during the winter but he is 5lb lower than when winning over C&D (good to firm) last August; off since February but he's respected back here on this return.

13/2

Form: 540723 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Beaten half a length or less in his last two starts at Newmarket (1m2f/1m4f); has winning form on Tapeta (at Wolverhampton) and is 8lb lower than when last on the AW, but losing run up to 14; needs a bit more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(8)

9th Sep 2024

Soft

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

17:15 Brighton

The Thunderer

10st 3lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

switched to near side

4/1

6th

9

(1)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 4

17:45 Southwell (AW)

The Thunderer

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Stuart Williams

Beaten half a length or less in his last two starts at Newmarket (1m2f/1m4f); has winning form on Tapeta (at Wolverhampton) and is 8lb lower than when last on the AW, but losing run up to 14; needs a bit more.

11/1

3rd

3

(6)

23rd Aug 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Newmarket (July)

The Thunderer

9st 6lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Stuart Williams

Has won four middle-distance handicaps and latest was off 9lb higher at Chester (1m4f, good) last June; 0-13 since but he bounced back with a close call over 1m2f here last Friday and is a big player if he can repeat that form (due to be 2lb higher in future).

9/4

Form: 221123 D BF

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Has been wonderfully consistent in turf/AW handicaps since returning in March (21221123); last four starts have been over 1m6f at Sandown and he is up another 2lb, but his record means he has to be shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

(1)

26th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 76y

19:55 Curragh

Cock And Bull

8st 7lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Emmet Mullins

Dual-purpose; 3-13 on the Flat for Michael Bell, all three wins over 1m6f on fast ground; has placed AW form at around this trip; modest form on easy ground over hurdles so far for this yard but return to quicker conditions on the Flat could revive; 2lb wrong.

14/1

11th

1

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 216y

18:12 Clonmel

Cock And Bull

12st 0lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: Emmet Mullins

Four-time Flat winner for Michael Bell, rated 78 at his peak; best form on good/good to firm and has been soundly beaten in three hurdle starts for this stable; potentially interesting if the ground is not too slow.

5/2

11/1

Form: -59327

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
0-8 and well held on handicap debut at Newbury (1m4f, good to firm; first-time cheekpieces) 12 days ago; however, he had previously finished second of 13 in a 1m3f novice here (Who's Glen third) and a couple of those behind have won since; worth a second look back at this venue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

14:30 Hexham

At Vimeiro

11st 8lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Fairly useful on Flat (2m winner) for Jane Chapple-Hyam and has taken quite well to hurdling, winning then third over 2m1f at Cartmel in the summer; carries a penalty but should be thereabouts.

7/2

1

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

15:55 Cartmel

At Vimeiro

11st 6lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Fairly useful on Flat (2m winner) for Jane Chapple-Hyam and has taken well to hurdling, just shaken up to beat six rivals over C&D (soft) last month; open to improvement and should go well under a penalty.

5/2

1st

7

21st Jul 2025

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 4

15:12 Cartmel

At Vimeiro

11st 0lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Ben Haslam

Signed off on the Flat for Jane Chapple-Hyam with 2m AW win in January (RPR 80) and was very much in contention before final-flight unseat over C&D (good to soft) on stable/hurdle debut in May; Richie McLernon presumably had the pick of the two stable runners in this race; shortlisted.

8/1

Form: 2/8638 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Won three times for Ivan Furtado at Wolverhampton (1m4f, Tapeta) at the end of 2021, but was off for 20 months before returning for this yard in June; well held in another Racing League contest back at Wolverhampton (9.5f) four weeks ago and although this trip should suit him better, still has enough to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(10)

18th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Desert Emperor

10st 1lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Michael & David Easterby

Won a Newcastle handicap over a similar trip last December off the same mark; best effort this year when second of five back at Newcastle three weeks ago; suspicion the 3yos will have his measure this time.

10/1

1

(4)

26th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 4

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Desert Emperor

9st 8lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Won over C&D in December but he's returned from a layoff with two low-key runs this summer; only 1lb higher than for that last success but tailed off at Southwell (1m4f, Tapeta) last month and needs a major revival.

20/1

10th

4

(1)

17th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 4

16:52 Southwell (AW)

Desert Emperor

10st 1lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Returned from layoff with low-key turf run three weeks ago but won over about 1m4f on Tapeta at Newcastle in December and has obvious claims here if back at that level.

14/1

20/1

Form: 1-5043 D

Last run: 54 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Was having only his second AW start when successful at Newcastle (1m4f, Tapeta) last October and was back off the same mark when third of nine in first-time cheekpieces at Beverley (1m2f, good) last month; still unexposed in this sphere and one to consider back from a short break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(4)

29th Aug 2024

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 4

17:45 Southwell (AW)

Strawman

9st 9lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: Gemma Tutty

Was having only his second AW start when successful at Newcastle (1m4f, Tapeta) last October and was back off the same mark when third of nine in first-time cheekpieces at Beverley (1m2f, good) last month; still unexposed in this sphere and one to consider back from a short break.

20/1

3rd

1

(9)

6th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

16:00 Beverley

Strawman

9st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Gemma Tutty

prominent

16/1

4th

2

(4)

19th Jun 2024

Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 4

19:05 Ripon

Strawman

9st 7lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Gemma Tutty

in touch with leaders

7/1

9/1

Form: 649423

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Sole success in 18 starts came at Newcastle (1m2f, Tapeta) in May; has run well the last twice, including when third of 11 in a Racing League contest over the same C&D a week ago; stays this far and holds each-way claims from the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

2

(11)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

16:58 Newcastle (AW)

Natzor

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Dual 1m2f course winner for David O'Meara in 2024; close 100-1 fourth here (again 1m2f) in March was a standout for this yard but otherwise it's been a struggle; has quite a bit to prove.

25/1

9th

9

(7)

1st May 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Natzor

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Wins for David O'Meara both came over C&D, including a division of this race two years ago; not beaten far at 100-1 here two months ago but looked flattered in a messy affair and he's generally struggled for this yard.

16/1

10th

8

31st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 190y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle

Natzor

11st 5lb

J: Harry Atkins

T: Lizzie Quinlan

While not the force of old, his close fourth on the Flat this month showed that he's still capable of fair form in that sphere; went the wrong way in his four-race hurdle career last February-May but needs a second look.

14/1

14/1

Form: 232001 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Both wins this year have come at Kempton (1m4f, Polytrack), the latest off 3lb lower in a slowly run contest 15 days ago; handles Tapeta but this looks tougher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(8)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

19:30 Epsom

Damascus Steel

10st 6lb

J: Miss Becky Smith

T: Gihan Arnolda

Did well on AW last winter and even better form when the cheekpieces replaced a visor at Goodwood (1m4f, good) four weeks ago, leading over 1f out to score with rather more authority than the half-length winning margin suggests; used to act on good to firm; up 3lb but firmly in the picture.

5/1

1st

6

(6)

19th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 218y

Class 4

18:55 Goodwood

Damascus Steel

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Gihan Arnolda

Two 1m4f AW wins for Denis Quinn in the winter and a respectable fifth at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) in April on sole starts for John Ryan; left the impression he's still in form at Thirsk 19 days ago on his first start for this yard and cheekpieces now go on.

14/1

6th

10

(3)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Damascus Steel

8st 11lb

J: William Carson

T: Gihan Arnolda

Two 1m4f AW wins last winter for Denis Quinn and respectable fifth of 15 at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) last month on sole run for John Ryan; however, it's a long time since he ran well on turf and has something to prove back on grass; stable debut.

12/1

Non-runners

Chillhi

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £16.40
Straight Forecast £9.72
Tricast £36.70
Trifecta £54.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

La Pulga

The Guardian:

Who's Glen

RP RATINGS:

Dancing In Paris

POSTDATA:

The Thunderer

Telegraph:

Cock And Bull

The Sun:

At Vimeiro

D Express:

Strawman

The Star:

Who's Glen

Daily Record:

Who's Glen

The Times:

Dancing In Paris

TOPSPEED:

La Pulga

Daily Mail:

La Pulga

Daily Mirror:

La Pulga

NEWMARKET:

The Thunderer