October 17 / 18.30 Southwell (AW)

18.30

Standard

At The Races App Form Study Handicap

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 0m 6f 16y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
At The Races App Form Study Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

1st
2 (5)
Hectic

20/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.00
  • Place: £2.50

Form: 569550 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Has had plenty of chances since debut win over two years ago and, although he's slipped to a handy mark, he'll have to better his recent turf efforts to return to winning ways in a first-time visor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(6)

20th Oct 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Hectic

10st 0lb

J: William Pyle

T: Liam Bailey

Can't blame the 7f trip for last month's below-par run at Southwell but he was second over 6f in higher-grade company there twice in August and has possibilities here; swaps blinkers for refitted cheekpieces; tongue-tie left off.

10/1

7th

3

(2)

24th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Hectic

9st 10lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Liam Bailey

Has done his winning over 6f; placed over same trip at Southwell in two of his last three runs; numerous defeats over 7f are a reason to be cautious with him today.

10/1

3rd

8

(5)

31st Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Hectic

9st 5lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Liam Bailey

Inconsistent and hard to win with; better over C&D early in the month but typically failed to build on it at Wolverhampton a fortnight ago (said to have been unsuited by racing wide throughout from stall 9); Dicko The Legend looks his yard's best shot.

16/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 584103 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Has found some form again since cheekpieces went on, winning at Beverley (5f) at the end of August; shaped well when third over C&D on recent AW debut, keeping on for third having had to wait for room at a crucial stage; should go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(9)

19th Oct 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Spirit Of Applause

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Reliable as clockwork since returning from a seven-month break but the handicapper cuts him no slack as a consequence; fine on Tapeta and can give his running again.

6/1

5th

3

(1)

1st Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 5

16:50 Nottingham

Spirit Of Applause

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Losing turf run goes back to summer 2024 but he was unlucky not to put that right at Redcar (6f, good) in August and he's finished in the frame more often than not on this course; on the premises.

13/2

5th

14

(5)

15th Sep 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

15:23 Redcar

Spirit Of Applause

9st 3lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

On a losing run but only just failed over C&D in August (having suffered a poor run) and posted another solid effort when fourth of ten at Ripon (6f) two weeks ago; should remain competitive.

16/1

9/2

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 022374 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
His losing sequence continues and latest Hamilton fourth of seven was no more than respectable; can figure back on AW but others are preferred for win purposes again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(2)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:28 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Johnson

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

led narrowly on far side of group, headed halfway, weakened inside final furlong

9/2

7th

2

(2)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:28 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Johnson

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

The veteran of the field but he arrives in top form, finding only the revitalised Mondammej too strong over C&D three weeks ago; not dismissed lightly off an unchanged mark.

9/2

2nd

7

(7)

8th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:33 Newcastle (AW)

Strong Johnson

9st 0lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Paul Midgley

led but pestered, headed inside final furlong, soon no extra

7/1

Form: 266463 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Arrives on the back of a creditable third at Bath but his very long losing spell remains a negative.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(1)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Beyond Equal

9st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Stuart Kittow

took keen hold, prominent, going okay over 1f out, lost third final strides

8/1

4th

3

(1)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Beyond Equal

9st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Stuart Kittow

took keen hold, prominent, going okay over 1f out, lost third final strides

8/1

4th

7

(3)

31st Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 160y

Class 5

13:58 Bath

Beyond Equal

9st 7lb

J: Liam Keniry

T: Stuart Kittow

dwelt start

6/1

6/1

Form: -71315 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Has proved a bargain buy for this yard at only 1,000gns, winning a pair of 6f turf handicaps in recent months; met all sorts of trouble when fifth (Spirit Of Applause third) over C&D 12 days ago and likely still on a workable mark; drawn widest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(6)

17th Oct 2026

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:10 Catterick

Fiscal Policy

9st 5lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Multiple sprint wins but has run only three times over 7f, returning to the trip for the first time in three years when outstayed late after making the running at Thirsk 12 days ago; won over 6f next time but stamina still in question over this far.

13/2

7th

4

(1)

5th Oct 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:40 Pontefract

Fiscal Policy

9st 9lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Both his wins in 2026 have come over C&D, the latest last month off a 2lb lower mark; beaten favourite off the same mark back here 11 days ago but ran okay; new mark has kicked in but likely to give a good account

5/1

4th

16

(1)

24th Sep 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:03 Pontefract

Fiscal Policy

8st 13lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

Prominent racer who took his C&D form figures to 1131 when seeing off 11 rivals in an apprentice race on good last Thursday; same mark here so ought to make a bold bid, particularly from the inside draw.

5/1

11/1

Form: 323537 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Four-time AW winner for Tony Carson; went without his usual visor when never involved on last month's Wolverhampton stable debut after a break and that headgear is missing again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(9)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Darlo Pride

9st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Having slipped in the weights he returned to form with a close third at Southwell five weeks ago; won't be inconvenienced by this stiffer test and he is one to take seriously.

7/2

3rd

9

(1)

10th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Darlo Pride

9st 1lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Michael Dods

Shaped well on his return from a 258-day absence when fourth at Newcastle in December; yet to kick on from that and others look more persuasive.

14/1

7th

6

(3)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Darlo Pride

9st 3lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Not at his best since returning from a nine-month absence, just fifth to Digital over C&D last time out; more is required from this C&D winner.

10/1

12/1

Form: 107005 CD

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Successful on four of his nine visits here, including two over this trip; respectable fifth of eight back here (7f) last time and being eased another 2lb can only help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(2)

18th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

12:50 Catterick

Cliffcake

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Roy Bowring

Five wins at Southwell but didn't run much of a race there last time and it's a long time since he was successful on turf; others appeal more.

20/1

2

(11)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

16:25 Southwell (AW)

Cliffcake

9st 9lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Roy Bowring

Five-time course winner at 7f and 6f who has run well at Doncaster on his last two starts, most recently when fourth (beaten a length) 19 days ago; just 1lb higher than his win here in February and has claims.

11/2

4th

8

(3)

16th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:07 Doncaster

Cliffcake

9st 3lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Roy Bowring

Has a patchy profile but he's a prolific winner who bounced back with a fair fifth over C&D (good) three weeks ago; has possibilities if he can back that up and last success was off a similar mark.

10/1

Form: 504333 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won a 6f Newcastle handicap off a similar mark in March; recent turf efforts respectable and Hollie Doyle does the steering back on AW; in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

(2)

30th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Glamorous Express

9st 0lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Tony Carroll

Saw his run of good form come to an end when eighth in 6f Southwell handicap 13 days ago; this C&D scorer is the sort to bounce back though.

10/1

4th

12

(2)

30th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Glamorous Express

9st 0lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Tony Carroll

Saw his run of good form come to an end when eighth in 6f Southwell handicap 13 days ago; this C&D scorer is the sort to bounce back though.

10/1

14/1

Form: 786094 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Rated some 15lb higher at the start of the year and last Thursday's C&D fourth of ten was a bit of a step back in the right direction; needs to build on that now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(4)

2nd Oct 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Bellagio Man

9st 10lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Back-to-back C&D wins last October but form has dipped markedly since those, with absences a feature; reservations for now.

12/1

5th

5

(1)

26th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

15:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bellagio Man

9st 6lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Won two 6f handicaps at Newcastle last October but ended his 2025 campaign with a poor run and it a similar story on his seasonal return in May; absent since and likely vulnerable.

20/1

10th

7

(7)

1st May 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

20:10 Newcastle (AW)

Bellagio Man

9st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Recorded back-to-back C&D wins last October (the second off 3lb lower) but the wheels came off in his hat-trick bid in November; back from 161 days off with a point to prove.

16/1

OUR TIP

15/2

Form: 123627 D BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Not the first horse to be reinvigorated by the move to Mick Appleby, winning at Nottingham in June and placed three times since; not at best at Bath last time but capable of bouncing back here under Tom Marquand.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

(10)

30th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

15:58 Musselburgh

Lipsink

9st 12lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Two fine runs at Sandown this season and when disappointing at Haydock last time there was a valid excuse (blindfold off late and stumbled at the start before racing furthest from the stands' rail); now 2lb higher but not discounted.

10/1

11th

6

(6)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:47 Haydock

Lipsink

9st 10lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

Four-time turf winner, including on soft, who just failed to reel in a very well-backed favourite at Sandown (5f, good to soft) on Saturday; does tend to go well at that track but he runs off the same mark (2lb well in) and is firmly considered.

13/2

2nd

7

(5)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 10y

Class 4

17:10 Sandown

Lipsink

9st 5lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Michael Appleby

A four-time 5f/6f scorer in 2025, including C&D on soft; resumed from seven months off with an encouraging second of nine to Twilight Calls (won twice since) over C&D (good) in June; first run since when failing to fire at Hamilton last week but could revive back here.

14/1

16/1

Form: 416459 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Things didn't go her way over 7f at Newcastle last time but she remains 4lb above the mark she defied over this trip at Leicester in June; others are more obvious.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

(11)

17th Oct 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

High Violet

9st 7lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: David Loughnane

Things didn't go her way over 7f at Newcastle last time but she remains 4lb above the mark she defied over this trip at Leicester in June; others are more obvious.

16/1

9th

2

(10)

3rd Oct 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:10 Newcastle (AW)

High Violet

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: David Loughnane

Didn't convince with her stamina in one attempt over this trip in April; had been in good form this summer prior to a blip at Yarmouth latest; others may have greater stamina reserves.

8/1

5th

6

(2)

18th Sep 2024

Good

0m 6f 3y

Class 5

14:00 Yarmouth

High Violet

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Loughnane

Hold-up filly who won at Leicester in July and ran to a similar level when a close fourth at Newmarket last time (despite saddle slipping); one to consider.

4/1

16/1

Form: 642010

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Went close in a 5f Newcastle handicap in June (only AW start) and didn't need to match that form to win a three-runner maiden at Chepstow in August; ran poorly at York last time but this is a slightly easier race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(3)

31st Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:05 Newcastle (AW)

Ticktyboo

9st 4lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

1-22, the win coming in a three-runner Chepstow maiden (5f, good to soft) for Nigel Tinkler in August 2024; well beaten in two starts since returning for this yard in May; little appeal.

50/1

14th

9

(8)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 2y

Class 6

13:20 Doncaster

Ticktyboo

9st 6lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Just one win from 21 starts and that was in a maiden in August 2024; has dropped a long way in the weights but he generally struggled for Nigel Tinkler last year and was last of ten on recent stable debut at Newcastle (7f, AW); visor is now added.

40/1

10th

12

(4)

19th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle (AW)

Ticktyboo

8st 6lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Jake Thomas Coulson

Regressed for Nigel Tinkler last year; having a first run at beyond sprints trips for his new yard, back from seven months off; doesn't make obvious appeal.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £32.10
Straight Forecast £28.25
Tricast £200.12
Trifecta £289.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Spirit Of Applause

TOPSPEED:

Cliffcake

POSTDATA:

Strong Johnson

The Star:

Fiscal Policy

Telegraph:

Hectic

Daily Record:

Glamorous Express

The Times:

Lipsink

RP RATINGS:

Spirit Of Applause

The Guardian:

Spirit Of Applause

Daily Mirror:

Spirit Of Applause

THE NORTH:

Cliffcake

Daily Mail:

Cliffcake

The Sun:

Cliffcake

D Express:

Strong Johnson