December 16 / 18.30 Wolverhampton (AW)

18.30

Standard

Free Bets With BetUK Bet Club Handicap

  • Prize money: £2983.38
  • 1m 4f 51y
  • Class 6
  • 10 runners
SKY
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Free Bets With BetUK Bet Club Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.75
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 646133 D BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
Won at Southwell (1m4f) on second start for new yard; placed in two C&D races since, latest behind Endofastorm and Casa Luna having come from further back than those two; remains in form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

11

(5)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Khangai

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Patrick Morris

Formerly effective on AW but has produced best results for current stable on turf; regressive form since returned to AW started with a modest third over C&D (sole 2m attempt).

25/1

OUR TIP

4/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 744483 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Six-time AW scorer; 0-11 this year but ran encouragingly (close third) at Lingfield most recently and remains 20lb below last winning mark; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Forge Valley Lad

10st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

Was snapping a losing run when prevailing narrowly at Lingfield (1m4f) but then followed up over the same C&D ten days ago, defying a 4lb penalty without being overly pressed; only 2lb higher for this despite another penalty, but stamina for 2m is unproven.

4/1

1

(7)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Forge Valley Lad

10st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

Was snapping a losing run when prevailing narrowly at Lingfield (1m4f) but then followed up over the same C&D ten days ago, defying a 4lb penalty without being overly pressed; only 2lb higher for this despite another penalty, but stamina for 2m is unproven.

4/1

1st

1

(1)

13th Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

15:30 Lingfield (AW)

Forge Valley Lad

9st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

took keen hold, prominent, steadied into midfield with one circuit to go, hung left over 1f out, pushed along and ran on well inside final furlong, led final 110yds, comfortably

15/8

10/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 537006 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Three-time course winner who has hindered by a wide trip returned to this venue two weeks ago; defied a 6lb higher mark in this race two years ago; possibilities.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(5)

10th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Starfighter

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Now at the veteran stage but has won five times and been placed on nine occasions around here; twice finished runner-up in similar events over C&D at the start of the year and another big effort seems likely.

5/2

8th

7

(2)

25th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

13:12 Lingfield (AW)

Starfighter

10st 11lb

J: Mr Jack Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Six-time Tapeta winner who has finished runner-up in classified events at Wolverhampton (1m4f) in his last two starts; still looks feasibly treated back in a handicap and he's a big player if he can transfer his form back to Polytrack.

7/2

2nd

4

(6)

9th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Starfighter

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Veteran who is a five-time winner at Wolverhampton; close second, clear of remainder, in C&D classified race last time; leading claims.

5/6

12/1

Form: 457624 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 48

Form & Verdict
Has performed respectably in races won by Khangai, Casa Luna and Endofastorm last three outings; needs a bigger effort to regain the winning thread, however.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(4)

22nd Jan 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

16:35 Southwell (AW)

Bond Spirit

9st 0lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Louise Allan

Modest sixth in similar event over C&D on reappearance, extending his losing run, but may fare better with the outing under his belt; scored twice at Southwell in 2023.

16/1

7

(6)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Bond Spirit

9st 2lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Louise Allan

Beaten just under 7l when fourth of eight in Bath handicap over an extended 1m3f seven weeks ago, extending his losing run to 17; others are more persuasive.

16/1

9

(11)

3rd Sep 2025

Good

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

16:50 Bath

Bond Spirit

9st 4lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Louise Allan

Last won over C&D last May; first-time blinkers (retained) replaced visor for his last two starts and he responded with a creditable third in a classified at Yarmouth (11.5f, good to soft) on first occasion; tailed off on latest, however, which was a poor show notwithstanding the 1m2f.

25/1

12/1

Form: 896874 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
On a two-year losing spell but some of his recent Southwell form is encouraging; very well handicapped on historical data and can't be ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(2)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Lednikov

9st 0lb

J: Joey Haynes

T: Ivan Furtado

Six-time Southwell winner, latterly by a wide margin in an apprentice handicap in March (handicapper punished him for that); finished held twice since and his record round here is nothing like as good.

16/1

6th

7

(8)

28th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

16:05 Southwell (AW)

Lednikov

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ivan Furtado

Often a front-runner and has won here six times, the latest (1m6f) in March; finished well behind a couple of these over C&D last time, though, so has a bit to find.

20/1

7th

2

(9)

5th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 6

17:20 Southwell (AW)

Lednikov

9st 8lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

All six AW wins have come here (four of them under Elle-May Croot), the latest by more than 7l over 1m6f last month; has been hit with an 8lb rise, but could enjoy the run of the race if reverting to his usual front-running tactics.

3/1

Form: 325747 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Three-time course winner who is on a handy mark; mixed results over 1m6f of late; interesting back down in trip, having been successful in last two C&D attempts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(5)

13th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

19:12 Bath

Virtual Hug

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Nikki Evans

Belatedly opened his Flat turf account in similar event over C&D (good) last week, taking Bath record to 42321 and adding to his AW/hurdles wins; incurs 4lb penalty but defied this mark a couple of years ago; very solid chance.

11/4

1st

9

(8)

4th May 2026

Firm

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

16:35 Bath

Virtual Hug

8st 13lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Nikki Evans

Multiple AW winner who has won over hurdles but is 0-18 on turf on the Flat; won at Wolverhampton in March (1m4f) but he's not easy to predict.

12/1

4th

10

(2)

10th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Virtual Hug

9st 4lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Nikki Evans

Landed some tidy bets when taking this in 2024 but subsequently went on a barren spell; finally back on the scoresheet last month but disappointed in a classified (also C&D) one week later; had an excuse that day but others look more solid.

14/1

Form: 342525 C

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
Five AW wins in his younger days; behind four of these opponents here last week but ran respectably; generally consistent of late and should give his running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(8)

20th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

15:17 Southwell (AW)

Bay Of Naples

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

His three wins here were in the old Fibresand days and he's not scored anywhere since September 2023; plenty of competitive shows at this track, the latest three starts ago, and his usual tongue-tie (absent last time) returns but others appeal more for win purposes.

10/1

8th

9

(8)

20th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

15:17 Southwell (AW)

Bay Of Naples

9st 2lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

His three wins here were in the old Fibresand days and he's not scored anywhere since September 2023; plenty of competitive shows at this track, the latest three starts ago, and his usual tongue-tie (absent last time) returns but others appeal more for win purposes.

10/1

8th

9

(8)

7th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:05 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bay Of Naples

9st 2lb

J: Andrea Pinna

T: Michael Herrington

Creditable third at Southwell (1m3f) last month but he's not easy to predict and was beaten 8l at Wolverhampton (1m4f) last time; needs to bounce back and will need a good pace back at this trip; tongue-tie removed.

6/1

25/1

Form: 137746 C

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Registered sole AW success at this venue but has never won beyond 1m2f and doesn't appear to be crying out for this return to 1m4f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

10

(1)

15th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 23y

Class 6

17:45 Beverley

Irv

8st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Micky Hammond

Course winner in 2022 who last won at Pontefract (also 1m2f, good to firm) in June 2024; 50-1 when beaten 10l on his comeback in a Wolverhampton classified (1m4f, AW) in January; others look safer.

33/1

7th

4

(3)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Irv

9st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Runner-up in a Catterick handicap (1m4f, good to soft) in July but he finished down the field in his final three runs during the summer; has won when fresh in the past but his last success was 19 months ago and this veteran is 1-14 on AW.

25/1

7th

4

(7)

29th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Irv

9st 6lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Well treated on his wins at Wolverhampton (9.5f, Tapeta) and Pontefract (1m2f, good to firm) last year; second of seven from 5lb out of the weights at Catterick (1m4f, good to soft) last month, but modest otherwise this year; not quite sure what to expect.

12/1

5/1

Form: 659512 C

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
In good form here (1m6f/1m4f) the last twice, beating Bond Spirit in clearcut style then close second to Endofastorm; gets 5lb pull with the latter; fighting chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(11)

16th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Casa Luna

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Philip Kirby

In good form here (1m6f/1m4f) the last twice, beating Bond Spirit in clearcut style then close second to Endofastorm; gets 5lb pull with the latter; fighting chance.

5/1

9th

10

(11)

16th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Casa Luna

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Philip Kirby

In good form here (1m6f/1m4f) the last twice, beating Bond Spirit in clearcut style then close second to Endofastorm; gets 5lb pull with the latter; fighting chance.

5/1

2nd

7

(2)

9th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Casa Luna

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Philip Kirby

led at steady pace, headed and raced in second after 3f

4/1

Form: 110864 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 8lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish 9yo; best effort for new stable when fourth at Redcar last time; on a much lower mark returned to AW but his record in this sphere is not solid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(6)

8th Jul 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

17:20 Tramore

Magnetic North

9st 6lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Peter Fahey

Was gaining a 12th win (five in claimers) on the Flat when taking Ballinrobe handicap last month in some style under today's rider; two days later folded quite tamely once headed over shorter trip at Naas, that race may have come too soon; veteran respected.

5/2

4

(12)

25th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 84y

19:10 Naas

Magnetic North

9st 8lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Peter Fahey

11 time winner on the Flat; some good runs for Rebecca Menzies, highlighted by a selling handicap hurdle win last December and two placed efforts over 1m4f at Catterick in April; his stable debut 12 days ago at Limerick was okay when seventh of 12 (1m3f, good); declared to run in 7.50 Ballinrobe on Monday.

11/1

1st

11

(16)

23rd Jun 2025

Good

1m 5f 9y

19:50 Ballinrobe

Magnetic North

9st 7lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: Peter Fahey

11 time winner on the Flat; some good runs for Rebecca Menzies, highlighted by a selling handicap hurdle win last December and two placed efforts over 1m4f at Catterick in April; his stable debut 12 days ago at Limerick was okay when seventh of 12 (1m3f, good).

16/1

Non-runners

Desejada, Endofastorm

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.10
Straight Forecast £11.84
Tricast £84.62
Trifecta £105.90

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Forge Valley Lad

THE NORTH:

Casa Luna

Telegraph:

Endofastorm

Daily Mirror:

Khangai

SPOTLIGHT:

Virtual Hug

The Sun:

Bay Of Naples

D Express:

Starfighter

The Star:

Casa Luna

Daily Record:

Casa Luna

Daily Mail:

Endofastorm

POSTDATA:

Forge Valley Lad

NEWMARKET:

Forge Valley Lad

The Times:

Forge Valley Lad

The Guardian:

Forge Valley Lad