December 27 / 17.30 Wolverhampton (AW)

17.30

Standard

Weekly £5 Free Bet With BetUK Handicap

  • Prize money: £3716.14
  • 1m 5f 219y
  • Class 5
  • 11 runners
SKY
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Weekly £5 Free Bet With BetUK Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

33/1 (Won)

  • Win: £57.70
  • Place: £8.40

Form: 350406

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Regressive for Michael Bell this year and has run poorly in two starts for his current yard; hard to recommend.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

19th May 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 28y

Class 4

20:20 Hexham

Banderas

11st 11lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sam England

Won a Southwell maiden hurdle (2m4f, good; first-time tongue-tie) and a Carlisle Flat handicap (2m1f, soft) last summer, but handicap hurdle debut in September was too bad to be true; however, he made a promising return here over 2m 17 days ago when shaping as though he'd improve for the outing; interesting back up in trip.

16/1

5th

4

2nd May 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 3

18:45 Hexham

Banderas

11st 2lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Won a Southwell maiden hurdle (2m4f, good; first-time tongue-tie) and a Carlisle Flat handicap (2m1f, soft) last summer; off since September; likely to be better for the run.

10/1

7

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

14:42 Worcester

Banderas

11st 4lb

J: Jonathan England

T: Sam England

Came good over hurdles at third attempt, with clearcut success at Southwell (2m4f, good; first-time tongue-tie) in June, and added a Flat win one month later; could still have untapped potential over jumps; one to consider.

8/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 333262

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Winless since his 2yo days and this is more competitive than the small-field C&D handicap in which he finished second six weeks ago; had previously finished some way behind Percy Jones here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

29th May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

18:05 Wolverhampton (AW)

Green Team

10st 7lb

J: Miss Grace Littmoden

T: Nick Littmoden

A three-time winner (including over C&D) in 2025 for Ian Williams; in good nick for his present yard too, fourth of eight in 1m3f Southwell handicap eight days ago; not out of things.

12/1

4th

4

(7)

21st May 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

17:23 Southwell (AW)

Green Team

10st 8lb

J: Miss Grace Littmoden

T: Nick Littmoden

On the downgrade in recent times for Ian Williams, from whom he was picked up for 7,500gns last month; just a fair debut for his new yard recently and this trip is a bare minimum these days.

12/1

4th

4

(9)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Green Team

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Nick Littmoden

On the downgrade in recent times for Ian Williams, from whom he was picked up for 7,500gns last month, his latest second coming in a messy, small-field affair; decent record here, though, and is one to consider under regular partner Billy Loughnane.

7/1

8/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 402017 CD BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Three-time course winner who has two ways of running now (said to have never travelled when a beaten-favourite over C&D a month ago); is capable off this mark if in a better frame of mind.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(3)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

18:10 Newbury

Percy Jones

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

All four wins have come on Wolverhampton AW, the latest off this mark last August (1m4f); absent since November and 0-21 on turf but that includes six seconds, one of those behind Amancio in this race last year after a break (3lb higher today); has to be in each-way calculations.

14/1

Form: 696321 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
The switch from cheekpieces to a hood has helped and he won with a deal in hand on his first crack at this trip round Southwell last Thursday; will be 1lb lower than under the penalty from tomorrow but his claims are obvious.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

13

(6)

11th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 23y

Class 4

15:42 Yarmouth

Currumbin

8st 11lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Michael Keady

Two staying wins on AW last winter and has since won over hurdles but he was tailed off in the latter discipline when last seen in October and, reappearing over 1m2f, others are higher up the list.

25/1

5th

2

17th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 3y

Class 4

15:15 Fakenham

Currumbin

11st 8lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Michael Keady

2l and a place behind Squeezebox at Warwick latest, though that sixth still represented stronger form than that of June's Worcester hurdling debut win (2m, good); liable to remain vulnerable under his penalty on that evidence, but this doesn't look as deep a contest as last time.

15/2

Form: 3165-7

Last run: 343 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Hat-trick of wins for Gay Kelleway last year, when going more than a stone up the weights; hasn't been seen in the best part of a year since well held over C&D, though, and will need a career-best effort for his new yard; market useful.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(7)

4th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Haaland

9st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Made the most of a drop in class when regaining winning form at Southwell (16.5f, Tapeta) last month (third has won since); 4lb higher and back up in grade, but he still holds more compelling claims than a few.

5/2

1st

1

(8)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

19:48 Southwell (AW)

Haaland

9st 12lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Three AW wins for previous stable; 0-8 for current yard and his form has declined rather sharply; however, he may produce a resurgent display back at this level, being 2-2 in Class 6.

14/1

11th

12

(8)

21st Feb 2026

Standard

1m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:33 Lingfield (AW)

Haaland

9st 2lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Three AW wins (1m2f-2m) in 2023; lightly raced since and he's been well held back from another break in his two runs this winter; mark continues to fall but he needs a major revival back at this trip.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 426739 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(1)

22nd May 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:07 Goodwood

Sax Appeal

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Charlie Johnston

Very busy and he's had his share of wins, including four over 2m in 2025, but that's been mostly on AW which has dominated his career; best turf ratings were on last two outings but his turf form still needs improvement.

6/1

6th

2

(8)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

Sax Appeal

9st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

Something amiss on sole start here (2024); very busy since and he's had his share of wins, including four over 2m in 2025, but that's been mostly on AW (which has dominated career) and his turf form needs improvement.

20/1

3rd

4

(2)

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 32y

Class 3

16:00 Beverley

Sax Appeal

9st 12lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Johnston

Prominent racer who posted four wins in the second half of last year, including a C&D defeat of Charging Thunder on good; suffered a heavy defeat on AW last time but it was in a strong Good Friday race at Newcastle and Charging Thunder was once again behind him; a bold show seems likely in these much calmer waters back on turf.

15/8

Form: 016143 C

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Habitual slow starter who's managed eight wins already this year (none over quite this far or off a mark this high); his latest Southwell third in a race not run to suit showed him still in form and competitive, though, and he's shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(4)

13th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 5

13:25 Lingfield (AW)

Destinado

9st 10lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: James Owen

Prolific last year, whereas his only win this season was in March; below par twice on turf since a respectable third on AW at Southwell (1m6f) in July but is well handicapped again.

7/2

9

(11)

4th Sep 2025

Good

1m 3f 140y

Class 5

14:00 Haydock

Destinado

10st 13lb

J: Miss Teagan Padgett

T: James Owen

Prolific last year, whereas his only win this season was in March; ran respectably penultimate start (AW) but not well enough in his other recent races and his record for amateur rider is discouraging; his three turf wins have all been on soft or good to soft.

12/1

Form: 4113-8 D

Last run: 282 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Won first time out last year, so the absence shouldn't be an offputter, but he lost his way either side of a wind operation last winter; will need a career-best effort off this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(6)

24th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 6

15:58 Kempton (AW)

Mount Olympus

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Alan King

Won three of first four starts for Alan King in 2023, including here (1m4f) on stable debut; wind surgery at the end of that year and winless since, although did go close over hurdles in March; latest fifth back here may be a step in the right direction; visor goes on; edging down the weights.

9/1

5

(1)

13th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

20:15 Kempton (AW)

Mount Olympus

9st 12lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Alan King

Won three of his first four starts for Alan King in 2023; signs of life over hurdles at Fakenham this March but wasn't in the same form next time and didn't offer much back on the Flat 48 days ago.

12/1

4th

4

(6)

26th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:07 Nottingham

Mount Olympus

9st 7lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Alan King

Won his novice over C&D and has since added three handicaps from 1m3f to 1m4f; disappointing final run over hurdles but went close in a maiden before then and there's nothing wrong with this mark.

8/1

Form: 283255 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Patchy since a turf win off this mark in high summer and again looked to have no excuses from the front in a small field last time; others make greater appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

(8)

22nd Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Le Rouge Chinois

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

towards rear

14/1

5th

7

(8)

22nd Jan 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 5

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Le Rouge Chinois

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Michael Appleby

towards rear, headway from 2f out, no impression inside final furlong

14/1

5th

1

(5)

7th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Le Rouge Chinois

10st 0lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: Michael Appleby

Won twice last year and is 2lb lower than when successful at Nottingham (1m6f, good to firm) in June; met late interference when beating one home over C&D 11 days ago (Green Team second); capable of playing a part at this level granted a clearer run.

14/1

Form: 033323 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(5)

12th Feb 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 5

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Turner Girl

9st 12lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ed Dunlop

Backed out of contention rather quickly the last twice and several others are higher on the list; visor the headgear of choice.

14/1

6th

3

(2)

1st Feb 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

18:40 Wolverhampton (AW)

Turner Girl

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ed Dunlop

Doesn't win very often but is usually there or thereabouts; fourth of six at Southwell (1m4f, Tapeta) five weeks ago not amongst her best efforts and better will be required.

8/1

6th

3

(2)

1st Feb 2025

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

18:40 Wolverhampton (AW)

Turner Girl

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ed Dunlop

prominent

8/1

Form: 218254 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Haydock win in the summer came off a similar mark but he's been below that level in a couple of starts back on the AW; needs a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:25 Nottingham

Bulldog Spirit

9st 6lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Scored over C&D last May for Brian Ellison; yet to fire for his new yard in handicaps at Wolverhampton (1m4f) and Lingfield (2m) this spring though.

14/1

5th

4

(1)

12th May 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

17:15 Lingfield (AW)

Bulldog Spirit

9st 10lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Bernard Llewellyn

A fair 1m6f scorer for Brian Ellison in 2025; beat only one for his new handler after seven months off in 1m4f handicap at Wolverhampton last month; needs to take a big step forward.

16/1

6th

7

(3)

4th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bulldog Spirit

8st 10lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Debuts for a fourth yard having been picked up from Brian Ellison last autumn for 7,500gns; won first time out as a 2yo and on his comeback last spring, which gives hope, but there's not much room for manoeuvre off this mark.

20/1

Non-runners

Two Auld Pals

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £1171.20
Straight Forecast £622.41
Tricast £6221.16
Trifecta £5655.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Currumbin

The Times:

Destinado

TOPSPEED:

Le Rouge Chinois

The Guardian:

Bulldog Spirit

THE NORTH:

Two Auld Pals

RP RATINGS:

Percy Jones

Daily Mail:

Currumbin

The Sun:

Currumbin

Daily Record:

Currumbin

POSTDATA:

Le Rouge Chinois

D Express:

Bulldog Spirit

The Star:

Two Auld Pals

Telegraph:

Destinado

Daily Mirror:

Destinado