December 29 / 12.40 Southwell (AW)

12.40

Standard

BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap (Div II)

  • Prize money: £4972.3
  • 1m 0f 13y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap (Div II)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

100/30

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 111062 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Three wins on turf for current yard; 0-11 on AW but ran well (neck second) in C&D contest most recently; warrants respect on the back of that career-best effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(2)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 5

15:33 Redcar

Bowood

9st 12lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

A two-time 1m scorer at Newcastle last autumn; yet to hit top form this season though, only seventh of 14 back over 1m there last month; mark is slipping but he still needs to take a step forward.

10/1

7th

5

(9)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:18 Newcastle (AW)

Bowood

9st 12lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

He hasn't been at his very best this year and a refusal to settle is becoming an issue; however, he was returning from a break at Doncaster three weeks ago and that run may have got the freshness out of him; impressive when winning two in a row over C&D last autumn and not written off.

20/1

5th

12

(7)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 4

19:30 Doncaster

Bowood

9st 1lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

Two clearcut wins at Newcastle (1m, AW) last autumn but he wasn't at his best on Tapeta during the winter; has scored over C&D in the past but he's never won a Class 4 and this is competitive on his return; others preferred.

20/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.00

Form: 453738 D

Last run: 83 days

W: 9st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Some respectable efforts on turf this year; not seen on AW since 2021 but is attractively treated, having recorded all handicap wins off 4lb higher; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(8)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

13:27 Wolverhampton (AW)

Repertoire

9st 8lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: David Simcock

Ended long losing run with a last-gasp win at Lingfield (1m) three weeks ago and he was only narrowly denied on his return visit 11 days ago; on same mark here and has possibilities if this sets up for his closing style.

5/1

10

(12)

31st Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:22 Newmarket

Repertoire

9st 6lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: David Simcock

9yo who is without a win since October 2023; ran four times last winter, best effort on first occasion and he's often gone well after other breaks, so he needs a second look off this career-low mark.

12/1

10

(12)

31st Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:22 Newmarket

Repertoire

9st 6lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: David Simcock

9yo who is without a win since October 2023; ran four times last winter, best effort on first occasion and he's often gone well after other breaks, so he needs a second look off this career-low mark.

12/1

14/1

Form: 102958 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Record is 4-41, the most recent win on turf in July; has lacked consistency otherwise this year and finished behind two of these rivals here last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

(10)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

14:45 Chester

Hes A Gentleman

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Hugo Palmer

Five-time AW winner who was knocking on the door at Wolverhampton (8.6f/7f) in his final two starts in the spring; only 1lb higher than for his last run but this is tougher back up in grade and he's 1-25 on turf; has some work to do from high draw after a break.

16/1

2nd

2

(3)

31st Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Hes A Gentleman

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Hugo Palmer

One win (C&D) and three second-place finishes in six AW starts since October; front-running second, beaten a nose, over 8.6f here four weeks ago; in the mix again.

7/1

2nd

3

(1)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Hes A Gentleman

9st 8lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Hugo Palmer

Won over C&D in 2023 but better known as a 7f performer now; safely held over that trip here on last two appearances and needs to up his game.

7/1

OUR TIP

11/2

Form: 629365 D

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Below best over C&D last month; losing run is mounting up but he is a three-time AW scorer and remains well treated on peak form; 5lb below last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(4)

24th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 207y

Class 4

14:05 Beverley

Gincident

9st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: James Owen

Narrowly beat Individualism when winning over C&D off 2lb lower in June (good to firm); excuses for two lesser runs since (soft ground; too free); contender.

6/1

2

(9)

10th Aug 2025

Good

1m 2f 100y

Class 4

15:45 Haydock

Gincident

10st 1lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: James Owen

Soft ground provides an excuse for below-par effort last time; solid record (1333121) otherwise for current stable and gained the most recent success, at Beverley (1m2f, good to firm), in game fashion; remains of interest.

6/1

9th

8

(12)

24th Jul 2025

Soft

1m 2f 23y

Class 2

20:40 Yarmouth

Gincident

8st 11lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: James Owen

In very good form since being upped to 1m2f, which continued when he won at Beverley (1m2f, good to firm) last month; it's a long time since he ran well on slow ground but he's in the mix if the surface isn't an issue.

13/2

Form: 214090 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
1m AW winner in Ireland for Joseph O'Brien; down the field in both starts for new stable; chance partly depends on how well he responds to new headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(2)

16th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 14y

Class 5

15:30 Chepstow

Al Mudhaffar

9st 3lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Charlie Fellowes

Still quite lightly raced after only eight starts but ended 2024 with two disappointing AW runs and was well beaten on turf when returning in March; refitted visor the headgear of choice today; needs to turn a corner.

9/1

Form: /50217 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Never landed a blow over 7f last time; off the mark in Newmarket contest on most recent 1m attempt and may have more to offer at this trip; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(8)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 201y

Class 5

16:22 Salisbury

Sixfiveseven

9st 0lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: J S Moore

Gradually finding his form for new stable since returning from lengthy absence, fourth over 1m at Ffos Las most recently; doesn't seem to be crying out for this step back up in distance, however.

12/1

4th

6

(1)

4th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:20 Ffos Las

Sixfiveseven

9st 2lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: J S Moore

Newmarket winner in late 2024 (1m, good; fine on soft); second run back from a long absence was better than the first and he might progress again; realistic mark.

9/1

6th

1

(11)

21st May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 16y

Class 5

19:10 Chepstow

Sixfiveseven

9st 9lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: J S Moore

Won over 1m at Newmarket (good; also second on soft) in autumn 2024 but absent for 487 days prior to weakening into ninth of ten at Kempton (1m) three weeks ago; entitled to strip fitter (return to turf may also help) but a leap of faith is needed.

25/1

8th
6 (1)
Siam Fox

8/1

Form: 793445 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Has a better strike-rate on turf than on AW but recent form is respectable; not disgraced over C&D last time, albeit appearing held by Bowood on that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

8

(7)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

13:24 Newmarket (July)

Siam Fox

9st 3lb

J: Matthew Lloyd Slater

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

Six-time winner who finished a close third in this race off 9lb higher last year; took advantage of a slipping mark when making all to beat King Of Charm at Yarmouth (1m, good to firm) in this headgear combination three weeks ago and a 4lb nudge still leaves him competitively weighted.

5/1

1st

4

(2)

28th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

17:00 Yarmouth

Siam Fox

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Kevin & Lauren Frost

C&D winner but his last success was almost two years ago; very well treated on old form but he's struggled in last five starts including after wind surgery here (1m good; 22-1) two weeks ago; blinkers are now tried and cheekpieces are removed.

10/1

6th

8

(9)

13th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

14:08 Yarmouth

Siam Fox

9st 4lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Kevin Frost

C&D winner but his last success came back in June 2024; failed to beat a rival home at Doncaster on his first start since undergoing wind surgery and needs to take a big step forward from that.

14/1

100/30

Form: 316071 C

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Nosed ahead in final strides here (7f) this month, taking record to 3-14; effective at 1m and could well remain competitive, having gone back up just 2lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(4)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:05 Doncaster

Bella Bisbee

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Second course win when beating 11 rivals here last month, but only fifth on her return visit; back down 1lb.

16/1

5th

1

(1)

26th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

11:45 Doncaster

Bella Bisbee

9st 11lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Scott Dixon

Belied her 20-1 odds with recent C&D success on good ground, taking Doncaster record to 2-5; incurs a penalty (future mark 1lb lower) but may well remain competitive kept to this venue.

5/1

1st

9

(12)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

16:40 Doncaster

Bella Bisbee

9st 2lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Scott Dixon

The winner of two 7f AW handicaps for Scott Dixon; didn't run badly on turf at Lingfield (7f, good) on her penultimate start and her rider takes off a useful 3lb; each-way shout.

10/1

10th
10 (4)
Sceptic

33/1

Form: 080000 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Two wins for Andrew Balding; poor record for Ian Williams (three attempts) then Patrick Morris; big turnaround is required on first run since rejoining Williams.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(2)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 75y

Class 5

17:55 Nottingham

Sceptic

9st 4lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Ian Williams

Not the force of old but gained his fifth success, at Kempton (1m, AW) in May; beaten 4l at Doncaster (1m, good to soft) last month in an 18-runner contest but this smaller field should play to his strengths (all five wins have been in races with less than ten runners).

5/1

9th

7

(5)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 213y

Class 6

17:15 Doncaster

Sceptic

9st 8lb

J: Stevie Donohoe

T: Ian Williams

Has a better strike-rate on AW than on turf but went close in most recent attempt in this sphere; scored at Kempton (1m) last time; may well remain competitive.

9/2

1st

3

(8)

6th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Sceptic

9st 9lb

J: Toby Moore

T: Ian Williams

Triple AW winner who showed signs of a revival at Wolverhampton in March and he went close back on turf at Nottingham (8.3f, good) last month; 2lb higher here but he was a well-backed favourite last time and he remains very well treated on old form; big player.

6/4

Form: 232116

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 12lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Below par last time when bidding for a 7f AW hat-trick; consistent and steadily progressive otherwise, so could easily rebound; ran well in sole C&D attempt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(4)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:15 Dundalk (AW)

Vibrato

10st 1lb

J: Killian Leonard

T: Cian Collins

Four-time AW winner at 7f/1m for Jennie Candlish with his last win coming at Southwell off 70 in August; not at the same level since, but the best of three runs for this yard came last time here over 5f when 3l behind the winner; into 0-60 company now and returns to winning distance.

16/1

7th

8

(3)

13th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

16:28 Dundalk (AW)

Vibrato

9st 5lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Cian Collins

Useful AW form in Britain, winning four times; well below his best in final runs for Laura Morgan and poor form has continued in two outings here for new yard; Colin Keane takes over for the first time now.

33/1

10th

4

(8)

28th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

15:02 Dundalk (AW)

Vibrato

9st 9lb

J: Killian Leonard

T: Cian Collins

Useful overall AW form in Britain, winning four times; a long way below best since Southwell win last August; never threatened in a 7f handicap here on Irish debut.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £23.90
Straight Forecast £22.41
Tricast £167.02
Trifecta £153.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Bowood

Telegraph:

Bella Bisbee

RP RATINGS:

Repertoire

POSTDATA:

Siam Fox

Daily Record:

Bella Bisbee

The Times:

Bowood

Daily Mirror:

Bowood

The Sun:

Bowood

The Star:

Bowood

D Express:

Repertoire