September 23 / 20.00 Southwell (AW)

20.00

Standard

Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 1m 6f 21y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

25/1

  • Place: £5.20

Form: 5-8000

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Proved tough to place for Karl Burke last year before being sold for 49,000gns in the autumn; continued to struggle in good-class handicaps this season and, while this is easier down another 4lb and back on the AW, he's hard to recommend.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(2)

6th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:33 Newmarket (July)

Imperial Sovereign

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Philip Kirby

On a long losing sequence, being 0-21 since debut win; however, beat all bar a subsequent scorer last time, over 1m6f at Chester, and appears to hold a fighting chance off the same mark, which is 22lb lower than his peak one.

9/2

2nd

2

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 87y

Class 4

17:32 Chester

Imperial Sovereign

9st 12lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Philip Kirby

No wins since an odds-on debut success for Karl Burke back in 2023; well handicapped on his old form but he's been well held in his last three runs including over 1m6f at York (good) two weeks ago; down the list.

9/1

4th

4

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 4

15:38 York

Imperial Sovereign

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Philip Kirby

No wins since an odds-on debut success for Karl Burke back in 2023 but he's run with credit on plenty of occasions; that wasn't the case at Chester last time, however, and on balance he's opposable despite this career-low mark.

12/1

Form: 1-2425 C

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Currently 2-2 round here, both over 1m4f; proved consistent during a limited campaign this year, following wind surgery, bar a forgivable blip in a race that didn't pan out his way latest; a player if stamina holds now going beyond 1m4f for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(4)

24th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 99y

Class 4

18:18 Windsor

Melek Alreeh

10st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Simcock

In winning form on the AW at Wolverhampton (1m4f) in the winter but failed to beat a rival on his return from five months in 1m4f handicap at Newmarket last month; has something to prove now.

14/1

5th

1

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:45 Newmarket (July)

Melek Alreeh

10st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: David Simcock

All four wins over 1m4f, the last three on Tapeta; not seen since a career best to win at Wolverhampton in January and he's 4lb higher here; twice runner-up on turf last year; may need to hit a new turf high but he requires a second look given this small field.

11/2

1st

4

(7)

30th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

17:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Melek Alreeh

9st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: David Simcock

Triple 1m4f winner, including on Tapeta; handicapper has just had his measure since his last win but he's gone very close several times, the latest at Chelmsford (1m2f, Polytrack); up 1lb; respected.

13/2

8/1

Form: -99885 CD

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Serial slow starter who lost his way for Jamie Osborne prior to being sold for 13,000gns in July; solid debut for his new yard, when 125-1 for a Galway handicap two months ago, and has a chance of adding to last autumn's C&D win if building on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

2nd Aug 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 160y

13:50 Galway

Wahraan

11st 0lb

J: Carl Millar

T: Jessica Bedi

In terrific form of late, winning 2m3f Market Rasen handicap hurdle in May (good) and returned from a short break when strong-finishing neck second (clear of remainder) of 19 in 2m1f flat handicap here on Wednesday; clearly handles the track, should go well.

4/1

2nd

20

(13)

29th Jul 2026

Yielding

2m 0f 110y

20:20 Galway

Wahraan

9st 7lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Jessica Bedi

Three flat wins for various trainers in Britain and off the mark over hurdles for current trainer in 2m3f Market Rasen maiden in late May (good); had earlier not looked a straightforward ride on occasions; has had a break since.

14/1

1st

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 4

18:00 Market Rasen

Wahraan

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Jessica Bedi

Has some useful Flat form and kept on steadily from a long way off the pace to take third on hurdle debut at Wetherby (2m, soft) in November; subsequent Grade 2 defeat is easily overlooked but he has become a very awkward ride, often refusing to settle and/or hanging; comes with risk.

2/1

Form: 287746

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Fine on Tapeta but has done most winning round Chelmsford, always over 1m2f; generally consistent in recent times, without looking quite as good, and has to prove his stamina going beyond 1m4f for the first time; the usual headgear comes off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(4)

23rd Sep 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Wadacre Gomez

9st 7lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Fine on Tapeta but has done most winning round Chelmsford, always over 1m2f; generally consistent in recent times, without looking quite as good, and has to prove his stamina going beyond 1m4f for the first time; the usual headgear comes off.

10/1

1

(4)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Lingfield (AW)

Wadacre Gomez

10st 2lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Charlie Johnston

Much more exposed than some of these and usually runs over 1m2f but gave pretty good account when fourth in valuable Chelmsford handicap (1m2f) a fortnight and is 1lb lower here; could have a say.

4/1

9

(5)

7th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Wadacre Gomez

8st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Charlie Johnston

Formerly a front-runner but more often held up these days; finished a 4l seventh at Wolverhampton in last two starts but he's 5-9 at Chelmsford and was runner-up over C&D in June; has possibilities back at this track and he needs a close look with Hollie Doyle booked.

9/1

3/1

Form: 82/561

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Pulled way too hard in the first-time hood on his handicap/Polytrack debut last month and did well to get as close as he did; proved more amenable when winning easily at Chester (1m4f) ten days ago and a 9lb rise may be doable if settling early going up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

13th Aug 2026

Good

1m 7f 120y

17:11 Tramore

Playtime

11st 5lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Flat winner is 1-11 over hurdles, having been successful in a Leopardstown maiden hurdle in March (2m, soft to heavy); good runner-up finish to the smart Switch From Diesel in a Punchestown novice hurdle in June was his best run since (2m1f, good); makes chasing debut now and his hurdles rating of 115 gives him a shout but his recent runs have been a bit below his best.

13/2

6th

5

2nd Aug 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 160y

13:50 Galway

Playtime

11st 9lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Leopardstown maiden hurdle winner (2m, soft) in March and runner-up to the smart Switch From Diesel in a Punchestown novice, his best run since; 2m6f may have stretched him last time, back in trip now.

10/1

3rd

1

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 185y

16:12 Downpatrick

Playtime

11st 12lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Leopardstown maiden hurdle winner (2m, soft) in March and runner-up to the smart Switch From Diesel in a novice two runs back; only seventh in a handicap since then but was beaten far; every chance on these terms.

7/4

Form: -53275

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
0-6 since joining from Andre Fabre (Polytrack winner in France); better effort without seeing out 2m at York last time, on his first crack at beyond 1m4f, and is one to consider back down in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(1)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 2

16:22 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ribble Vibe

8st 13lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: David O’Meara

Sometimes hangs left but is moving in the right direction and comfortably justified favouritism over C&D in December, recording a first win since joining shrewd current connections; good second on trials day at Newcastle (kept to 2m) since; may improve further at this trip; respected.

2/1

2nd

7

(6)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:15 Newcastle (AW)

Ribble Vibe

8st 13lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Had been running well in defeat before outclassing his five rivals in a Class 4 at Wolverhampton (2m); 5lb higher this time in a stronger contest but looks a good bet to give his running.

6/1

Form: -01299 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Wildly hit and miss on turf but boasts a decent, consistent record on Tapeta at Newcastle (went close in the Northumberland Vase there in the summer); it wouldn't surprise to see him bounce back from a couple of poor efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(2)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Newbury

Tryfan

9st 11lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Harry Charlton

Peak efforts on AW but he won on good to firm last May and did so again when he first tried cheekpieces in eight-runner race at Ascot (1m4f; by a neck, led over 2f out) five weeks ago; back up 3lb but in the mix in small field.

7/2

1st

7

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:12 Ascot

Tryfan

8st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Harry Charlton

Better on AW but he did win on good to firm last May; placed in two of his AW starts last winter but tailed off in a hot 2m race at Easter (hooded) and well beaten when returned to turf at Salisbury in May; now tries cheekpieces and a lower turf mark is largely negated by being 4lb out of the handicap.

10/1

Form: 4161-9 C

Last run: 249 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Dual 1m4f winner here who ran poorly when last seen eight months ago (was withdrawn a week later, when found to be coughing, which may have had something to do with it); interesting to see how he goes in the market.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(6)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 63y

Class 4

17:12 Chester

Wiltshire Wonder

9st 4lb

J: Robbie Downey

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Won two 1m4f handicaps at Southwell in late 2024 but he didn't match that form in three starts last year and left Archie Watson for 5,000gns in October; yard (also runs Shipshape) won this with a 33-1 shot last year and this one is likely to be a similar price.

33/1

8

(10)

23rd Sep 2025

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 4

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Wiltshire Wonder

9st 3lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Archie Watson

Dual 1m4f winner here who ran poorly when last seen eight months ago (was withdrawn a week later, when found to be coughing, which may have had something to do with it); interesting to see how he goes in the market.

10/1

Form: 213629 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Disappointing at Newcastle one month ago, in a race he'd won last year, and is switched from cheekpieces to first-time blinkers off the back of it; there's little wiggle room off this mark and much will hinge on how he responds to the new headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

18:38 Worcester

Road To Wembley

11st 12lb

J: Mr T Walsh

T: Olly Murphy

Fairly useful Flat stayer who drew clear to score by over 6l at Aintree (2mf, good) in May and is now 2-3 over hurdles; has the big 12lb penalty here and Sean Bowen is replaced by an amateur but could be seen to even better effect over this longer trip; tongue-tie added.

4/1

1st

1

15th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 209y

Class 4

16:35 Aintree

Road To Wembley

11st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Four-time winner on the Flat for Richard Hughes and it's been a promising start over hurdles, winning a Southwell maiden last time without too much fuss (good); penalised accordingly but sets the standard.

Evs

1st

5

1st Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell

Road To Wembley

11st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Fairly useful four-time AW Flat winner in these silks for Richard Hughes and promising second of ten on his Warwick hurdle debut (2m, good to soft) for Olly Murphy 24 days ago; entitled to improve and the one to beat.

Evs

Form: -36230 D

Last run: 158 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Five Wolverhampton wins to his name for Shaun Lycett, all during the winter months, and never off a mark this high; has gone well here too but possible he'll need this for his new yard after five months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(1)

17th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 5

20:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Optician

10st 2lb

J: David Probert

T: Michael Herrington

All five AW wins have been at this track, four of which were over this trip; recorded his first turf success at Doncaster in June and has run well since, which augurs well for this return to AW.

5/1

2nd

1

(5)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 5

15:15 Redcar

Optician

10st 2lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Michael Herrington

Off the mark on turf when beating five rivals at Doncaster (1m4f, good to soft) last month but he was beaten 8l when fifth of ten off this mark at York (1m4f, good to firm) 19 days ago; now drops back in trip.

4/1

5th

7

(4)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:40 York

Optician

9st 10lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Michael Herrington

Five-time AW winner who made it sixteenth time lucky on turf when seeing off five rivals over 1m4f at Doncaster (good to soft) under Conor Whiteley 26 days ago; 3lb higher in a deeper race now but the Michael Herrington stable continues in good form.

8/1

Form: 825967 C

Last run: 124 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won seven times in around three months two winters ago, mostly over a bit further; has had a four-month break since a poor spell during the spring and will need to be bang on it if he's to end a dry run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(4)

26th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

15:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

The Craftymaster

9st 12lb

J: Molly Gunn

T: Tony Carroll

Has won five times this year including his last two starts off his lower turf mark; closely matched with V Power on last month's C&D running and another big effort is likely; stable also runs Letmebetheboss.

5/2

1st

7

(1)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

20:10 Newmarket (July)

The Craftymaster

8st 10lb

J: Myla Coppins

T: Tony Carroll

Prolific AW winner, most recently when darting 14l clear at Wolverhampton (2m) in June; narrowly exploited lower turf mark at Lingfield (2m, good to firm) last month but he pulled clear with the runner-up and remains feasibly treated off 4lb higher; shortlisted.

4/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £21.80
Straight Forecast £19.31
Tricast £307.60
Trifecta £327.90

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Road To Wembley

SPOTLIGHT:

Ribble Vibe

Telegraph:

Playtime

NEWMARKET:

Melek Alreeh

The Times:

Wadacre Gomez

The Star:

Wahraan

TOPSPEED:

Ribble Vibe

D Express:

Ribble Vibe

POSTDATA:

Road To Wembley

The Guardian:

Road To Wembley

Daily Mail:

Road To Wembley

Daily Mirror:

Playtime

Daily Record:

Playtime

The Sun:

Melek Alreeh