September 27 / 18.00 Southwell (AW)

18.00

Standard

Golf And Gallop Handicap

  • Prize money: £3245.08
  • 1m 0f 13y
  • Class 6
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Golf And Gallop Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Mostly cloudy

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 608081 D

Last run: 3 days

W: 10st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Unraced here but has won at Wolverhampton and did it comfortably in first-time cheekpieces at Kempton (7f; fine at 1m; 11-4f) on Wednesday; carries a penalty but Donagh Murphy's claim takes care of that; might well follow up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(13)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:57 Salisbury

Spirit Lead Me

9st 4lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

4-14 on AW but 0-10 on turf; badly out of form this year (six runs) and needs to turn a corner.

12/1

9th

4

(6)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

14:08 Newbury

Spirit Lead Me

9st 9lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Richard Hughes

Four-time AW winner but holds dismal claims on his 2026 form in that sphere and his unconvincing record on turf adds doubt.

25/1

20/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 600449 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Dual Chelmsford winner and placed here; has rather lost his way since winning on turf in April and others are safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(1)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 5

16:40 Epsom

Super Hit

9st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: James Owen

Won twice in July, including here (1m2f, good), and his last two runs have seen him hamstrung by pulling far too hard; drops in trip on what will likely be the slowest ground he has encountered; risky.

6/1

7th

2

(7)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 13y

Class 5

14:15 Catterick

Super Hit

10st 13lb

J: Mr Henry Callan

T: James Owen

Won twice over 1m2f last month (good and good to firm); pulled his chance away when third to Mariner at Doncaster 16 days ago; stamina for 1m4f has to be taken on trust but Henry Callan is 5-7 for James Owen and he should give it another good go.

9/2

3rd

1

(6)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 43y

Class 6

15:40 Doncaster

Super Hit

9st 11lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: James Owen

All the better for a hood returning, winning two of his last three races; overcame some traffic issues to prevail narrowly at Windsor 12 days ago (1m2f, good to firm); 3lb higher.

8/11

12/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 630766 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
All three wins (from 34 starts) came on the bounce last summer at about 1m on turf; has slipped back to a favourable mark but hasn't been in great form of late.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(4)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

16:15 Newcastle (AW)

Bowood

9st 11lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

Dual C&D winner (from lower marks) last autumn; couldn't sustain challenge when third at Redcar (1m, good to firm; 28-1) on penultimate start; lost many lengths at the start, toiling in competitive Class 4 at York latest; task isn't insurmountable.

12/1

12th

12

(8)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 4

15:05 York

Bowood

9st 4lb

J: Elle-May Croot

T: Ivan Furtado

Falling in the weights and ran respectably when third to Rajapour at Redcar on Sunday, but the winner bolted up that day and it's hard to see the tables being turned.

25/1

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

4th
11 (1)
Embarked

8/1

Form: 863102 C

Last run: 5 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 48

Form & Verdict
Hard to predict but won over 1m at Doncaster three runs back and was second, albeit no match for the winner, at Wolverhampton on Monday (7f); should have some say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(7)

21st Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 210y

Class 6

16:26 Brighton

Embarked

9st 9lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Scott Dixon

Hanging to his left may have cost him dear when a close fourth behind Barnsnape Boy in a C&D classified event 12 days ago; each-way claims if keeping straighter.

12/1

4th

4

(5)

9th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 210y

Class 6

18:21 Brighton

Embarked

9st 9lb

J: Mikkel Mortensen

T: Scott Dixon

Often a front-runner; returns to turf for the first time since winning a 0-60 handicap at Doncaster (1m, good to soft) last July but he does appear to face a difficult task on these terms.

20/1

9th

12

(5)

15th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Embarked

8st 9lb

J: Tyler Heard

T: Scott Dixon

Front-runner who won over C&D in 2024; beaten around 6l when third here in January but he's been well held in two starts since; others preferred.

40/1

8/1

Form: 757

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Unraced over this far but there were positives to take from his middle run (7f) and should do better now into handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(7)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Simbas Gift

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Lightly raced maiden who reared as the stalls opened on turf last time and did well to get as close; that came off the back of a solid stable debut over C&D and he's shortlisted under Billy Loughnane (1-9 for the yard).

6/1

3rd

1

(8)

29th Apr 2026

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Bath

Simbas Gift

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Six race maiden; well held in two handicaps for his previous stable but he posted a solid effort at Wolverhampton (8.5f, AW) on his first start for this yard 23 days ago; may come on from that first start for 168 days.

9/2

4th

6

(5)

6th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

13:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Simbas Gift

9st 6lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: William Muir & Chris Grassick

Signs of ability in novice/maiden company but failed to make immediate progress for the switch to handicapping, admittedly with an excuse - suffered interference on the home bend - over C&D last October; easing mark, but best watched off a 168-day absence.

8/1

OUR TIP

9/2

Form: 80-051

Last run: 145 days

W: 10st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
A well-backed favourite when winning over Kempton's 7f in May and that was after three months off so he goes well when fresh; up 5lb but has competitive form off this mark and stays 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(4)

25th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 5

14:30 Lingfield (AW)

Havana Touch

9st 10lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: John Butler

All four wins have been on the AW, the last three at Kempton, most recently over 1m in June when last seen off a 4lb lower mark; went close here over 7f in April and can be competitive on his return from a 76-day break.

11/4

1st

12

(8)

10th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Havana Touch

9st 1lb

J: David Egan

T: John Butler

Justified favouritism in a C&D handicap in April off 5lb lower; beaten a nose at Lingfield later that month and then met trouble in running at Ripon last week; should remain competitive.

8/1

6th

4

(2)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:10 Ripon

Havana Touch

9st 6lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: John Butler

5yo who was in top form on AW in the spring, with a win at Kempton (1m) being sandwiched by two seconds; showed some promise in May 2024 when he last raced on turf; key player if transferring good form back to grass.

7/1

Form: 545436

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Ten-race maiden; never settled in a higher grade last time and wasn't far away at Brighton the time before; bit to prove at 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(4)

20th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Amor Cordis

9st 5lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Warren Greatrex

11-race maiden; short of his best on his last two starts and others appeal more for win purposes.

10/1

7th

7

(5)

27th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Amor Cordis

9st 8lb

J: George Wood

T: Warren Greatrex

Ten-race maiden; never settled in a higher grade last time and wasn't far away at Brighton the time before; bit to prove at 1m.

12/1

Form: 080780 C

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Shooting down the weights but for good reason and doesn't look a winner waiting to happen; belatedly tries 1m for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(4)

27th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Line Of Force

9st 5lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Gemma Tutty

Shooting down the weights but for good reason and doesn't look a winner waiting to happen; belatedly tries 1m for the first time.

14/1

6

(2)

15th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:50 Thirsk

Line Of Force

9st 10lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Gemma Tutty

Began the year with a mark 24lb higher but it's been a struggle in handicaps, latterly for new yard; latest effort, when running into dead end after dead end in the straight at Haydock (7f, good; blinkers first time) was a bit more encouraging and he may have found his level now.

12/1

8

(10)

9th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 37y

Class 5

16:45 Haydock

Line Of Force

9st 5lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Gemma Tutty

Not entirely solid on his form for new stable but has slipped to an attractive mark and Warren Fentiman's claim is a bonus; may prove resurgent if taking well to first-time blinkers.

14/1

Form: 535137 C BF

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Won over 7f here last October and twice successful on turf since then, at 6f and 7f; has stamina to prove over this far and on the back of a backward step at Catterick.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(9)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

16:50 Doncaster

Emerald Army

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Started off well for Ruth Carr, although did appear to throw away (hung right) a winning opportunity when runner-up at Carlisle (7f, good) in May; better than bare facts - denied a clear run - when sixth of nine at Thirsk latest; fairly treated, so isn't discounted.

15/2

6th

2

(6)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

16:10 Thirsk

Emerald Army

9st 11lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Course winner last April when trained by Declan Carroll; runner-up in two of his six starts since joining this stable and shaped as if still in form when sixth of eight at Catterick (7f, good to firm) 24 days ago; can go well if things drop right (usually held up).

6/1

12/1

Form: 246320 D BF

Last run: 105 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Never gave his running at Bath in June and off since; went close there the time before (1m) off only 1lb lower and effective on AW surfaces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(2)

11th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

20:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

Claxton Bay

9st 9lb

J: Phoebe Edwards

T: David Evans

Infrequent winner but well treated on this year's best efforts; well beaten at 40-1 on his return from a summer break two weeks ago and needs to leave that well behind.

8/1

10th

6

(10)

27th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Claxton Bay

9st 10lb

J: Phoebe Edwards

T: David Evans

Never gave his running at Bath in June and off since; went close there the time before (1m) off only 1lb lower and effective on AW surfaces.

12/1

Form: 063

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 10lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Well held in her first two races and was under pressure a long way out when third of four runners at Lingfield (1m); perhaps mildly progressive and handicaps are now a better option.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

(8)

27th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Holly Holy

9st 10lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Well held in her first two races and was under pressure a long way out when third of four runners at Lingfield (1m); perhaps mildly progressive and handicaps are now a better option.

8/1

3rd

4

(1)

4th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 5

17:50 Lingfield (AW)

Holly Holy

9st 0lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Her second run was better than her debut but neither effort pointed to her winning this side of handicaps.

14/1

12

(9)

17th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

15:52 Southwell (AW)

Holly Holy

8st 13lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

28-1 when beating one home on her Yarmouth debut (7f, good) last month; half-sister to an AW winner but she needs to put that debut effort behind her.

40/1

14/1

Form: 630360 BF

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Has only won a Brighton maiden in 25 starts and looks hard to predict, with her placed run at Chelmsford last month followed by two lesser ones.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

14

(1)

30th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 6

16:35 Yarmouth

Rokuni

8st 9lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Charlie Wallis

Yet to add to his 2yo maiden win in 2024 and this year's form for new trainer has generally been disappointing; not the most obvious answer.

50/1

10th

10

(1)

26th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

16:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Rokuni

8st 12lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Charlie Wallis

1-30; well treated in the pick of last year's form, but his more recent efforts, including four for this yard, suggest a resurgence is needed.

20/1

3rd

6

(2)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 6

16:15 Yarmouth

Rokuni

9st 1lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Charlie Wallis

Poor strike-rate and his three runs for his new trainer haven't suggested he was primed to double his tally.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £49.40
Straight Forecast £42.89
Tricast £100.27
Trifecta £199.30

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Spirit Lead Me

NEWMARKET:

Havana Touch

Telegraph:

Super Hit

RP RATINGS:

Bowood

POSTDATA:

Spirit Lead Me

LAMBOURN:

Spirit Lead Me

The Times:

Spirit Lead Me

The Guardian:

Spirit Lead Me

Daily Mail:

Spirit Lead Me

D Express:

Spirit Lead Me

Daily Mirror:

Spirit Lead Me

Daily Record:

Spirit Lead Me

The Sun:

Havana Touch

The Star:

Havana Touch