January 17 / 17.00 Southwell (AW)

17.00

Standard

Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap

  • Prize money: £4396.56
  • 1m 0f 13y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

25/1 (Won)

  • Win: £34.50
  • Place: £8.30

Form: 7907-8 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Triple course winner who scored at Nottingham (8.3f) in July but he's been out of sorts since then including in two runs this winter; has plenty to prove and he's a frequent slow starter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

(4)

7th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Soames Forsyte

9st 4lb

J: William Pyle

T: Michael Herrington

Gained his fourth win at his track when coming from off the pace to win by a neck here in January; kept on into fifth behind Avatar Jet over C&D 12 days ago and has each-way claims if this is run to suit.

16/1

5th

6

(6)

25th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Soames Forsyte

9st 5lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Four-time course winner, all in the winter months, latterly off this mark in January; usually misses the break and again hung left when behind Marry The Night over C&D last time; a stronger pace would help for last year's winning yard.

10/1

5th

5

(5)

5th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

16:15 Southwell (AW)

Soames Forsyte

9st 6lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Has become inconsistent but has won four times here, the latest over this trip in January; just 1lb higher and a player if on a going day.

15/2

9/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 2134-5 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Seven-time AW winner who is only 1lb higher than when scoring at Wolverhampton (8.6f) in November; didn't fire at that track two weeks ago but that was against a pace bias and he's a player if this sets up for his closing style.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

(9)

30th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ernies Valentine

8st 10lb

J: Phoebe Edwards

T: Ross Burdon

Seven wins on the AW; consistent in the main and ran okay over the 8.6f here ten days ago, leaving the impression that this longer trip is worth another go.

14/1

4th

3

(5)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ernies Valentine

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Ross Burdon

Seven times an AW winner, twice over C&D; back to his last winning mark and Jack Mitchell takes over from a 7lb claimer; one to take seriously.

4/1

8th

8

(1)

10th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

17:08 Southwell (AW)

Ernies Valentine

9st 7lb

J: Phoebe Edwards

T: Ross Burdon

Reliable sort who comes here on the back of a solid fifth of 12 in 7f handicap here 18 days ago; he ought to be in the shake-up once more.

5/1

OUR TIP

5/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 32305-

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Well handicapped on his best form and he ran respectably in a C&D novice three weeks ago but he's now 0-14 and has been beaten at 5-1 or shorter on 11 occasions; others looks stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

(2)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

15:55 Southwell (AW)

Forest Caper

9st 4lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

0-18 but has shown ability as when second of nine at Newcastle (1m2f, Tapeta) ten days ago; return to this trip not a problem and he holds each-way claims again.

7/1

2nd

1

(4)

14th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

16:25 Newcastle (AW)

Forest Caper

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David O’Meara

0-17 but he got right back on track when fourth of 11 in 1m Southwell handicap nine days ago, doing best of those held up off a steady pace; he's effective at this longer trip and is one for the shortlist.

6/1

4th

7

(10)

5th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Forest Caper

9st 6lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Free-goer who came from the rear for a close third behind Soames Forsyte over C&D last month and may not have been suited by the much more positive tactics when below that form at Wolverhampton (8.6f; ran without usual hood) a few days later; however, he's 0-16 now and has become frustrating.

10/1

Form: 73694- D

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Often harms his chance by racing too freely, as was the case at Wolverhampton last month, but won three in a row over 1m on turf last June and is well handicapped on some of his subsequent placed form (including on Tapeta); eyeshields added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(6)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Beaming Light

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: David Loughnane

Off the boil since finishing second off a 4lb higher mark over C&D in February but he's been running in sprints latterly; this is easier than he's used to and he ought to fare much better back from a short break.

8/1

5th

3

(3)

26th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 6

15:20 Nottingham

Beaming Light

9st 5lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: David Loughnane

Completed a 1m hat-trick last June; form has dipped over 7f/6f/5f in last three outings and he has enough to prove in another sprint race; tongue-tie added.

14/1

Form: 69327- CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
First three wins were on turf but last three have been on Tapeta; didn't fire at Newcastle last month but that was after a short break and he's now 1lb lower than for his last win; dangerous if he can rediscover his spark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(9)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

Mercurius Power

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Difficult to win with in recent years, now 7lb lower than when last successful at Southwell (1m) in August 2024; met trouble when sixth (beaten over 4l) here on penultimate start, but latest Leicester effort was less encouraging.

12/1

7th

9

(7)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 53y

Class 6

20:25 Leicester

Mercurius Power

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Jessica Macey

It's now 17 outings since his last success but he arrives on the back of a respectable sixth of 11 in 1m Newcastle handicap last month; easing in the weights and no forlorn hope.

14/1

6th

4

(9)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Mercurius Power

9st 8lb

J: George Wood

T: Jessica Macey

Regular 1m placings here and at Southwell since September; form dipped on latest outing, however, and there's been no win since August 2024.

8/1

Form: 16146- D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Has patchy profile but he put in a dominant display at Kempton (1m) in October and he had some traffic issues in the closing stages when a respectable sixth over C&D last time; still looks on a workable mark and it wouldn't be a surprise if he made a bold bid.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(8)

17th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Double Time

9st 8lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Tim Vaughan

Has patchy profile but he put in a dominant display at Kempton (1m) in October and he had some traffic issues in the closing stages when a respectable sixth over C&D last time; still looks on a workable mark and it wouldn't be a surprise if he made a bold bid.

9/2

1

(5)

13th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:10 Kempton (AW)

Double Time

9st 8lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Tim Vaughan

C&D winner; off the mark for this yard when beating 12 rivals at Windsor in July (1m, soft); not so good in Doncaster classified event four weeks ago but this return to Class 6 will help and he has the ability to feature.

14/1

4

(7)

14th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

15:35 Doncaster

Double Time

11st 7lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

These terms don't appear that favourable at face value but he returned to winning ways in a 1m handicap at Windsor (soft; second run in this headgear combination) and he was worthy of a much higher mark last year; considered.

10/1

20/1

Form: 51679-

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Both wins have come over 7f but he's effective at 1m; looks feasibly treated on his Kempton win last May but he's struggled in three subsequent runs including when last of nine at Chelmsford last month; plenty to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

2nd

9

(5)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 5

17:40 Lingfield (AW)

Havana Touch

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Butler

Resumed winning ways in 1m Kempton handicap 29 days ago; up 4lb but must enter calculations.

7/2

1st

6

(2)

1st Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:00 Kempton (AW)

Havana Touch

9st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: John Butler

Back to form when second of 11 at Wolverhampton (8.6f) a fortnight ago; 2lb higher today but Rossa Ryan booked and this course winner should have a big run in him.

4/1

Form: 608-45

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Sole win was on turf in August 2024 but he's only been beaten around 2l at Newcastle and Chelmsford (both at 1m) in last two runs; has possibilities if he can find something extra and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

(11)

28th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 43y

Class 5

17:15 Doncaster

Miners Gamble

9st 1lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

Fourth is the best he's managed in seven AW outings this winter, despite being prominent in the market a few times; his sole win from 24 starts came on turf but his claims still aren't obvious.

10/1

6th

10

(10)

5th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

Miners Gamble

8st 5lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Brian Ellison

5lb lower than when beaten a head over C&D last May, but his form since returning in December has been patchy while he is just 1-23.

10/1

9th

12

(5)

17th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Miners Gamble

8st 12lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Sole win was on turf in August 2024 but he's only been beaten around 2l at Newcastle and Chelmsford (both at 1m) in last two runs; has possibilities if he can find something extra and he's not ruled out.

9/1

Form: 623-3

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 4yo who went close in a Wolverhampton maiden (7f) last month and was a creditable third on handicap debut there two weeks ago; this is a deeper race but that was another step forward last time and he's open to more progress at this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(7)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:25 Leicester

Al Hofzan

9st 5lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Georgina Nicholls

Is 0-9 but he comes here in decent nick, fifth of nine in 6f handicap here 26 days ago; in the mix back up to 7f now.

11/1

5th

9

(7)

13th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:52 Leicester

Al Hofzan

9st 1lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Georgina Nicholls

Couple of decent efforts under aggressive Harry Vigors rides in 7.2f Wolverhampton handicaps since the cheekpieces went on; first crack at sprinting on his turf debut and is one to consider.

4/1

3rd

1

(8)

17th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Al Hofzan

9st 9lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Georgina Nicholls

Seven-race maiden who is proving largely consistent; nearly made all in first-time cheekpieces over C&D most recently and that form has a solid look to it; good chance in the retained headgear with Harry Vigors taking off a useful 7lb.

4/1

Form: 21710- CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Recorded his 12th AW win when scoring at Wolverhampton (8.6f) last month but he flopped under a penalty there eight days later; has bit to prove again after that heavy defeat but he has won three of his last seven starts and is capable of bouncing back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(10)

17th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 5

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Love Your Work

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Darryll Holland

Recorded his 12th AW win when scoring at Wolverhampton (8.6f) last month but he flopped under a penalty there eight days later; has bit to prove again after that heavy defeat but he has won three of his last seven starts and is capable of bouncing back.

10/1

10

(2)

22nd Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Love Your Work

9st 8lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Darryll Holland

Beat a serial loser of late over C&D three weeks ago, taking Hector Crouch's record on him to 2-2; 4lb rise is of no great concern considering he's been rated much higher in the past; handy draw.

5/1

1st

1

(6)

1st Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Love Your Work

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Darryll Holland

Nine of his 12 wins have been on AW, the latest from 5lb higher at Chelmsford (1m, Polytrack) in March; not beaten far into fourth of 13 at Brighton (1m, soft) last month and he has to be of interest in this field.

4/1

33/1

Form: 9066-0

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Won a 7f novice at Catterick last May but he's been disappointing since and has finished tailed off in both runs this winter; still lightly raced and mark is tumbling but he needs a big turnaround.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

11

(4)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

17:08 Beverley

Far Ahead

9st 0lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Largely out of sorts this season, beating just two in 1m Ripon handicap last time; not easy to make a case for.

16/1

11th

10

(13)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:50 Ripon

Far Ahead

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Has failed to deliver in handicaps since landing a Catterick novice in May 2025; his mark continues to plummet but he needs to show more.

8/1

7th

10

(2)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

17:56 Beverley

Far Ahead

8st 12lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Won a Catterick novice (7f, good to firm) last May but has form figures of 90660000 in handicaps since; has tumbled down the weights but he's failed to beat a rival in his last four starts including when prominent in the market at Redcar two weeks ago; lots to prove back up in trip.

10/1

Form: 58306- D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 67

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

7th

1

(9)

24th Feb 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

17:35 Southwell (AW)

Terries Royale

10st 2lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Appleby

Half-brother to six winners including Sakhee's Return (5.8f-7f including 2yo; RPR 93), Jackpot Royale (7f-1m; 91), Be Royale (6f-8.6f including AW; 79), Queens Royale (7f AW; 75) and Must Be Royale (7f AW; 70); once-raced dam (56) out of 1m Group 3 winner; family has won plenty of races for the yard, but stable only has the occasional winning newcomer; watch market.

16/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £290.60
Straight Forecast £234.27
Tricast £1337.89
Trifecta £2557.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Al Hofzan

POSTDATA:

Ernie's Valentine

RP RATINGS:

Double Time

Telegraph:

Terries Royale

Daily Mirror:

Forest Caper

TOPSPEED:

Havana Touch

Daily Mail:

Love Your Work

The Times:

Al Hofzan

D Express:

Al Hofzan

The Star:

Al Hofzan

Daily Record:

Al Hofzan

The Sun:

Double Time

NEWMARKET:

Ernie's Valentine

The Guardian:

Ernie's Valentine