March 20 / 19.00 Wolverhampton (AW)

19.00

Standard

SBK: Dont Settle For Less Handicap

  • Prize money: £29700
  • 1m 0f 142y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
ITV4
View Course
SBK: Dont Settle For Less Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.80
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 1812-2

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Winner of three of his seven starts and although he found one too good for him when front-running over C&D 13 days ago, that was another good effort; drawn a little wider this time but needs respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

First Principle

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: William Haggas

Best form has come on AW and he hung left when 3l last of six at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) in May last time; however, the trip appeared to stretch him and he's off the same mark as for his win at Wolverhampton (8.4f, AW) in March; not written off back at 1m in first-time cheekpieces.

10/1

6th

4

(5)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Windsor

First Principle

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Broadly progressive, mostly at about 1m and on AW, until posting duck eggs in last two outings; may prove resurgent back down in grade, and pedigree suggests the return to 1m2f is worth a go.

4/1

17th

8

(17)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

First Principle

8st 13lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: William Haggas

Having been gelded last autumn he enjoyed a good stint on AW, winning twice (1m/8.6f); soundly beaten at Newcastle (1m, AW) last time and he needs to transfer his improvement back to turf, but he remains lightly raced for his top yard and is not discounted under Ryan Moore.

14/1

2nd
5 (5)
Dosman

6/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 38-321

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Resurgent for new yard this year, looking unlucky at Newcastle on penultimate start and handing a 2l beating to runner-up Zryan at Southwell (again 1m, Tapeta) on latest; back up another 4lb but the best of his old form was a little better still and he has to be on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(6)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:47 Newcastle (AW)

Dosman

8st 11lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Both wins have been on AW and he went close in his bid for a double at Wolverhampton (8.6f) in March; never involved back on turf at Ascot in May but he started slowly and was hampered at a crucial stage; now goes back up in grade but he has possibilities back on Tapeta.

15/2

5th

4

(8)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Ascot

Dosman

9st 11lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Oli Rix

Only 2-16 but his third trainer has him in career-best form and didn't get the breaks when a closing fourth at Newcastle last time (1m); hold-up performer who needs a good pace to chase and if getting one he'll be dangerous.

4/1

4th

12

(12)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Dosman

8st 9lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Coaxed back to form by his new trainer, twice placed over C&D before winning at Southwell in February; good second behind First Principle two weeks ago; another 2lb rise tempers enthusiasm slightly.

16/1

5/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 11621- CD

Last run: 132 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Has looked quirky on occasions but he came wide and late for a short-head win (from Zryan) over C&D on latest outing, making it three wins from six starts; off 132 days since but raised just 3lb and needs major attention as one of the least exposed runners in this line-up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

17

(1)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

City Of Poets

8st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: James Tate

Has gained both handicap wins in tight finishes at Class 3 level, including at Redcar latest start; may well come up short in this better grade, for all that he receives weight all round.

16/1

1st

1

(10)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:25 Redcar

City Of Poets

10st 3lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: James Tate

3-9; didn't enjoy much luck when sent off one of the market leaders for the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month, but ran his race when beaten just over a length into fourth of 13 over the same C&D (good) a fortnight later; one for the shortlist down another 1lb.

11/2

4th

1

(12)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 3

16:47 Thirsk

City Of Poets

9st 11lb

J: P J McDonald

T: James Tate

Talented on AW and had more in hand than the narrow winning margin suggests when arriving late on the scene at Wolverhampton (about 1m) in November; was carried out of his ground when starting a forward move over C&D (good to firm) recently and has to be of interest in this lower grade.

4/1

Form: 46-210

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
7-28 on the Dundalk AW, with his latest win this January and that's his clear highlight this winter; the last year suggests that others will be a bit better handicapped.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(3)

16th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

18:35 Leopardstown

Exquisite Acclaim

9st 8lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Nine wins in all, but only one on turf from 32 starts; led when third over 7f at Fairyhouse last week, and that's probably his optimum trip on turf, rather than the stiff mile here; unplaced all four runs here, too.

12/1

3rd

4

(4)

8th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

20:00 Fairyhouse

Exquisite Acclaim

8st 9lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Adrian McGuinness

Eight-time winner on the AW but just 1-31 on turf; beaten 3l when third of 6 in this last season and just 1lb lower now; finished a couple of places ahead of Tolebi when a 4.5l seventh of 17 at the Curragh on latest; place shout.

12/1

7th

4

(2)

26th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

18:10 Curragh

Exquisite Acclaim

9st 7lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Eight-time AW winner; not as good on turf (1-31) and last of 12 on his favoured surface when last seen at Lingfield in early April; others appeal more.

33/1

Form: 53-450 CD BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Latest win was C&D in October and she twice went close in November; ran respectably on next four starts but no show when favourite in the Southwell race won by Dosman on latest; cheekpieces (worn last three outings) are removed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

19

(7)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:35 Ascot

Unassuming

8st 7lb

J: Zac Lloyd

T: George Boughey

C&D winner (good to firm) off 6lb lower last July but fourth was the best placing she achieved in five AW handicaps earlier this year; off 11 weeks; others make more obvious appeal.

25/1

9th

5

(11)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 3

15:50 Lingfield (AW)

Unassuming

9st 6lb

J: Jack Callan

T: George Boughey

4lb higher than her last winning mark but Jack Callan's claim will help in that respect and it was a good run last time at Wolverhampton (finished upside Exquisitive Acclaim) given she was never ideally positioned out the back; could go well provided stall 11 isn't a killer.

10/1

5th

8

(13)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 3

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Unassuming

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Latest win was C&D in October and she twice went close in November; ran respectably on next four starts but no show when favourite in the Southwell race won by Dosman on latest; cheekpieces (worn last three outings) are removed.

16/1

7/1

Form: 12-012 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Arrived from France last summer and has been competitive on most starts since, including wins this winter over C&D and Newcastle's 1m2f; second to Dosman at Southwell last time and should be seriously involved again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

12

(1)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Zryan

8st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David O’Meara

Two AW wins in the winter (9.4f/1m2f); it's possible he's gone off the boil but when beaten 8l in ninth of 13 at Newmarket a fortnight ago he was denied a clear passage before keeping on nicely; not ruled out each-way back up in trip.

25/1

9th

5

(11)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Newmarket

Zryan

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Won twice on the AW over the winter but he seems to have gone off the boil, well beaten at Newcastle on Good Friday; not so effective yet on turf; others make more appeal.

16/1

11th

13

(7)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Zryan

8st 8lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: David O’Meara

Won at Wolverhampton (9.4f) in December and over this C&D in January; below best at Wolverhampton (8.6f) latest and he's running in a higher grade than he's used to, but he has an each-way shout on the pick of his winter form.

16/1

Form: 2413-8 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Hit career-best form over 1m/1m2f on three of his last four starts of 2025, including when third in a steadily run Listed event at Lingfield on New Year's Eve; outside draw may have prevented any chance of a repeat there three weeks ago and he's considered each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

14

(10)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

Dukes Command

8st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Two 1m wins on turf last season and added another on AW at Lingfield (1m2f) in December; however, he needs to produce a bigger performance than he's managed across his four outings this year.

40/1

5th

2

(5)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Dukes Command

9st 2lb

J: James Doyle

T: David O’Meara

Won at Lingfield (AW) in December on first crack at 1m2f and raced wide when sixth of 14 at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) last month; this two-time turf winner remains unexposed at today's trip and is not ruled out.

7/1

6th

8

(12)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Dukes Command

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Won at Lingfield (Polytrack) in December on first crack at 1m2f; another big run when third of five in Listed race there (1m2f) next time; bounced back from lesser run when staying on for seventh of 12 at Wolverhampton (8.6f, Tapeta) recently and he could be in the mix now back up in trip.

15/2

Form: 128-

Last run: 90 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won 7f novice at Chester in September on debut; second at odds-on at Southwell (1m, AW) in November but disappointing on handicap debut at Newcastle (also 1m on Tapeta) in December; unexposed but opposable after latest run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(9)

11th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 4

14:45 Chester

Moon Beginnings

9st 5lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

Won a C&D novice on debut last September but he's 0-7 since; has run respectably at Carlisle (1m, good to firm) and Chester (7f, good to soft) in his last two runs but he needs to find more with eyeshields now tried.

10/1

4th

6

(2)

12th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

13:30 Chester

Moon Beginnings

10st 11lb

J: Mr Fletcher Yarham

T: David Loughnane

Low-mileage 4yo who got back on track in first-time cheekpieces with fifth of ten in 1m Carlisle handicap 13 days ago; not out of things with headgear retained.

10/1

5th

7

(7)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

17:28 Carlisle

Moon Beginnings

9st 6lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: David Loughnane

Lightly raced; sole win came over 7f at Chester last September and he's shown only the odd glimmer of promise in handicaps on AW and turf since; falling quickly in the weights but cheekpieces have a big job to do.

14/1

12/1

Form: 428-40

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Has usually run with credit on AW, including at left-handed Lingfield on penultimate start; something went wrong when he hung badly right at this track (first visit) on latest but he returns just 13 days later, fitted with a tongue-tie and hood both for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(5)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:55 Ascot

Superposition

10st 0lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

Dual winner at 1m who was dropped back down to 7f when he scored at Newmarket (good) in May; stayed on for third over that trip on the July course a fortnight ago so this first start at 6f is something of a surprise.

14/1

3rd

4

(6)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

12:45 Newmarket (July)

Superposition

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

Not straightforward but he is a capable performer on his day and he landed his first turf success when beating Silver Ghost on the Rowley course six weeks ago, again hanging right under pressure but full value for the neck winning margin; up 3lb but has the ability to feature.

6/1

1st

7

(13)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:50 Newmarket

Superposition

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Ed Dunlop

0-7 on turf and his best form (and both wins) has come on AW; below par on AW on last two starts and arrives with something to prove.

33/1

Form: 58700- D

Last run: 175 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won at Musselburgh last April/June; now 5lb below last winning mark, having ended 2025 with a modest sequence; absent 175 days and gelded.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(7)

30th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 3

15:00 Musselburgh

Thunder Wonder

9st 4lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Charlie Johnston

Can lead; 2-2 on this course in 2025, over 1m (good to soft) and 1m1f (good) but he hasn't been at full strength this year, including when back over C&D in April; this is a drop in grade from Newmarket in May but a complete revival is up in the air; yard runs two.

12/1

8th

13

(4)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Newmarket

Thunder Wonder

8st 6lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Charlie Johnston

Won at Musselburgh last April and June; failed to make a serious impact since, albeit fourth of 12 back at Musselburgh three weeks ago; non-runner at Redcar on Thursday.

25/1

11/2

Form: 61-441 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won stable debut over C&D in December, bang there on next two starts and scored again at Kempton (1m) on latest; did it in clearcut style last time, which has earned him a 5lb rise but he remains one to take seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(1)

10th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 3y

Class 4

16:50 Yarmouth

Advancing

9st 9lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

All three of his wins have been on the AW, the most recent at Kempton (1m) in March off 4lb lower; never a threat when sixth at Windsor (1m, good to firm) 16 days ago and he was well beaten on soft ground last year.

11/1

6th

4

(6)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 3

17:00 Windsor

Advancing

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Marco Botti

Has posted two duck eggs since most recent AW success and latest effort took his turf form figures to 370; not particularly solid kept to this sphere and others are preferred.

14/1

11th

4

(7)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:55 Newmarket

Advancing

9st 11lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Marco Botti

Mostly in good form on the AW during the winter, winning at Wolverhampton (8.6f) and Kempton (1m); however, he was below par back at Wolverhampton six weeks ago and has something to prove on a rare encounter with turf.

14/1

Form: 976-23

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Five AW wins (latest last March) when trained by Mick Appleby and significant ability remains compared to this reduced mark; however, more to prove at Wolverhampton than other AW tracks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

12th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:35 Stratford

Penzance

11st 4lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Not the force of old (one-time useful Flat handicapper) but has made the frame in two Stratford events since rejoining Shark Hanlon, albeit proved no match for a Skelton-trained 11-10 favourite last time; likely to be a similar story today.

13/2

2nd

5

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 4

18:48 Stratford

Penzance

11st 4lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Has reached the frame in both hurdles starts but beaten 34l and 23l in the process; could be one for handicaps in due course but, in a race lacking depth, he may be capable of hitting the frame again.

7/1

4th

6

16th Jun 2026

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 4

14:05 Stratford

Penzance

11st 3lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Useful Flat racer, albeit on the downgrade now; back with John Hanlon after three-run spell with Mark Loughnane that included a second on Polytrack (1m4f; RPR 88) last month; made underwhelming hurdle debut when well-held third at Worcester (2m, good) last summer but still enters calculations.

8/1

Non-runners

Perfect Part

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.90
Straight Forecast £24.91
Tricast £87.48
Trifecta £84.90

Selections

NEWMARKET:

First Principle

SPOTLIGHT:

Dosman

RP RATINGS:

City Of Poets

Daily Mail:

Advancing

Telegraph:

Duke's Command

TOPSPEED:

Superposition

POSTDATA:

Unassuming

Daily Mirror:

City Of Poets

The Star:

Advancing

The Guardian:

First Principle

D Express:

First Principle

The Sun:

First Principle

The Times:

Dosman

Daily Record:

Dosman