March 30 / 20.30 Wolverhampton (AW)

20.30

Standard

Win £250,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap

  • Prize money: £3140.4
  • 1m 0f 142y
  • Class 6
  • 11 runners
SKY
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Win £250,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.34
  • Place: £1.70

Form: -33161 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
Took a long time to get off the mark but he's got the hang of winning now, having been successful over C&D and 7f at Southwell in two of his last three starts in classified events (outstayed at about 1m1f in between); should make a good go of it back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(9)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 173y

Class 6

18:39 Carlisle

Captain Pickles

10st 9lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

Hit a good vein of form on AW earlier in the year, winning three times including over this sort of trip at Wolverhampton in March; 0-11 on turf but it was a fair effort when fifth at Doncaster last June and he's not ruled out.

5/1

3rd

1

(4)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Captain Pickles

9st 9lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

Touch unlucky not to notch his fourth win of the year when beaten a short-head at Southwell a month ago; 1lb rise puts him on the ceiling mark for this class of race and he has a fair chance of making it 3-4 over C&D.

4/1

2nd

2

(1)

11th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Captain Pickles

9st 9lb

J: Stevie Donohoe

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

Thriving in 2026 and he bagged a third success in 8.6f Wolverhampton handicap 12 days ago when overcoming a wide passage; up 3lb but this C&D scorer merits serious consideration.

5/2

OUR TIP

10/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 5-3275 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Has a very solid record on this track but she's run only once here since winning a C&D classified event last March under Rob Hornby; only just above her latest winning mark last May and there's a case to be made.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(7)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

17:37 Bath

Brinton

9st 7lb

J: William Cox

T: Jonathan Portman

Overcame a slow start to win a C&D handicap (firm) in April; completely blew the start at Wolverhampton last month and was always behind thereafter; has the ability to pop up again but too risky for comfort.

15/2

11th

5

(11)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Brinton

9st 8lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Got into the habit of blowing the start but in fair form, adding to her trainer's good recent run when winning on turf last time; has not looked to see it out in a couple of previous tries over this far, though, and is drawn widest upped 3lb.

6/1

1st

2

(3)

29th Apr 2026

Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Bath

Brinton

9st 9lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Jonathan Portman

Three-time winner, most recently at Brighton last May off a 2lb lower mark than today's; has posted some good efforts on the AW this year, including when runner-up at Wolverhampton (8.5f, AW) last month, but she can be slowly away so she needs things to drop tight.

3/1

13/2

  • Place: £3.70

Form: -34513 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Hard to place since wide-margin 2yo win but he was back on a low mark when successfully stepped up to about 1m1f here this month; didn't see out that trip so well next time and improvement needed on earlier C&D form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(9)

16th Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Arlecchinos Rex

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Mark Usher

Course regular who's proved very consistent since the hood went back on; usually held up and wants a good test over this trip but he is more likely than most at this level to give his running, dropping back down from 0-60 company; each-way claims.

8/1

7th

10

(5)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

21:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Arlecchinos Rex

9st 0lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: Mark Usher

Record here this year reads 34513323 including a short-head defeat by Roman Secret over this trip in April; likely to go well and there shouldn't be much between them again.

5/1

3rd

10

(4)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Arlecchinos Rex

9st 1lb

J: David Probert

T: Mark Usher

Running consistently round here all year at the bottom level; no obvious reason he won't get involved again but this is a touch stronger having been nudged up another 2lb.

6/1

Form: 4780-4

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Minor form in a handful of starts at up to 7f and little indication from her finishing over 7f that the step up in trip will suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(5)

7th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 6

15:48 Pontefract

Princess Vivi

9st 3lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

0-11, but has shown some ability and didn't seem to lack for stamina when a close fourth of six at Beverley (1m4f, good) a fortnight ago; could make the frame again.

16/1

4th

5

(3)

23rd Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 23y

Class 6

15:45 Beverley

Princess Vivi

9st 1lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Ten-race maiden but she ran one of her better races when second of seven (beaten 3l) here over 8.5f 27 days ago; doesn't appear to be crying out for this step up in trip but she has claims if seeing it out.

15/2

2nd

8

(6)

27th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

16:15 Beverley

Princess Vivi

8st 9lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

First real signs of promise when fourth in a couple of minor AW events in March; not at her best 16 days ago and she is not a solid option back on turf.

25/1

5/1

Form: U-0794 C

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Latest two wins here, at about 1m1f and 7f, both off this sort of mark; it's been a long haul this winter but he looked on the way back over C&D recently, behind a subsequent winner in a higher grade; in the reckoning.
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: -86121 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
His options have improved since eligible for classified events and he's 2-3 at that level of late, over C&D and 1m at Lingfield; needs more back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(2)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 6

20:25 Doncaster

First Encounter

8st 11lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: John Gallagher

Both turf wins have been at 1m on good to firm; has won twice in blinkers on AW this year; although not in top form last twice, these conditions are ideal and could go well on this return to turf.

8/1

4th

1

(6)

7th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

18:40 Wolverhampton (AW)

First Encounter

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Gallagher

Won twice at this level earlier in the year, including C&D; finished behind Gloriola when fifth over C&D three weeks ago; should give a good account.

6/1

5th

3

(6)

16th Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

First Encounter

9st 9lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: John Gallagher

Serial hard-puller who won a 0-50 over C&D in the winter and has held his form well; not beaten far in handicaps on last two outings and may have needed it last time after a break; one to consider.

10/1

Form: 80-494 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Turf winner at 1m1f in Ireland as a 4yo but he didn't get much out of a hurdling spell later; low-level form for new yard this winter until running well for a long way over the extended 1m1f here last month; might do better back over C&D off much reduced mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(3)

23rd Jun 2026

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Ffos Las

Mooretown Lad

9st 5lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Adrian Wintle

Ex-Irish winner; hold-up performer who finished well for second behind Scarfo off his much-reduced mark at Chepstow (1m, soft); needs a strong pace and he has major claims if he gets one.

5/1

2nd

7

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 14y

Class 6

19:25 Chepstow

Mooretown Lad

9st 2lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Adrian Wintle

Sole success came in August 2024 when trained in Ireland; has tumbled down the weights since his British debut in December; is a hostage to fortune as he tends to be held up and requires a fast pace to be seen to best effect.

11/4

7th

8

(1)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

19:55 Leicester

Mooretown Lad

9st 3lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Adrian Wintle

Fair ex-Irish 1m1f winner; arrives in good nick for his current yard, fourth of ten in 1m Nottingham handicap three weeks ago; not dismissed from an easing mark.

6/1

10/1

Form: 347883 C

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Course winner who has run well over C&D; multiple runs at Newcastle since November, winning over 1m and 7f, but he's flagged of late and a recent third of five there, beaten just over 4l, didn't point to any great revival today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(1)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Wyvern

9st 6lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Patrick Morris

Does most racing now at Newcastle, the scene of his last three wins; off for six weeks since finishing well held behind Captain Pickles over C&D.

20/1

Form: 0960-8 D

Last run: 73 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Won over 1m and 1m1f in Germany, on turf and sand, but it's been a right old slog in Britain; at least he's dropped 22lb since last May and any market move would be interesting on yard debut (left Max Young); tongue-tie refitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(8)

17th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Like Magic

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Mark Loughnane

Dual winner in Germany; has hurtled down the ratings in Britain for good reason but having first run for Mark Loughnane when showing more here 18 days ago (8.6f; 5-1); he faded late on after being up there; could be on the verge of turning a corner.

15/2

9th

4

(1)

30th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Like Magic

9st 6lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Mark Loughnane

Won over 1m and 1m1f in Germany, on turf and sand, but it's been a right old slog in Britain; at least he's dropped 22lb since last May and any market move would be interesting on yard debut (left Max Young); tongue-tie refitted.

11/2

8th

8

(3)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Like Magic

9st 4lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Max Young

Turf/sand winner (1m/1m1f) on the Flat in Germany but he's struggled for current yard and was tailed off at Southwell (1m) when last seen in July; opposable on return.

100/1

Form: 6009-2

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
Modest for Ed Dunlop, including in handicaps, but there was some promise in his second behind an odds-on shot at Newcastle (1m) recently on second run for this yard; hard to weigh up that effort but he could improve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(12)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Take The A Train

9st 3lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Gary Harrison

Perked up with a second off a reduced mark over C&D last month but that was a five-runner race and he beat only one rival at Wolverhampton (8.6f) last time; record is now 0-9 and others are more convincing.

14/1

10th

8

(5)

30th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Take The A Train

9st 5lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Gary Harrison

Modest for Ed Dunlop, including in handicaps, but there was some promise in his second behind an odds-on shot at Newcastle (1m) recently on second run for this yard; hard to weigh up that effort but he could improve.

12/1

2nd

5

(2)

6th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Take The A Train

9st 6lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Gary Harrison

Ended his time with Ed Dunlop under a cloud and he offered little for his new yard when ninth of 13 in 7f handicap here in December; he's hard to make a case for in his bid for a maiden victory.

50/1

50/1

Form: 0/97-9

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
6f winner on Polytrack as 2yo but he's had a poor time of it since the summer of 2024, in handicaps and classified events, and has stamina to prove over new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(6)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Morning Suit

9st 9lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: Phil McEntee

Seems only poor nowadays and he failed to beat a rival in 8.5f handicap here in March; others are much preferred.

25/1

11th

10

(4)

30th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Morning Suit

9st 0lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: Phil McEntee

6f winner on Polytrack as 2yo but he's had a poor time of it since the summer of 2024, in handicaps and classified events, and has stamina to prove over new trip.

50/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £37.60
Straight Forecast £33.44
Tricast £233.78
Trifecta £247.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Captain Pickles

Telegraph:

First Encounter

The Times:

Take The A Train

NEWMARKET:

Morning Suit

LAMBOURN:

Brinton

RP RATINGS:

Sceptic

POSTDATA:

Captain Pickles

The Guardian:

Captain Pickles

D Express:

Captain Pickles

Daily Mirror:

Captain Pickles

The Sun:

Captain Pickles

Daily Mail:

First Encounter

The Star:

First Encounter

Daily Record:

First Encounter