Nottingham 3:44 – Close Brothers Colwick Cup Handicap (Class 4, 2m, Good)

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15 October 2025

A strong renewal of this Class 4 staying handicap, featuring a mix of proven stayers, progressive types, and course specialists. The 2m trip at Nottingham often rewards balance between stamina and tactical pace, with no obvious bias across the track.

Race Setup

There’s no clear front-runner, but Mighty Bandit and Rock N Roll Pinkie are likely to be prominent. Campaign Trail and Good Show will sit just behind, while St Mawes and Call My Bluff are more likely to be delivered late. A fair, even tempo is expected, which should make it a true test of stamina rather than a sprint finish.

Key Runners

Rock N Roll Pinkie (Ivan Furtado, OR 82) – A course specialist who thrives at Nottingham, winning three of her last eight starts here. She has handled all ground types and arrives in career-best form, finishing a close third in stronger company last time. Her ability to travel and stay makes her a solid favourite.

Campaign Trail (Kim Bailey, OR 84) – Dual-purpose performer who returned with a solid second at Kempton last month. Has previous Nottingham winning form over this trip and looks well-placed off the same mark. The 2m distance suits perfectly, and he is likely to be produced late by Billy Loughnane.

Mighty Bandit (Warren Greatrex, OR 82) – Won well at Ffos Las earlier this autumn and has run consistently throughout the season. Effective on good ground and stays two miles strongly. May get a soft lead, and if the pace steadies mid-race, he could prove difficult to reel in.

St Mawes (Emma Lavelle, OR 73) – Unexposed three-year-old who took a step forward when winning over two miles at Kempton last time. Receives a handy weight-for-age allowance and is open to plenty of progress. The question is turf handling, but he looks a staying type on the rise.

Good Show (Andrew Balding, OR 81) – Classy type with form in stronger company earlier this year. His recent Ascot run can be forgiven, and he remains capable if producing his best. Proven stamina and the booking of Oisin Murphy suggest connections expect a rebound effort.

Call My Bluff (Dominic Ffrench Davis, OR 84) – A grand old stayer who has mixed in deeper company in past seasons. Has been lightly campaigned and may need this first run in four months, but on past ratings, he still has the ability to make an impact if race-fit.

Senor Cortez (Darryll Holland, OR 76) – Progressive since switching to staying trips, with two wins during the summer. Steps up sharply in grade here and will need further improvement to trouble the principals, but is still one to keep an eye on for handicaps at a lower level.

Nathanael Greene (Alastair Ralph, OR 77) – Once a talented stayer for William Haggas, but recent form has been well below that level. Needs to rediscover old spark to feature.

Verdict

This looks a fair test and should be truly run. Rock N Roll Pinkie is hard to oppose given her current form, proven stamina, and excellent Nottingham record. Campaign Trail is a solid alternative, well-handicapped and likely to be delivered late. St Mawes appeals as the progressive improver and is worth keeping onside at the weights, while Mighty Bandit is the value play if allowed to dictate.

Predicted 1–2–3:

  1. Rock N Roll Pinkie
  2. Campaign Trail
  3. St Mawes

Private Tissue (100% Book)

  • Rock N Roll Pinkie – 3/1
  • Campaign Trail – 4/1
  • St Mawes – 9/2
  • Mighty Bandit – 11/2
  • Good Show – 7/1
  • Call My Bluff – 10/1
  • Senor Cortez – 12/1
  • Nathanael Greene – 25/1

Summary

A competitive staying handicap with a reliable favourite in Rock N Roll Pinkie, a strong challenger in Campaign Trail, and the unexposed St Mawes representing the likely improver. Expect a solid pace and a proper stamina test up the Nottingham straight.

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