Executive Summary

This briefing synthesizes comprehensive racecard data, expert analysis, and quantitative ratings for the race meetings scheduled on November 26, 2025, at Chelmsford, Dundalk, Market Rasen, Newcastle, and Southwell. The analysis identifies key contenders, expert selections, and notable data points for each race. The “Spotlight Verdict” provides the primary expert selections, with several horses designated as the “nap,” or best bet of the day.

Key Expert Selections (Naps) | Time | Racecourse | Horse | Expert | Rationale Summary | | :— | :— | :— | :— | :— | | 5.10 | Chelmsford | QUANDARY | Andrew Cooper | Rated just 2lb higher than a win in a deeper race; a pleasing return from a break suggests readiness. | | 2.18 | Dundalk | FLEETFOOTSOLDIER | Alan Hewison | Scored over 7f recently and is expected to be better suited by the longer 1m trip in this race. | | 1.20 | Market Rasen | GATA BAN | Steve Boow | Expected to build upon a credible chase debut at Fakenham and improve for that experience. | | 3.35 | Southwell | WE NEVER STOP | Paul Smith | Has a fine record on All-Weather tracks and returns to a winning mark after competing in challenging turf handicaps. |

Other Notable Selections

• Chelmsford (4.40): ELAN D’OR is identified as having a good opportunity to secure a first win after strong recent performances.

• Chelmsford (5.45): WINDSOR PASS is competing in an easier class than usual and is a major player.

• Dundalk (1.48): MAHI MAHI is tipped in a race with many chances, expected to benefit from a drop in trip after a promising debut.

• Dundalk (3.48): The admirable VALIANT FORCE is selected to enhance a solid track record, with class expected to be the deciding factor.

• Market Rasen (1.55): C’EST DIFFERENT is respected to complete a hat-trick, stepping up in class but receiving significant weight.

• Southwell (11.30): DIFFERENT DRUM is selected based on potential for improvement at the trip and having returned from a break.

The document provides a detailed race-by-race breakdown, synthesizing qualitative expert commentary with quantitative performance data to offer a thorough overview of the day’s racing prospects.

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Chelmsford City Race Meeting Analysis

4.10 Flutter Proudly Supporting Pancreatic Cancer UK Restricted Maiden Stakes

A 7-furlong race for 2-year-olds with a total prize value of £8,000.

Key Contenders:

• Chief Red Wing: Gelded and moves up 2 furlongs. Showed improvement on his second start, beaten under 4 lengths. The form from that Leicester race is notably strong, with all six horses that finished ahead of him having won since.

• Dovecote: A newcomer representing a top yard (R. Beckett). A half-brother to four winners, with a dam who was a Group 3 winner. Makes plenty of appeal despite the widest draw.

• Afraj: Another well-regarded newcomer from a top yard (J & T Gosden), which has a strong 10-31 record with 2-year-olds on All-Weather tracks this year. Has a handy draw.

• Something Coming: Has shown quirks but ran a nice race at Kempton before being outclassed in Listed company. Holds the highest RPR (79) among the experienced runners.

Spotlight Verdict:

“Dovecote (just preferred despite being drawn widest) and Afraj make most appeal of the newcomers but CHIEF RED WING is selected to take another step forward. All six horses to finish in front of him at Leicester last time have won since.” [Andrew Cooper]

4.40 Betfair Racing Podcasts Nursery Handicap

A 7-furlong nursery handicap for 2-year-olds rated 0-75, with a total prize value of £9,000.

Key Contenders:

• Elan D’Or: Winless in seven starts (0-7) but has major claims. Was only beaten by a subsequent French Listed winner at Newmarket and lost by just a head on his All-Weather debut at Kempton. He is up 2lb for that effort.

• Chhota Saab: Has shown progress in 6f novices/maidens on the All-Weather. Expected to stay 7f and be highly competitive on his nursery debut.

• Miss Starlet: Rallied well over 6f on her All-Weather debut, suggesting the return to a longer trip for her nursery debut is a smart move.

• Seeway: Showed a good step forward in RPR terms at Newmarket but may prefer a return to 1m. This is his nursery and All-Weather debut.

Spotlight Verdict:

“This looks a good opportunity for ELAN D’OR to open his account having bumped into one at Newmarket before losing out by a narrow margin at Kempton. Nursery debutants Chhota Saab and Miss Starlet are feared most.” [Andrew Cooper]

5.10 betting.betfair.com Fillies’ Handicap

A 7-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 61-80, with a total prize value of £11,000.

Key Contenders:

• Quandary (nap): The expert’s top selection. She is only 2lb higher than when winning a deeper race at Lingfield in February. A pleasing return from a 190-day break at Southwell should have her sharp for this contest, with a visor refitted.

• Handle With Care: Ran very well in her only previous attempt at this distance, finishing second by just a head at Lingfield in April. Returns to this trip after an unconvincing sprint attempt and could offer value.

• Bintjan: A 3-year-old who took her form to a new level with a 3-length win at Wolverhampton. An 8lb rise demands more, but she could have more to offer.

• Vixey: Highly consistent, with four wins this year. All 13 of her All-Weather runs have been on Tapeta, so she needs to prove she can handle the Polytrack at this venue.

Spotlight Verdict:

“Ed Bethell’s QUANDARY (nap) looks worth siding with. She’s just 2lb higher than winning what was effectively a 0-95 at Lingfield in February and a pleasing return at Southwell 23 days ago should have teed her up nicely for this. Handle With Care, who ran so well on her only try over this far, could offer a bit of value against her.” [Andrew Cooper]

5.45 Betfair Exchange Beacons Handicap (Div I)

A 7-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 46-55, with a total prize value of £7,000.

Key Contenders:

• Windsor Pass: A major player, competing in a much easier race than she is used to. She is a Course and Distance (C&D) winner from January, running off a 1lb lower mark than that victory. Has mostly run well in defeat since.

• Petersburg: A handicap debutant described as the most interesting alternative. Bought for 5,000gns after showing modest form in two Irish runs. The switch to a low-grade handicap and step up in trip are expected to help.

• Jackson Street: On a tempting mark and has experienced bad luck recently, but a potential lack of pace in the race may not suit his closing style.

• Mashaan: A four-time All-Weather winner at this trip when leading or prominent. May get his own way in front, but needs to show more spark than in his last two starts.

Spotlight Verdict:

“This is much easier than WINDSOR PASS is used to and she may be able to add to her C&D win from January. Handicap debutant Petersburg is by far the most interesting alternative.” [Andrew Cooper]

6.15 Betfair Exchange Beacons Handicap (Div II)

A 7-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 46-55, with a total prize value of £7,000.

Key Contenders:

• Mister Sandman: Caught the eye on his first start for the Moore team at Bath, finishing second to a last-time-out winner who got first run. Holds major claims off just a 1lb higher mark, provided he doesn’t blow the start from stall 1.

• Ballybaymoonshiner: A dual C&D winner who goes well fresh. Noted for doing nice late work when back sprinting on turf last time. Considered the obvious alternative.

• Adace: Also a dual C&D winner. Has been beaten by around a length off this mark in two recent runs and has place claims after a short break.

• Tam Lin: Showed first real signs of life for his current yard when third at Southwell last time. The form of that race looks solid, with the second-place horse winning next time out.

Spotlight Verdict:

“If breaking better than on stable debut at Bath 27 days ago, MISTER SANDMAN should be up to disposing of this lot. Dual C&D winner Ballybaymoonshiner, who goes well fresh, is the obvious alternative.” [Andrew Cooper]

6.45 Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap

A 1m 5.5f handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 46-55, with a total prize value of £7,000.

Key Contenders:

• Forglen: Arrives in good form and has proven ability on this surface. Won an amateurs’ contest at Wolverhampton (1m6f) in July and has posted respectable efforts since. Considered a solid option.

• Smokey Malone: A course winner over 1m6f in April. Has won when fresh and is back on that last winning mark, making him a contender despite poor form in his last three starts.

• Fornido: Won on his first attempt at 1m6f at Southwell last time. Up 3lb, but a similar effort would give him claims if he handles this surface.

• Belle Amie: In good form, showing improvement in her last two starts at Southwell, including a neck second last time out. A player if she can transfer that form to Polytrack.

Spotlight Verdict:

“This looks tricky… One who has handled it is FORGLEN, who arrives in good form and looks a solid option. Smokey Malone acts here and goes well when fresh… while last-time winner Fornido and in-form Belle Amie are others who should be involved.” [Jonathan Doidge]

7.15 ‘Timeform Sprint Series Qualifier’ Handicap

A 6-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 56-75, with a total prize value of £9,000.

Key Contenders:

• Sensorium: Justified market support when dropped to this grade over C&D last time. Has since been gelded. A 5lb rise is offset by a claimer, making him a big player to follow up.

• Justcallmepete: Arrives after making all at Kempton (6f, Polytrack) last week. A 5lb penalty is a factor, but a repeat effort would see him in contention.

• Tyger Bay: A C&D winner who has maintained good form and is only up 2lb for a 1-length defeat over C&D last time. Should be involved.

• General Assembly: Seeking a hat-trick after two 5f wins here. The revert to 6f is a question, as he has never won beyond 5f, but he is still considered.

Spotlight Verdict:

“An open contest where the suggestion is SENSORIUM, who found his feet back at this level last time and, with a claimer offsetting his 5lb rise, is taken to follow up. Fellow last-time winner Justcallmepete (second choice) is another who should be a big player…” [Jonathan Doidge]

7.45 Bet At Your Best With Betfair Fillies’ Novice Stakes

A 1m 2f novice stakes for 3-year-olds and older with a total prize value of £8,000.

Key Contenders:

• Sprightly Dance: Made a promising debut and followed up with a decisive success at Wolverhampton (9.5f). Attempts to concede weight to all rivals but is a big player.

• Time Loop: A 160,000 yearling who showed promise when second on debut at Nottingham. Returns from a lengthy absence but is in very good hands (W. Haggas) and the step up in trip looks positive.

• Quamby: Improved on her first two starts when going close at Wetherby (1m2f). A player if she can get back on track after a less impressive run following a break.

• Aethelthryth: An interesting newcomer from the T. Clover yard, which has a 27% strike rate with 3-year-olds on the All-Weather this season. A market check is needed.

Spotlight Verdict:

“Quite a tricky race, with SPRIGHTLY DANCE an obvious choice after her decisive win last time but now trying to defy a penalty against some potential improvers. Time Loop would be one of those… while Quamby and Good Old Days are not ruled out.” [Jonathan Doidge]

8.15 Betfair Safer Gambling Tools Handicap

A 1m 2f handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 46-65, with a total prize value of £7,000.

Key Contenders:

• Betty Bassett: Made a winning handicap debut at Wetherby in June and has generally run well since. Described as a solid option with form figures of 1st and 2nd in Class 6 contests.

• Love Your Work: A 13-time winner who gave a good account from the front over C&D 20 days ago and is expected to do so again.

• Kartini: A potential improver stepping up in trip. Her dam and half-sister did their winning over this distance, suggesting the extra ground could elicit more from her. A tongue-tie is fitted for the first time.

• Egoiste: A C&D winner, but was out of form when last seen in May and would likely not want a tactical race.

Spotlight Verdict:

“Love Your Work (second choice) should give it another good shot from the front but BETTY BASSETT looks the play. Returning to further is a small plus and she has form figures of 12 in Class 6 contests. Kartini is a potential improver stepping up in trip.” [Andrew Cooper]

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Dundalk Race Meeting Analysis

1.48 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden

A 7-furlong maiden for 2-year-olds with a total prize value of €18,000.

Key Contenders:

• Mahi Mahi: Made an encouraging debut here over 1m for Adrian Murray, making much of the running before finishing third. The drop in trip is expected to suit, and the horse has since joined trainer Stephen Thorne.

• Star Strewn: A well-backed favourite on C&D debut, was slowly away and met trouble before staying on for fourth. Improvement is expected with that experience.

• Guildhall Graduate: Showed a step up from her debut with a strong-finishing fourth over C&D. Could improve again to play a role.

• Boston Benjamin: Showed promise on turf, staying on for fourth at Naas over this trip. Considered one to watch.

• Shay’s Dream & Sunnysideofdstreet: Two newcomers from the Joseph P. O’Brien yard; the market is expected to be the best indicator of their chances.

Spotlight Verdict:

“Lots with chances, a tentative vote going to MAHI MAHI, who has joined Stephen Thorne since making a promising debut here over a mile last month, not looking to get home and who should be well suited by this drop in trip. Plenty of respect goes to the likes of Star Strewn, Guildhall Graduate, Boston Benjamin and Flanker Jet…” [Alan Hewison]

2.18 Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Handicap (Div I)

A 1-mile handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 0-60, with a total prize value of €10,000.

Key Contenders:

• Fleetfootsoldier (nap): The expert’s top selection. Won a 7f handicap here a week ago, asserting late over Una Matata. The return to the longer 1m trip is seen as a positive, and he is expected to confirm the form despite a 7lb rise.

• Una Matata: Was caught late by Fleetfootsoldier last week and is 3lb better off with that rival. However, the extra furlong may not suit as well, and she has a wide draw.

• Sakakawea: Made a creditable All-Weather debut when fourth to Fleetfootsoldier. Raced keenly in first-time cheekpieces and will need to settle better to see out the longer trip.

Spotlight Verdict:

“Getting up late here last week over 7f to beat Una Matata a shade snugly, FLEETFOOTSOLDIER (nap) should be the better suited of the pair by this extra furlong and can confirm the form on 3lb worse terms. Last week’s fourth Sakakawea needs to settle better to see out this trip. Not many of the others appeal.” [Alan Hewison]

2.48 Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Handicap (Div II)

A 1-mile handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 0-60, with a total prize value of €10,000.

Key Contenders:

• Zabeir: His sole win was here over 7f in 2022. Comes into this race following a fine staying-on third of 22 at the Curragh (1m, heavy). Considered a strong contender despite a wide draw.

• Ballymagreehan: A lightly raced 3-year-old who won over C&D in July. Has posted solid efforts since, including a close third on his return from a break. A good draw enhances his chances.

• Bamako: A maiden who was twice runner-up over 7f at Down Royal. Was unlucky in his last run in June when repeatedly bumped. Returns from a break for his first AW run as a 3-year-old, with blinkers replacing a visor.

• Sporting Aclaim: A low-grade maiden whose encouraging C&D third two starts ago gives him a chance.

Spotlight Verdict:

“A maiden winner here in the past ZABEIR holds plenty of appeal on the back of a fine third at the Curragh last month over this trip. Ballymagreehan and Sporting Aclaim are closely matched on recent C&D form… Bamako hasn’t been seen since an unlucky second at Down Royal in June but merits plenty of respect.” [Alan Hewison]

3.18 Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Handicap

A 1-mile handicap for 3-year-olds and older with a total prize value of €13,000.

Key Contenders:

• Miss Nifty: Has shown poor form in three AW runs in Britain but has performed well on turf for her current yard, narrowly being denied in large fields at the Curragh in her last two 7f starts. The return to a longer trip is a significant plus.

• Altimara: Has won twice on turf and continued to run well, including over C&D. She is edging up the weights and has a wide draw but remains a likely contender.

• Skippinandajumpin: Won on heavy ground at Leopardstown and was then well-held in a valuable handicap at the Curragh. Has no AW experience but is considered a threat.

• Moyassr (Reserve): If he gets a run, he has every chance. Won over C&D and nearly defied a 6lb rise last week. Up another 2lb.

Spotlight Verdict:

“Plenty with chances but MISS NIFTY was unlucky not to win at the Curragh last time and returning to further looks a big plus. Altimara isn’t drawn great but commands respect in her current vein of form, while Skippinandajumpin needs a second look on her AW debut.” [Alistair Jones]

3.48 Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap

A 6-furlong premier handicap for 3-year-olds and older with a total prize value of €22,000.

Key Contenders:

• Valiant Force: A likeable type with a very solid record at this track. Entitled to win over 5f last time and is expected to take beating if on his game.

• Big Gossey: A multiple winner who is effective here. His current mark is not beyond him, having finished second off 4lb higher in his last handicap. He is respected back in this company after runs in Group 3/Listed races.

• Sir Les Patterson: Ran well from a wide draw here a month ago behind Little Queenie. Has a better draw today and is in the early stages of his career with his current yard.

• Little Queenie: Can be unpredictable but ran well here last month when collared on the line over 6f. Up just 2lb for that effort.

Spotlight Verdict:

“Class could count and the admirable VALIANT FORCE can further enhance his very solid record at this track. Big Gossey is much respected back in a handicap and he’s feared most ahead of Sir Les Patterson, who has a better draw now then when behind Little Queenie here last month.” [Alistair Jones]

4.18 Dundalk Stadium Gift Vouchers Available Online Handicap

A 2-mile handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 0-60, with a total prize value of €10,000.

Key Contenders:

• Is She Now: A dual-purpose maiden who ran a decent fourth over C&D early in the year off 1lb lower. Comes here on the back of a good effort at Navan and has no stamina concerns.

• Nusra: A previous C&D winner who remains on a competitive mark. Her comeback run over hurdles should have her ready for this, and the rider’s claim is a positive.

• Someone’s Wish: An AW winner in Britain up to 1m2f. Showed a promising AW return last week when staying on for third over 1m2f. Worth a try at this extended trip.

• Echinacea: Showed decent placed form for a previous trainer and was bought for €15,000 recently. A possible contender if she takes to the surface.

Spotlight Verdict:

“…a bit of value may be had in IS SHE NOW, a decent fourth over C&D early in the year and coming here on the back of a good Navan effort. Top-weight and previous C&D winner Nusra remains on a competitive mark… while Someone’s Wish has to go close if staying this extended trip.” [Alan Hewison]

4.50 Now Racing Every Wednesday At Dundalk Maiden

A 1m 4f maiden for 3-year-olds and older with a total prize value of €12,000.

Key Contenders:

• Icare Desbois: A former Willie Mullins horse who ran adequately on his Flat debut. A disappointing subsequent effort is followed by the application of a tongue-tie.

• Ballyadam: A classy hurdler, last seen finishing third in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham. Expected to run well on his belated Flat debut in modest company.

• Cinammon Coco: Winless in six Flat starts but has placed form and won over hurdles in August. Should be a player.

• Tyraxes: Showed some ability in two middle-distance novices for Andrew Balding. Considered to have a chance in a poor maiden.

Spotlight Verdict:

“This is a very modest maiden… The suggestion is ICARE DESBOIS, an ex-Willie Mullins horse who ran okay on his Flat debut and a tongue-tie goes on after a disappointing subsequent effort. …Ballyadam pose a threat despite his advancing years… Cinammon Coco, El Galvino, Tyraxes and Silent Guardian are the other contenders.” [Alistair Jones]

5.20 Floodlit Fridays At Dundalk (Q.R.) Handicap

A 1m 4f handicap for 3-year-olds and older with a total prize value of €13,000.

Key Contenders:

• Drucker: A course winner at 1m2f and has been runner-up in his last two starts over that distance. The application of new headgear (visor) could trigger improvement.

• Cala Bonita: Has shown good form recently, controlling matters when beating Drucker over 1m2f last time. Raised 7lb, but a 5lb claimer helps offset that.

• Voice Of Reason: Won over C&D 28 days ago. A 5lb rise is not considered prohibitive.

• Glady Eagle: A dual winner in Poland who didn’t get the breaks when behind Voice Of Reason here last time. Remains an interesting contender for trainer Willie Mullins.

Spotlight Verdict:

“In a very open race marginal preference is for DRUCKER who has been giving the impression that he might benefit from headgear. Making his case brings Cala Bonita into the equation and others to take seriously are Voice Of Reason, Glady Eagle and a good few others.” [Alistair Jones]

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Market Rasen Race Meeting Analysis

12.20 Pertemps Network ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle

A 2m 0.5f novices’ hurdle for 4-year-olds and older with a total prize value of £7,000.

Key Contenders:

• Brixson: Holds the best hurdles form on the figures. Showed steady progress, finishing a good second at Wetherby on reappearance. Considered a leading player.

• So You Know: Won a maiden hurdle at Huntingdon since having wind surgery. Should build on that success and is a half-brother to a smart jumper from the same yard.

• Abbey Scope: Made a promising debut when winning a Kelso bumper, going away. Looks likely to do well in novice hurdles and is an interesting prospect.

• Quaviste: A bumper winner who had wind surgery before a disappointing hurdles debut. Represents the Skelton yard and may yet confirm earlier promise.

Spotlight Verdict:

“In terms of hurdles form, BRIXSON holds the best chance while So You Know warrants respect with further progress plausible and a couple of the others are likely capable of better. Abbey Scope is an interesting prospect switched to this sphere.” [Steve Boow]

12.50 Pertemps Network Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle

A 2m 4.5f handicap hurdle for 3-year-olds and older, rated 0-95, with a total prize value of £7,000.

Key Contenders:

• Little Big Kev: A maiden who shaped better than the result on handicap debut, looking like a non-stayer over 2m7f. Open to improvement back down in trip after a six-month absence.

• Little Wren: Holds poor claims on bare form, but as a Skelton runner, is considered capable of significant improvement now handicapping over a new trip.

• Devon Skies: A maiden before completing a double at Sedgefield this month by a combined 19 lengths. Respected in current form.

• After Many Days: A 14-race maiden who posted a better effort when a keeping-on second at Hereford last time. That form puts her in the picture.

Spotlight Verdict:

“The shortlist is headed by two little-themed runners who may have big claims, namely LITTLE BIG KEV and Little Wren who both look open to improvement. After Many Days and Tees Comp’s Clive are far more exposed but they look plausible dangers…” [Steve Boow]

1.20 Pertemps Network Novices’ Handicap Chase

A 2m 5.5f handicap chase for 4-year-olds and older, rated 0-100, with a total prize value of £7,250.

Key Contenders:

• Gata Ban (nap): The expert’s top selection. A point and dual hurdles winner who ran creditably on her chase/seasonal debut at Fakenham. Expected to build on that effort off the same mark.

• Sir Carnegie: A maiden before winning his last two novice handicap chases at Newcastle (2m7f) and Kelso (2m7f). Open to further progress and respected despite dropping in trip.

• Lelant: A longstanding maiden before winning at Hereford on reappearance. Up 8lb, but may remain competitive as his peak mark was 18lb higher, and jockey Sean Bowen is booked.

Spotlight Verdict:

“The mare GATA BAN (nap) is taken to build on her reappearance effort and go one better. Sir Carnegie (second choice) warrants respect in his hat-trick attempt, despite dropping back in trip, while Lelant has possibilities…” [Steve Boow]

1.55 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier)

A 2m 7f Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier for 4-year-olds and older, with a total prize value of £32,500.

Key Contenders:

• C’est Different: Unbeaten in two handicap starts, winning comfortably at Carlisle and Chepstow. Receives plenty of weight, is open to more progress stepping up in trip, and is respected despite the higher grade.

• Lihyan: A six-time winner, including 1-1 over C&D. Ran a good third in a Pertemps qualifier at Newbury recently despite the race not suiting. Holds major claims.

• Tranquil Sea: Produced a career-best to win at Chepstow before being a beaten favourite behind Lihyan at Newbury. Has had wind surgery since and remains of interest.

• Lavida Adiva: A fairly useful mare whose form at 3m includes a Listed win and two sound handicap efforts. May still have more progress to come.

Spotlight Verdict:

“Off bottom weight upped in class, C’EST DIFFERENT could well complete a hat-trick with further improvement on the cards. Lihyan (second choice) looks a solid danger, while Tranquil Sea may still have more to offer for his current yard…” [Steve Boow]

2.25 Pertemps Network Bud Booth Mares’ Chase (Listed Race)

A 3-mile Listed chase for fillies and mares with a total prize value of £35,000.

Key Contenders:

• Paggane: Comfortably won a similar Listed event at Carlisle this month, taking her chase record to 231221. Has form up to 3m2f and may improve further, making her a leading player.

• Marsh Wren: A progressive mare with a 9-15 overall strike rate and 4-6 over fences. Won this same race last year by a wide margin and has a good record when fresh.

• Minniemum: Is 3-5 since switching to fences but needs a large chunk of further improvement to compete on these terms against the top-rated contenders.

Spotlight Verdict:

“The standout contenders on ratings are the progressive mares PAGGANE and Marsh Wren. The former (narrowly preferred) has been in good form for her new yard and bids for a Listed double, while the latter’s record fresh augurs well for her first start since winning this contest 12 months ago.” [Steve Boow]

2.55 Pertemps Network Handicap Chase

A 3-mile handicap chase for 4-year-olds and older, rated 0-100, with a total prize value of £7,500.

Key Contenders:

• Dunworley: A lightly raced 9-year-old who followed a runner-up effort with an easy win at Leicester in March. Hit with an 11lb rise but is unexposed in the current headgear combination and could play a leading role on reappearance.

• Mixedwave: Has a patchy profile but ended last season with a win at Wetherby (3m), taking his chase record to 5-18. He is a C&D winner and remains feasibly treated.

• Seasmoke: Reappeared with a creditable third on her chase debut at Stratford last month. Has claims if she can back that effort up.

• Hawkseye View: Returned from wind surgery with a good third at Huntingdon two weeks ago. Looks worth another try at this trip and is in the mix off a 1lb lower mark.

Spotlight Verdict:

“This looks a bit trappy, but the lightly raced 9yo DUNWORLEY ended last season with a runaway win Leicester and is a big player if he can pick up where he left off. The main threat could come from Mixedwave… Seasmoke looks interesting… while recent Huntingdon third Hawkseye View also enters the reckoning.” [David Moon]

3.25 Pertemps Network Open National Hunt Flat Race

A 2m 0.5f bumper for 4-5 year olds with a total prize value of £4,000.

Key Contenders:

• Moore Brion: An €80,000 3-year-old representing the Olly Murphy stable, which has a good strike-rate in bumpers. A respected debutant.

• Hidden Fortune: An Irish point-to-point winner who has joined the Skelton yard, which won this race last year. A market check is advised.

• Popalot: A newcomer whose dam was a bumper and hurdle winner for the same connections. An interesting type who should be monitored in the market.

Spotlight Verdict:

“Hidden Fortune… holds respectable claims… MOORE BRION and Popalot (second choice) are particularly interesting types among the newcomers. The market signals should help to complete the picture.” [Steve Boow]

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Newcastle & Southwell Race Meeting Analysis

A combined analysis of key races from the All-Weather meetings at Newcastle and Southwell.

Southwell 11.30 Midnite Are Upping The Betting Game Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap

A 2m 0.5f handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 46-60, with a total prize value of £6,000.

Key Contenders:

• Different Drum: Relatively unexposed at this trip. Won at Newcastle last autumn and was just beaten at Carlisle in July. Expected to improve from his recent return and have a say.

• Young Endless: In career-best form, having won his last two starts over C&D and 1m6f. On a career-high mark under a penalty but cannot be discounted.

• Throne Hall: A multiple winner on turf and over hurdles. The addition of a tongue-tie seemed to help when making all at Bath last month. Still well-treated on that form.

• Billy Bathgate: Has a weights chance with Young Endless on a recent C&D run where he was checked. Cannot be ruled out.

Spotlight Verdict:

“…preference is for DIFFERENT DRUM. The selection could still have more to come at the trip and, while he was well adrift on his recent return from a break, he isn’t necessarily one to look out for when fresh. Young Endless is going great guns… Throne Hall is also worth a look.” [Emily Weber]

Southwell 12.00 Win £25000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes

A 1-mile novice stakes for 2-year-old fillies with a total prize value of £6,300.

Key Contenders:

• Flagpole: A well-bred newcomer who cost 375,000gns as a yearling. Half-sister to several winners and out of a sister to a Group 1 winner. Represents the Gosden yard and is highly interesting.

• Loving Queen: Has the best form of those with race experience. Ran well for a long way when fourth at Kempton and is open to progress stepping back up in trip. Stablemate of Flagpole.

• K Sarra: Another well-bred debutante. A sister to a Group 2 winner, from the in-form Ralph Beckett yard. Needs a close look.

• Royal Poetry: By Lope De Vega out of a Group-placed 2-year-old winner. Has a striking pedigree and warrants attention.

Spotlight Verdict:

“The Gosdens’ Loving Queen has the best form but she doesn’t set a very high standard and there are some striking newcomers… the vote goes to Loving Queen’s stablemate FLAGPOLE. This well-bred filly cost 375,000gns as a yearling and is out of a sister to a Group 1 winner.” [David Moon]

Southwell 12.30 Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM EBF Novice Stakes

A 7-furlong novice stakes for 2-year-olds with a total prize value of £9,650.

Key Contenders:

• The Stone Power: A newcomer from the powerful and in-form Ralph Beckett yard. First foal of a Group 2 winner, making him an intriguing contender.

• Organise: A 360,000gns yearling with a fine pedigree, being a half-brother to five winners including Listed winner Ziegfeld. Commands serious respect on debut for the Gosden yard.

• Von Dutch: A 325,000gns yearling with a top-class pedigree, being a brother to a 2yo winner and from the family of Arc winner Danedream. High on the list for a stable going well.

• Breathe Easy: Was prominent in the betting on debut at Kempton and is expected to step forward from that experience.

Spotlight Verdict:

“…this looks ripe for a newcomer to oblige. Organise and Von Dutch (second choice) both look likely types but so too does THE STONE POWER and he is marginally preferred as things stand. The betting should be informative.” [Paul Smith]

Southwell 1.00 Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Nursery Handicap

A 6-furlong nursery handicap for 2-year-olds rated 0-85, with a total prize value of £9,500.

Key Contenders:

• Ten Carat Harry: A progressive type who is unbeaten (3-3) over 6f and on the All-Weather. Showed a good attitude to win at Lingfield last time and is a major contender despite a 2lb rise.

• Meelaf: A 5f turf winner who was beaten just over 2 lengths in a Group 3 at Chantilly in June. Drops in grade and has cheekpieces applied; a player if revived after a break.

• Eternal Solace: A winner on turf and Polytrack. Potential for improvement on her nursery debut after a last-place finish in a Listed contest where she stumbled at the start.

• One And Gone: Scored on debut for his new trainer at Kempton last week. A 6lb penalty makes this tougher but he is not ruled out.

Spotlight Verdict:

“An interesting nursery… we’ll stick with the tried and tested TEN CARAT HARRY, who looked to have a bit in hand again last time.[Jonathan Doidge]

Newcastle 3.00 & 3.30 Midnite Ain’t Your Grandad’s Bookie Handicap (Div I & II)

Two divisions of a 1m 2f handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 46-65, each with a prize value of £6,000.

• Division I Key Horse: Sweet Kiss (T. Easterby) comes in with strong recent form, having won three times and finished second last time out.

• Division II Key Horse: Educate (J. Goldie) has been highly consistent, finishing second in his last five starts.

Southwell 3.35 Join The Midnite Movement Handicap

A Class 2, 6-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 81-100, with a total prize value of £25,200.

Key Contenders:

• We Never Stop (nap): The expert’s top selection. Has a fine AW record, including two C&D wins and a victory at Newcastle on Good Friday. Returns to his last winning mark after struggling in strong turf handicaps and could be reinvigorated.

• Berkshire Whisper: Completed a hat-trick on AW early in the year, culminating in a win on Good Friday. Not fully exposed and greatly respected on his return to this surface after two runs in high-class turf races.

• Baldomero: Was strong at the finish when winning over C&D last week. A 4lb penalty does not rule him out and he must be taken seriously.

• Purest Time: Has been runner-up in three of his last four starts and has form on Tapeta. Holds each-way claims.

Spotlight Verdict:

“…the unexposed 3yo Berkshire Whisper (second choice) may still have his best days ahead of him. That said, WE NEVER STOP (nap) has a fine record on the AW and he might find this more to his liking than some of the hot turf handicaps he tackled this summer.” [Paul Smith]