Wolverhampton All-Weather Meeting: Race-by-Race Analysis (December 6th)

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1. 4:30 – Read Meg Nicholls’ Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap

The evening’s action kicks off with a classic Class 5 handicap puzzle over seven furlongs. This opening contest presents an immediate tactical challenge, featuring proven course specialists like Havana Sky clashing with last-out performers in peak form such as Straight A. For horses rated 51-70, this is a competitive battleground where current form and course suitability are paramount.

HorseTrainerJockeySPORTSRPR
Straight AM ApplebyAlistair Rawlinson3-1717285
Havana SkyE DunlopHector Crouch5-1706182
ArnazD M LoughnaneBilly Loughnane7-1706682
Bint Havana GoldR HughesFinley Marsh10-1707083
Dragon GodC HillsBen Sanderson8-16681
Token GestureM UsherTyler Heard20-1667079
Dapper Gee GeeA CarrollJack Doughty18-16681
Diddy ManT FaulknerRobert Havlin16-1657282
The CaribbeanMrs H MainDarragh Keenan5-1656681
LessayP MorrisPaddy Bradley12-1646583
Book Of LifeP MorrisRyan Kavanagh (5)25-16278
Ten ClubA WintleDonagh Murphy (7)12-1616982

Key Contenders’ Analysis

Havana Sky: A formidable presence on artificial surfaces, this prolific sprinter has accumulated seven All-Weather wins over the past 13 months. His subsequent regression back at six furlongs can be forgiven, as his recent C&D second suggests this seven-furlong trip is precisely what he needs right now. His strong Wolverhampton record makes him a primary contender.

Straight A: Arriving off a quick seven-day turnaround, Straight A is clearly being campaigned aggressively to capitalize on his peak form. His narrow defeat over C&D last week, backed by strong market confidence, was a clear signal of intent. The handicapper’s minimal 1lb penalty feels lenient and is unlikely to be the deciding factor in preventing another bold bid.

Bint Havana Gold: As a previous course and distance winner, she commands respect. She returned to form with a victory at Chelmsford in October and, while her subsequent runs were below that level, the return to a 0-70 handicap is a significant positive. A favourable draw further enhances her chances of bouncing back.

Arnaz: This four-year-old makes his debut for the shrewd Mark Loughnane stable, a move that could act as a catalyst for a return to the winner’s circle. His second-place finish at Kempton in September is a solid piece of form, and valid excuses can be made for a lesser effort on turf last time. He is a dangerous new recruit.

Spotlight Verdict

A good Wolverhampton record earns HAVANA SKY a narrow vote over last weekend’s C&D runner-up Straight A. The handily drawn Bint Havana Gold is capable in this grade and is also shortlisted along with Mark Loughnane’s new recruit Arnaz.

Andrew Sheret

With the competitive opener assessed, our attention now turns to a novice event where identifying untapped potential is the key.

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2. 5:00 – Win £250,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals EBF Fillies’ Restricted Novice Stakes

This seven-furlong Restricted Novice Stakes provides a valuable platform for developing two-year-old fillies. These events are crucial for identifying future talent, pitting fillies with proven form, such as the clear standard-setter Galileo Charm, against intriguing newcomers with promising pedigrees like Hamdania.

HorseTrainerJockeySPORTSRPR
BeckonH CharltonBilly Loughnane3-169
EuphoniaE WalkerKieran Shoemark7-276
Go For GoldJ PortmanOlivia Tubb (5)66-156
HamdaniaJ HortonRossa Ryan9-1
Pink Diamond GirlKeiran BurkeJosephine Gordon66-1
Yorkshire QueenG TuerOliver Stammers7-27078
Fair Y IsleH J EvansSean Levey16-159
Galileo CharmM BottiRobert Havlin11-4696783
Seeing StarsW KnightLuke Morris16-1
Sweet MabelD LoughnaneRowan Scott66-161

Key Contenders’ Analysis

Galileo Charm: Holding the strongest piece of form, this filly’s runner-up effort at Lingfield 16 days ago sets a clear benchmark for her rivals, quantified by her superior RPR of 83. The application of first-time blinkers could be the key to her finally getting her head in front, and she holds solid claims to do so.

Euphonia: She demonstrated clear promise on her debut but failed to justify strong market support at Kempton last month, racing too keenly after a break. That run can be forgiven, and if she settles better with that experience under her belt, the step up to seven furlongs could unlock the potential she initially displayed.

Fair Y Isle: Although well-beaten on her C&D debut, she showed signs of greenness and ran better than the result suggests. Crucially, the form of that race has been significantly boosted by subsequent wins from both the first and second-placed horses, marking her as a filly open to major improvement.

Hamdania: A fascinating newcomer, she is closely related to a Group 2 winner and represents a notable pedigree. While her stable has a modest strike rate with debutants, the booking of Rossa Ryan is a significant statement of intent, and she starts her career in a winnable contest.

Beckon: This filly’s debut at Kempton was full of promise. She recorded the fastest closing sectionals of the race after making a wide move, suggesting a deep well of raw ability. That turn of foot indicates she possesses the speed and talent to take a significant step forward and challenge for top honours.

Spotlight Verdict

Galileo Charm has been beaten as favourite on her last two starts but she brings the strongest form and should be involved again. Euphonia still has time to tap into her debut promise, while Fair Y Isle shaped nicely here last month and Hamdania is a well-connected newcomer, but BECKON is preferred. Although she drops in trip, she didn’t look short of speed when making a big move out wide in the home straight at Kempton on debut.

Paul Smith

Having assessed the juvenile fillies, we now analyze a novice stakes where established form clashes with blue-blooded potential.

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3. 5:30 – Always Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM EBF Novice Stakes

This novice stakes over an extended mile and one furlong serves as a valuable stepping stone for promising two-year-olds. The race presents a classic puzzle, framing the clear standard set by the ex-Irish colt Archers Bay against the blue-blooded potential of well-bred debutantes like Koala Rose and Eze Sur Mer.

HorseTrainerJockeySPORTSRPR
AffettuosoR VarianCieren Fallon5-162
Archers BayM BottiMarco Ghiani2-18887
Joyful LawyerK BurkePierre-Louis Jamin20-147
ManbearpigR MenziesOliver Stammers12-164
WedonttellthetruthD M LoughnaneJonny Peate25-1
Eze Sur MerDr R Newland & J InsoleBilly Loughnane16-1
Koala RoseR BeckettRossa Ryan5-2
Shangri LaD SimcOckLuke Morris5-182

Key Contenders’ Analysis

Archers Bay: Previously with Aidan O’Brien, this colt sets a formidable standard, quantified by his official rating of 88, which stands out in this field. His strong third-place finish at Gowran Park on heavy ground was a significant step forward. Now with a new yard and stepping back up in trip, further progression is expected, making him the one to beat on form.

Koala Rose: A well-bred newcomer from the Ralph Beckett stable, which boasts a strong 21% strike rate with its two-year-olds this season. Her dam was a Listed winner, and with Rossa Ryan booked for the ride, her pedigree and connections suggest she could make an immediate impact on debut.

Eze Sur Mer: This filly brings a top-class pedigree, with her dam being a sister to the high-class Cheveley Park Stakes winner, Lumiere. Representing a yard with a solid record with its juvenile runners on the All-Weather, she is an intriguing debutant whose chances will be illuminated by any positive market moves.

Spotlight Verdict

Preference is for the ex-Irish ARCHERS BAY, who took another major step forward when a clear third at Gowran Park in October. He sets a good standard on that form and this unexposed colt is open to more progress for his new yard. Ralph Beckett’s well-bred filly Koala Rose is feared most, ahead of another striking newcomer in Eze Sur Mer.

David Moon

Having assessed the potential of tomorrow’s stars, we now turn to the gritty challenge of a Class 6 handicap, where seasoned campaigners, rather than raw potential, often hold the key.

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4. 6:00 – Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap

This Class 6 handicap over an extended mile presents a tricky puzzle, featuring a field of largely exposed horses. The analytical challenge lies in weighing the claims of shrewdly-placed stable debutantes Pink Socks and Saved Lizzie against course specialists like Quick Away and the field’s sole unexposed runner, R P McMurphy.

HorseTrainerJockeySPORTSRPR
Al BaahyK FrostBilly Loughnane10-15268
DesiderataT FaulknerRobert Havlin11-15267
Princess PwMiss G KellewayLuke Morris16-15267
Bona VerbaP D EvansRyan Kavanagh (5)9-15167
Pink SocksI WilliamsPaddy Bradley7-14961
Quick AwayK FrostRossa Ryan6-14968
R P McMurphyM ApplebyEdward Greatrex9-45066
LimonataD LoughnaneRowan Scott20-15052
Penny GhentS WhitakerZak Wheatley (3)12-14763
Saved LizzieDarryll HollandDarragh Keenan7-14769
Keep TalkingJ MooreFinley Marsh14-14861
Dash PowerL MullaneySean Kirrane16-14564
Lady AvaM YoungCallum Hutchinson66-14557

Key Contenders’ Analysis

Pink Socks: Making her debut for the shrewd Ian Williams stable after a career in Ireland, this mare enters a less demanding race than she is used to. Her consistent record of placed efforts suggests she has the ability to feature, and any market confidence behind this stable switch would be a significant pointer.

Saved Lizzie: Another runner making a stable debut, this mare has been placed over this course and distance and now competes off a lowly handicap mark. She has the potential to be very competitive for her new connections if primed for a big run after her break.

Quick Away: The re-booking of Rossa Ryan, who has a perfect 2-from-2 record on this mare over C&D, is a significant statement of intent from connections. It strongly suggests she is primed for a big run as she returns from a lay-off at a track where she has excelled.

Bona Verba: This filly remains a maiden but has shown flashes of ability on a descending handicap mark. The application of a visor for the first time could be the catalyst needed to spark significant improvement and help her finally get her head in front.

R P McMurphy: As the only unexposed three-year-old in the field, this gelding holds considerable appeal. He has run solid races to finish third in both his handicap starts and still appears to have scope for improvement—a rare and valuable commodity in this grade.

Spotlight Verdict

Stable debutantes Pink Socks and Saved Lizzie have the form to feature and need monitoring in the betting, while Quick Away returns to action with Rossa Ryan a notable booking. Bona Verba may be invigorated by a visor and she is second choice but the unexposed R P MCMURPHY has run solid races in his two handicaps and, unlike most of his opponents, could still have his best days ahead of him.

Paul Smith

We now step up significantly in quality for a Class 4 handicap, where consistent performers and progressive types lock horns.

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5. 6:30 – Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM Handicap

We step up in class for this intriguing Class 4 handicap over an extended mile. The race is framed as a rematch, with Tribal Wisdom and Hitched set to clash again after their C&D duel 11 days ago. However, the looming threat of the lightly-raced Zryan, whose form has been significantly boosted, adds a compelling layer of intrigue to this higher tier of competition.

HorseTrainerJockeySPORTSRPR
Mr BalooR HannonAlec Voikhansky (3)10-1878294
ZryanD O’MearaJason Watson9-4846992
KolsaiR HughesFinley Marsh33-18389
BorgiS WoodsRobert Havlin7-1817893
ShihokuJ OwenCieren Fallon8-1808093
CephalusC BanhamJoey Haynes16-1788090
Farasi LaneDr R Newland & J InsoleCharlie Bell (7)25-1788693
Tribal WisdomI WilliamsBilly Loughnane5-1787194
HitchedD SimcOckLuke Morris7-2778293
RajapourD O’MearaBen Robinson25-1766594
GiantI WilliamsZak Wheatley (3)16-1728093

Key Contenders’ Analysis

Tribal Wisdom: This six-year-old is in conspicuous form, arriving on a hat-trick after victories at Southwell and over this C&D. Although his hold-up running style requires tactical luck, his current peak form makes him a compelling candidate to overcome that challenge and score again.

Hitched: He was a close and arguably unlucky second to Tribal Wisdom last time out, having been forced to wait for a clear run at a crucial stage. Effective at this track and poised for a revenge mission, he looks a major player to reverse the form with a smoother passage.

Zryan: This French import has demonstrated his ability in Britain, narrowly beaten by a short head over C&D on his most recent outing. The form of that race has been significantly boosted by a subsequent winner, which validates his quality and makes him a prime contender to be involved in the finish.

Giant: A winner at Chelmsford in August, this horse’s recent efforts over six furlongs can be forgiven, as slow starts at an inadequate trip have hindered his chances. The step back up to this distance is a significant positive, and he is worthy of serious consideration as a threat to the main protagonists.

Spotlight Verdict

Last Tuesday’s C&D handicap won by TRIBAL WISDOM from Hitched may hold the key, with the winner scoring with some authority while the runner-up had travelled nicely while struggling to find daylight. Zryan is another principal on recent evidence, while Giant, stepped back up from 6f, may be the most interesting among the remainder.

Richard Austen

The focus now shifts from a tactical mile to a true test of stamina on the All-Weather surface.

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6. 7:00 – Midnite, Building The Future Of Betting Handicap

This Class 6 handicap presents a stern test of endurance over a marathon two-mile trip. Success in such long-distance events demands proven stamina, a quality possessed by proven stayers like Billy Bathgate and the ever-consistent Zooks. In a contest where many have stamina doubts, these specialists hold a distinct advantage.

HorseTrainerJockeySPORTSRPR
TubaF O’BrienGina Mangan12-15564
Billy BathgateEwan WhillansRowan Scott9-45563
Corsican CaperK FrostRossa Ryan12-15373
ZooksI WilliamsBilly Loughnane11-4535965
Doddington GuyD MenuisierSean Levey9-2555969
Man Of RiddlesM YoungCallum Hutchinson33-14970
Prince HectorMiss J BediTom Kiely-Marshall (5)10-14865
DamzonA CarrollJack Doughty16-14866
Apache EagleMiss J BediStevie Donohoe33-14650
YurinovP KirbyCam Hardie9-14662
Mostly MozartR PhillipsSean D Bowen33-14652

Key Contenders’ Analysis

Billy Bathgate: This nine-year-old is a proven stayer with three wins over long distances this year, including two on the Newcastle Tapeta surface. His creditable second-place finish at Southwell just ten days ago confirms his current wellbeing and makes him a strong candidate to go one better in a race with few compelling rivals.

Zooks: A model of consistency this year, Zooks has secured wins on both turf and the All-Weather. She ran another solid race when third behind Billy Bathgate at Southwell last time out and, while she has a few lengths to find, her reliability ensures she is highly likely to be involved in the finish once again.

Yurinov: Although he remains a maiden after 23 starts, his most recent fourth-place effort at Newcastle was his best performance since returning to Britain. That run suggests he is hitting form, and he holds plausible place claims if he can build on that effort over this demanding trip.

Spotlight Verdict

In a race for which few arrive with compelling claims last week’s Southwell runner-up BILLY BATHGATE is taken to resume winning ways. The reliable Zooks was a place behind the selection in third on that occasion and can give him most to do ahead of Yurinov.

Andrew Sheret

Attention now turns to a competitive middle-distance handicap featuring a fascinating clash between an up-and-coming three-year-old and several in-form rivals.

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7. 7:30 – Midnite A Next Generation Betting App Handicap

This is a competitive Class 5 handicap over one mile and four furlongs that presents an intriguing puzzle. The key dynamic features the rapidly improving three-year-old So Alex, who looks ahead of his mark, taking on a host of well-handicapped and in-form rivals like the ultra-consistent Educate and the interesting Damascus Steel.

HorseTrainerJockeySPORTSRPR
Three YorkshiremenF J BrennanCallum Hutchinson11-2655971
EducateJ GoldieRossa Ryan9-2655873
OmanA CarrollWilliam Carson8-16568
Damascus SteelD QuinnDarragh Keenan12-1646173
So AlexDr R Newland & J InsoleBilly Loughnane9-46076
Different ToneR MenziesJason Watson13-26370
Prince AliT FaulknerZoe Lewis (7)25-1635670
RubelliteR FaheyConor Orr (3)14-1606174
Hackney DiamondsI WilliamsEdward Greatrex10-1566273
BusbyP KirbyAiden Brookes (3)33-14873
Ice OperaG HarrisJack Dace (5)50-14863
HavachocP MorrisCam Hardie16-14966

Key Contenders’ Analysis

So Alex: This unexposed three-year-old is on a sharp upward curve. He won comfortably over this C&D last week, impressively overcoming a wide trip in the process. A 5lb penalty may not be enough to stop him, as he appears to have significant improvement still to come and is clearly ahead of the handicapper.

Hackney Diamonds: She ran a fine race to finish second behind So Alex last week, pulling clear of the third. While she is now 5lb better off at the weights, she lacks the same scope for progression as her rival and may find it difficult to reverse the form.

Educate: A previous C&D winner, he has been in remarkable form for his new stable, finishing second in all three of his recent starts. The return to this trip is a major positive, and despite an 8lb rise for those placed efforts, his consistency makes him one for the shortlist.

Different Tone: Well-handicapped on his win from August 2023, he showed signs of a return to form on his second start for his new yard. Having been off the track for 720 days prior to his stable debut, further natural improvement can be expected, making him a dangerous wildcard.

Three Yorkshiremen: He took advantage of a drop in grade to win decisively over C&D last month. However, he faces a much stiffer task here under a 10lb higher mark, which could prove challenging against this deeper field.

Damascus Steel: After a successful career with his previous trainer, he showed marked improvement on his second start for his new stable when keeping on well at Kempton. He appears to be on a workable handicap mark and looks capable of winning soon.

Oman: He finished strongly to take second over an inadequate 8.6f here last time out. The step back up to a more suitable distance makes him a very interesting contender in what is otherwise a hot contest for the grade.

Spotlight Verdict

This looks hot for the grade. However, none appeals more than SO ALEX (nap), who overcame a wide trip to beat Hackney Diamonds in good style over C&D last week. A 5lb rise may underestimate this unexposed 3yo’s potential. Educate, Different Tone, Three Yorkshiremen and Damascus Steel all have something to recommend them but the main danger may come from Oman now that he is back up in distance.

Paul Smith

The evening’s card continues with the first division of a popular and competitive six-furlong sprint handicap.

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8. 8:00 – Create Your Bet Builders At Midnite Handicap (Div I)

This is the first division of a handicap sprint over six furlongs, and it presents a classic puzzle. The race features the rock-solid claims of the in-form Woodhay Whisper against the intriguing “dark horse” Triple Charged, who makes a stable debut off a much-reduced mark, and several other seasoned sprinters with plausible claims.

HorseTrainerJockeySPORTSRPR
Woodhay WhisperJ JonesHector Crouch100-30625366
Gilt EdgeC MasonGina Mangan5-15567
Roman EmperorJohn RyanDonagh Murphy (7)8-15565
Isla BellaJ RamsdenAndrea Pinna (7)33-15564
Profit StreetJ OwenLuke Morris5-15164
Triple ChargedF BramleySean Levey7-15063
PiperstownK FrostBilly Loughnane10-14864
Under CurfewA CarrollJack Doughty9-14765
Rogue ThunderP MorrisPaddy Bradley11-14664
Sisters In The SkyG HarrisJack Dace (5)16-14663
Symbol Of HopeA WintleFinley Marsh25-14662
DequintoA CarrollMatthew Lloyd Slater (7)20-14663

Key Contenders’ Analysis

Under Curfew: A seasoned campaigner making his 100th start, this nine-year-old confirmed his wellbeing with a close fourth over this C&D 11 days ago. He remains competitive at this level and his experience should see him in the mix once again.

Profit Street: A two-time winner on Tapeta, he has yet to fire for his new stable but is now racing off a dangerously well-handicapped mark. He could easily bounce back to form if his new connections can find the key to him.

Gilt Edge: She returned to six furlongs for the first time in nearly two years to score comfortably over C&D in October, suggesting this may now be her optimal trip. A subsequent 4lb rise in the weights looks fair, and she remains a strong contender on that evidence.

Woodhay Whisper: This filly is in the form of her life, following up a C&D handicap win with a good second in a higher-grade race here last week. Despite a 1lb rise, she is the clear form horse and is expected to make another bold bid.

Triple Charged: This three-year-old showed significant promise for Karl Burke last winter and now makes his debut for a new stable. He starts on a greatly reduced handicap mark, which makes him an intriguing and potentially well-treated contender if he can recapture that old form.

Spotlight Verdict

Under Curfew, Profit Street and Gilt Edge can all feature but the two against the field are the in-form Woodhay Whisper and the interesting TRIPLE CHARGED. The selection has some uninspiring formfigures but he starts out for a new stable off a good mark judged on last winter’s form for Karl Burke.

Paul Smith

The final race of the evening is the second division of this competitive sprint handicap, offering one last puzzle to solve.

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9. 8:30 – Create Your Bet Builders At Midnite Handicap (Div II)

The meeting concludes with the second division of the six-furlong handicap. The finale is headlined by the dominant claims of Monday’s impressive winner Havana Club, who takes on several C&D specialists like Back Tomorrow and Autumn Angel, both of whom are dropping to dangerous handicap marks.

HorseTrainerJockeySPORTSRPR
Havana ClubA WintleDonagh Murphy (7)2-15865
Mythical IsleP MorrisPaddy Bradley16-15564
I Can ImagineJ JonesHector Crouch4-15467
Forever NoahJ RamsdenAndrea Pinna (7)16-1526066
Autumn AngelA CarrollJack Doughty14-15164
Call GloryI WilliamsBilly Loughnane3-14964
Lady BouquetP KirbyAiden Brookes (3)12-14863
TommytwohootsShaun HarrisThomas Greatrex12-14663
Sultan Of OjT FaulknerRobert Havlin33-14664
Back TomorrowEwan WhillansGreg Fairley20-14664
Ziva’s StarS WhitakerZak Wheatley (3)25-14662

Key Contenders’ Analysis

Back Tomorrow: This mare completed a hat-trick of wins over this C&D in January and is now 9lb lower in the handicap than for her last victory. The first-time application of blinkers is a clear signal of intent from connections and could spark a revival.

Autumn Angel: A dual C&D winner last winter, she has dropped to a dangerous handicap mark once again. With two recent runs under her belt, she should be at peak fitness and warrants serious consideration for a return to form at her favoured track.

I Can Imagine: She arrives in good form following two recent placed efforts over five furlongs here where she was noted finishing strongly. The step back up to six furlongs is a logical positive, and her current wellbeing should see her remain competitive.

Call Glory: A frustrating horse with a long losing streak, he has nonetheless dropped to a very appealing handicap mark. His encouraging recent run from a poor draw suggests that with a better trip today, he could find his way into the minor prize money.

Havana Club: This horse arrives in scintillating form, having won decisively over seven furlongs here on Monday. Despite a 6lb penalty and a drop back in trip to six furlongs, the authority of that victory suggests he is a major player to follow up.

Spotlight Verdict

Back Tomorrow is a dark one at the foot of the weights as she is well treated on her C&D form earlier in the year and blinkers are now reached for. Autumn Angel is a similar type but she would have been more persuasive had blinkers been declared. I Can Imagine and the frustrating Call Glory (second choice) can feature but HAVANA CLUB won decisively over 7f here on Monday and can deal with both the 6lb penalty and shorter trip.

Paul Smith

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