Date: Tuesday 10th February 2026
Race: Midnite: Built For 2026 Not 2006 Handicap (Class 5)
Verdict: Oppose the busy favourite and back the fresh legs.
Let’s cut straight to the chase. The market for tonight’s 6f handicap is dominated by the 9-year-old Spartan Fighter, who arrives in a rich vein of form. But if you dig into the data, the value lies elsewhere. Here is why we are swerving the favourite and backing a younger, faster rival.
The Selection: Dc Cogent (4/1)
This 4-year-old is the standout bet of the race. While the veterans have been slogging it out over the winter, Dc Cogent returns fresh from a 53-day break, and the numbers are screaming a big run:
Speed King: He tops the Timewise Speed Ratings with a 72.8—the highest in the field.
Class Edge: He has been holding his own in this grade (Class 5) while the favourite has been picking up penalties in weaker Class 6 company.
Tactical Speed: His run style fits perfectly here. He has the pace to sit just off the leaders and the kick to finish, with Paul Mulrennan (17% strike rate with this stable) doing the steering.
The verdict: He is unexposed, quicker, and fresher than his rivals.
The “History Repeats” Play: Blackjack (6/1)
If you believe in omens—or just solid handicapping patterns—Blackjack is your each-way safety net.
The Date: On February 14th, 2025, Blackjack won this exact race.
The Mark: He won it last year off an Official Rating of 67. Today, he lines up off… 67.
The Angle: He hasn’t been disgraced recently (4th last time out), and everything is set up for a repeat bid. At 6/1, he is the clear value alternative if the selection fluffs his lines.
The Lay: Spartan Fighter (5/1)
Yes, his form figures of 21112 look imposing. But in betting, you pay for the future, not the past.
Workload: This is his 5th run in 40 days. That is a punishing schedule for a 9-year-old.
The Bounce Factor: After being beaten just a neck six days ago, he is prime candidate for a “bounce” performance (running flat after a peak effort).
The Price: He will be overbet by the casual punters reading the form book literally. We are taking him on.
The Danger: Northern Attitude (9/2)
The “nearly” horse. Consistent (2nd, 3rd, 2nd in last three runs) but remains a maiden after 11 starts. She will likely travel well and look the winner at the furlong pole, but she lacks the killer instinct of Dc Cogent. One for the forecast, not the win.
The Punt
Win: Dc Cogent @ 4/1
Each-Way / Saver: Blackjack @ 6/1
Straight Forecast: Dc Cogent to beat Spartan