19:00 Southwell
Friday 20 February 2026
All16:2616:5817:3018:0018:3019:0019:3020:0020:30
SBK: Dont Settle For Less Handicap
- 4YO plus  |  Class 3  |  1m 13y  |  Standard  |  12 Runners  |  Allweather  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 19:00Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 1m 39.92s
Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Proved at least as good as ever to make it 3 wins from his last 4 all-weather starts at Newcastle (1m) last month, seen to maximum effect having been allowed a soft lead. Career-high mark to contend with here and may not find things so much in his favour.
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Grabbed a share of spoils here (7.1f) in October but has disappointed on both runs since, having little chance the way things developed following another 7-week break at Kempton recently. First-time blinkers are applied and needs a return to this venue to spark him back to life.
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Debut winner at Newcastle and followed up under a penalty 8 months later over C&D in August. Lost unbeaten AW record at former course in November but has been given a break since and is worth a chance to bounce back returning from a 3-month absence.
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Consistent performer who but lacked the change of gear to cope with a tactical affair when fifth of 10 in handicap at Kempton (12/1) 16 days ago. Form figures at this track read 112 (all in 2024) so shouldn't be underestimated.
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Solid all-weather performer who resumed progress back in calmer waters at Newcastle (10.2f) just under 3 weeks ago, the emphasis on speed proving no problem. 3 lb rise makes things harder for all the drop back in trip shouldn't be an issue.
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Has taken his form up a level in recent months, recording his ninth Newcastle success (10.2f) 7 weeks ago, proving he doesn't need to make the running. Should remain competitive from just 2 lb higher.
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Newcastle winner in December but bit below that level the last twice, few getting involved from off the pace when fourth of 9 here (7.1f) 3 weeks ago. Back up in trip and Oisin Murphy takes over from a 5-lb claimer.
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In good form but proving very hard to win with, a steady pace not helping him settle when third of 7 in 10f handicap at Newcastle (2/1) just under 3 weeks ago. First-time tongue strap applied and has a first start at 1m for these connections.
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Useful effort when scoring at Newcastle last August and back on track when mid-field at Kempton before Christmas (likely to have benefited from a stronger gallop). Not so good returned to former course 5 weeks ago but has at least dropped back to his last winning mark.
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Won 4 times last year, including over C&D. Rare below-par effort when fifth of 6 in handicap here over 7f (11/1) last month, despite having it easy up front.
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Kept a bit handier than usual and continued what has been a promising start for new connections when second of 12 at Newcastle a fortnight ago, just failing. Nudged up just 1 lb for that near miss and should again be knocking on the door.
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Won at Newcastle last September and picked up where he left off returning from 4-month absence when fifth of 9 back there (18/1) 5 weeks ago, bit short of room over 1f out before rallying. Hasn't run here before but no reason why he won't prove effective at the course.
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Forecasts
Unassuming (4/1), First Ambition (9/2), Dosman (6/1), Zryan (15/2), Crack On Boys (15/2), Angel Hunter (9/1), Eldrickjones (11/1), Londoner (12/1), Dingle (14/1), Midnight Lion (16/1), Rogue Encore (16/1), Invited (33/1)
Stacks in with chances but a tentative nod goes to DOSMAN, who continued his promising start for new connections when runner-up at Newcastle a fortnight ago. Midnight Lion recorded his ninth win at that venue on New Year's Day and should again be competitive, whilst First Ambition, Londoner and Zyran all have plenty going for them, too.
- Dosman6/1
- Midnight Lion16/1
Prize Money
1st: £28,787.002nd: £13,508.003rd: £6,748.004th: £3,377.005th: £1,683.00
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