Archive›Wolverhampton (AW) · 9 April 2026

Wolverhampton (AW)

9 April 2026 · 7 races

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5:30 — Download The At The Races App Apprentice Handicap

1m1½f · Standard · HCAP · 9 runners

Naughty Niall likeliest to leadFREEHISTORIC

How it ran

Naughty Niall and Daring Leader led, as the map showed.

Port Noir won at 4.00 — raced prominently, where the map had it was held up. One of the race scenarios named it.

4 of 9 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Naughty Niall

Prominent · 1

Daring Leader

Midfield · 4

Dinah MyteKaaressDors DelightEager Puccini

Hold Up · 3

CrafterCiotogPort Noir

Naughty Niall will set the pace from the front with Daring Leader likely taking him on early, creating a genuine tempo through the middle sections of this 1m1½f contest. With most of the field comprising hold-up horses (Ciotog, Crafter, Port Noir, Dors Delight, Dinah Myte, Eager Puccini), there will be significant traffic problems in the straight as they all look for racing room simultaneously. The sustained pace set by the front two should set up perfectly for those that can secure a clean passage from off the pace. This race shape strongly favours the prominent runners and those hold-up horses with tactical pace who can avoid the inevitable traffic jam.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Front runners collapse late

45% probability

If Naughty Niall and Daring Leader go too fast early and tie each other up

The pace will be unsustainable and they'll come back to the hold-up horses in the final furlong. Port Noir with her C&D winning form can time her challenge perfectly under Rose Dawes.

Port NoirCrafterCiotogKaaress

Tactical pace holds firm

35% probability

If Naughty Niall gets an easy lead without serious pressure from Daring Leader

The pace will be manageable allowing the front runners to kick clear in the straight before the hold-up brigade can organize. Naughty Niall's course form gives him the edge over Daring Leader.

Naughty NiallDaring LeaderPort NoirCrafter

Traffic chaos benefits outsider

12% probability

If the hold-up horses all get blocked simultaneously in the straight

One of the lesser fancied runners who gets a clear run will pick up the pieces while favorites struggle for room. Kaaress is well handicapped and could benefit from the mayhem.

KaaressDinah MyteDors DelightCiotog

Speed holds throughout

8% probability

If Naughty Niall gets completely uncontested fractions and Daring Leader tracks rather than challenges

The lack of early pressure allows Naughty Niall to control the race completely and his finishing kick proves decisive. His course winning form over 1m4f suggests he has the stamina to see this out.

Naughty NiallPort NoirDaring LeaderCrafter

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Watch for traffic problems in the straight as six hold-up horses (Ciotog, Crafter, Port Noir, Dors Delight, Dinah Myte, Eager Puccini) will all need room simultaneously

WATCH

Monitor the early fractions between Naughty Niall and Daring Leader as their battle will determine if the pace collapses

NOTE

Port Noir's partnership with Rose Dawes is 3-from-5 this year and they know this C&D well from their February win

WATCH

Ciotog hung left badly last time at Bath which could be problematic in a tight finish

NOTE

Watch for any market support for Kaaress who could be well handicapped off his current mark after that Lingfield win

6:00 — Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Restricted Maiden Stakes (For Horses In Bands C And D) (GBB Race)

1m1½f · Standard · CLS5 · 8 runners

Astrological likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Zooter led; the map had Astrological in front.

Astrological won at 1.50 — raced prominently, where the map had it led. One of the race scenarios named it.

3 of 7 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Astrological

Prominent · 1

Favourite Friend

Midfield · 4

Helios PathMaryland StarKing's CourtierOceanides

Hold Up · 2

Close To MeZooter

Astrological will set a sustainable early pace from his prominent position, with no other confirmed front-runners to apply pressure through the first half of this 1m1½f contest. The moderate gallop will allow the field to stay bunched longer than usual, setting up a tactical finish where positioning becomes crucial. Hold-up horses like Zooter and Maryland Star will get their preferred slower rhythm, while Astrological can dictate terms without being harassed. This race shape strongly favours hold-up horses and closers who can finish, as the steady pace will ensure plenty left in the tank for the final two furlongs.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Hold-up horses dominate

60% probability

If Astrological sets an uncontested lead and the pace stays moderate throughout

The steady gallop plays perfectly into the hands of horses with finishing kicks like Zooter and Maryland Star. Late runners get the ideal setup with energy preserved for a strong finish where class can tell.

ZooterMaryland StarAstrologicalOceanides

Astrological wire-to-wire

25% probability

If the favourite can maintain his recent improvement and the pace stays controlled

His prominent style allows him to track the moderate tempo before asserting in the straight. The lack of early pressure means he retains enough energy to resist late challenges from hold-up horses.

AstrologicalFavourite FriendZooterHelios Path

Tactical scramble develops

10% probability

If multiple horses converge in the final furlong creating a messy finish

The steady early pace leaves several runners with chances turning for home, leading to traffic problems and hard-luck stories. Jockey positioning becomes critical in the confined straight.

Maryland StarAstrologicalClose To MeZooter

Complete pace collapse

5% probability

If Astrological goes too slow and the field crawls through early splits

The race becomes a sprint from the two-furlong pole where any horse can win regardless of ability. Random factors like luck in running and rail position determine the outcome more than class.

Helios PathFavourite FriendKing's CourtierOceanides

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Astrological may get too easy a lead if no horse challenges his early position, allowing him to steal the race

WATCH

Helios Path could be anything returning from long break with gear change but his debut was concerning

NOTE

Zooter's fitness after 194 days off will be key to his chances despite the favourable race setup

WATCH

Maryland Star showed signs of staying power last time and this slower pace could unlock improvement

NOTE

Multiple hold-up horses may get in each other's way in the home straight if they all come with runs together

6:30 — Sky Sports Racing Virgin 512 Handicap

5f · Standard · HCAP · 11 runners

Midnight Call likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Kento led; the map had Midnight Call in front.

Midnight Call won at 2.88 — raced prominently, where the map had it led. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 9 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Midnight Call

Prominent · 3

KentoNad Alshiba SnowWashington Heir

Midfield · 4

Neptune LegendCharging BullComedian LeaderIsla Bella

Hold Up · 3

Henery HawkCoolagh MagicSome Nightmare

Midnight Call is the lone confirmed front runner and will likely get an uncontested lead, setting a sustainable pace that won't crack under pressure. With most runners adopting hold-up tactics (Coolagh Magic, Henery Hawk, Some Nightmare, Neptune Legend, Isla Bella, Comedian Leader, Charging Bull), the pace will be honest but not frantic. Kento and Nad Alshiba Snow may sit prominent behind Midnight Call, but the lack of early pace pressure means the leader can dictate terms. This race shape strongly favours front runners and prominent racers who can avoid the late traffic problems that will inevitably affect the large hold-up contingent.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Midnight Call Dominates Front

45% probability

If Midnight Call gets the expected uncontested lead and maintains her rhythm.

She can control the pace completely and kick for home when ready, leaving the hold-up horses with too much ground to make up in a sprint finish. Her four recent course wins from November to January prove she thrives when allowed to dictate from the front.

Midnight CallKentoNad Alshiba SnowCoolagh Magic

Prominent Racers Prevail

30% probability

If Kento and Nad Alshiba Snow track Midnight Call closely and time their challenges perfectly.

They get first run on the leader while avoiding the traffic problems further back, with Kento's proven C&D form giving him the edge in a driving finish. The prominent position allows them to strike at the optimal moment.

KentoNad Alshiba SnowMidnight CallHenery Hawk

Hold-up Surprise Package

15% probability

If the pace becomes unsustainably fast or the prominent horses weaken dramatically.

Coolagh Magic or Henery Hawk could benefit from a strong pace collapse, but they need significant help from traffic and pace angles. Their proven course form gives them the best chance among the hold-up brigade.

Coolagh MagicHenery HawkSome NightmareIsla Bella

Pace Completely Collapses

10% probability

If Midnight Call goes too slow early and gets swamped by superior finishing speed.

The race becomes a pure sprint where class tells, but this requires the pace to be genuinely crawling. Even then, the hold-up horses face significant traffic issues in a large field.

Neptune LegendSome NightmareIsla BellaCharging Bull

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Midnight Call must be watched for any signs of over-racing early as her front-running dominance depends entirely on relaxing in front

WATCH

Kento and Nad Alshiba Snow need to be positioned close enough to Midnight Call to avoid getting trapped behind the large hold-up contingent

WATCH

Traffic issues in the final furlong could be severe with eight hold-up horses converging simultaneously

NOTE

Any significant early pace pressure on Midnight Call would completely change the race dynamics and favour closers

NOTE

The large field size makes draw positions crucial for the hold-up horses to get clear runs at the business end

7:00 — Free Tips On attheraces.com Handicap

1m½f · Standard · HCAP · 4 runners

Renesmee likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Camino Del Ray led; the map had Renesmee in front.

Youarenotforgiven won at 2.00 — was held up, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 4 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Renesmee

Prominent · 1

Pearly Squirrel

Midfield · 0

None

Hold Up · 2

Camino Del RayYouarenotforgiven

Renesmee will take the field along as the sole confirmed front runner, with Pearly Squirrel likely to sit in second early before the two hold-up horses Camino Del Ray and Youarenotforgiven track from behind. With only four runners and one clear leader, Renesmee can dictate a comfortable gallop without pressure, setting up a tactical affair where positioning will be crucial. The lack of pace pressure means the two prominent runners can control the tempo, while the hold-up pair face the challenge of making ground from the back in a small field. This shape clearly favours the prominent runners who can control their destiny from forward positions.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Renesmee Controls Throughout

45% probability

If Renesmee gets an uncontested lead and kicks at the right moment.

She can dictate ideal fractions and prove hard to pass, especially with her proven course form and recent Chelmsford success. The hold-up horses will struggle to make up ground in such a small field with limited pace.

RenesmeePearly SquirrelYouarenotforgivenCamino Del Ray

Youarenotforgiven's Late Charge

30% probability

If the pace is too slow early and Youarenotforgiven gets the perfect run through.

His recent C&D win and follow-up success show he's in peak form, and Rossa Ryan can time his challenge perfectly if the pace collapses. The prominent runners may go too slow to hold off his sustained finish.

YouarenotforgivenCamino Del RayRenesmeePearly Squirrel

Pearly Squirrel Strikes Again

15% probability

If Pearly Squirrel can sit second and pounce when Renesmee weakens.

Her recent 7f win here and close third nine days ago show she's in good heart, and from her tracking position she can strike if the leader falters. The step back to 1m suits her proven versatility.

Pearly SquirrelRenesmeeYouarenotforgivenCamino Del Ray

Camino Del Ray Surprise

10% probability

If the pace becomes a crawl and his hold-up style gets maximum assistance.

Ryan Sexton's 7lb claim becomes crucial in a slowly-run race where his fresh legs after 30 days off could tell. His recent form shows consistency even if not winning form.

Camino Del RayYouarenotforgivenPearly SquirrelRenesmee

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Watch if Renesmee gets too comfortable early - she could steal this with uncontested fractions in a small field

WATCH

Monitor Youarenotforgiven's position turning in - if he's too far back in this field size he may not get there

NOTE

Check Pearly Squirrel's early positioning - she needs to be close enough to Renesmee to strike when the moment comes

WATCH

Observe the overall pace through the first half - if it's crawling it brings Camino Del Ray's hold-up style into play

NOTE

Watch for traffic problems in the straight with only four runners - clear runs will be at a premium

7:30 — Free Bets On attheraces.com Handicap

6f · Standard · HCAP · 6 runners

Artagnan likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Gold Star Hero led; the map had Artagnan in front.

Gold Star Hero won at 2.25 — led, where the map had it raced midfield. One of the race scenarios named it.

3 of 6 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Artagnan

Prominent · 1

Dyrholaey

Midfield · 3

Gold Star HeroQueue DosCity Cyclone

Hold Up · 1

Tiger Crusade

Artagnan leads early proceedings with Gold Star Hero and Dyrholaey likely pressing from prominent positions, creating a moderate gallop over this 6f trip. City Cyclone and Queue Dos will track just behind this front group, while Tiger Crusade drops in last from his hold-up style. The presence of multiple prominent runners ensures a solid tempo without being suicidal, setting up a tactical sprint finish. This race shape clearly favours prominent racers and those with tactical speed who can position close to the pace and kick when it matters.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Gold Star Hero Dominates

45% probability

If Gold Star Hero gets first run from his prominent position

His recent course win shows he handles these conditions perfectly and the 4lb rise looks manageable given his current form trajectory. The moderate pace allows him to conserve energy for a sustained finish that his 82 TopSpeed suggests he possesses.

Gold Star HeroDyrholaeyCity CycloneQueue Dos

Queue Dos Returns Sharp

25% probability

If Queue Dos shows no signs of her 104-day break

Her four course wins demonstrate superior track knowledge and the 3lb rise keeps her competitive despite the layoff. The tactical pace suits her prominent style and allows connections to judge when to make their move.

Queue DosCity CycloneGold Star HeroDyrholaey

City Cyclone Finds Form

20% probability

If City Cyclone bounces back from his last disappointing run

His recent hat-trick including a course win over 7f shows he's in the form of his life when conditions align. The drop back to this grade after facing stronger opposition last time could unlock his best effort.

City CycloneGold Star HeroDyrholaeyQueue Dos

Tiger Crusade Late Surge

10% probability

If the pace collapses completely in the early stages

His hold-up style thrives when front-runners go too slowly, allowing his proven finishing kick to be effective. However, the number of prominent runners makes a truly dawdling pace unlikely over this minimum trip.

Tiger CrusadeQueue DosGold Star HeroCity Cyclone

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Tiger Crusade struggles to get competitive from his hold-up style if the pace stays honest throughout

WATCH

Queue Dos shows any signs of rustiness early given her 104-day absence from action

NOTE

Artagnan's fitness levels after 160 days off despite his previous solid form on return

WATCH

Dyrholaey's response to first-time blinkers which suggests recent attitude or focus issues

NOTE

Gold Star Hero's ability to handle the 4lb penalty from his recent course success

8:00 — Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Handicap

7f · Standard · HCAP · 6 runners

On The Inlet likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

On The Inlet and Lifeguard led, as the map showed.

On The Inlet won at 1.22 — led, as the map had it. One of the race scenarios named it.

2 of 5 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

On The Inlet

Prominent · 1

Lifeguard

Midfield · 2

Apex StarClear Above

Hold Up · 2

Hello HumphreySup Of Red

On The Inlet will control this race from the front with Lifeguard and Apex Star likely to race prominently, but neither should pressure the leader early given their prominent rather than outright pace-forcing styles. The three hold-up horses (Sup Of Red, Clear Above, Hello Humphrey) will need the pace to collapse or find gaps in the straight. With only one natural front runner and limited early pressure, On The Inlet can dictate comfortable fractions before quickening. This setup clearly favours the front runner and prominent racers who can avoid traffic problems.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

On The Inlet Wires

45% probability

If On The Inlet gets uncontested lead and kicks clear turning in

The improving gelding controls the tempo and has too much class for this field when asked to quicken. His recent 6-length handicap debut win shows he's found his level.

On The InletLifeguardApex StarHello Humphrey

Hold-Up Horse Strikes

25% probability

If the pace is genuinely strong or On The Inlet stops quickly

Hello Humphrey or Sup Of Red benefit from a collapse up front with their proven ability to finish strongly. The longer they delay their challenge, the better their chances.

Hello HumphreySup Of RedClear AboveOn The Inlet

Prominent Tracker Wins

20% probability

If Lifeguard or Apex Star sit closer and outfinish the leader

A prominent runner gets the perfect trip behind On The Inlet and has enough left to collar him late. Fresh legs prove decisive over 7f.

LifeguardApex StarOn The InletHello Humphrey

Messy Pace Scramble

10% probability

If the pace collapses completely and becomes a sprint finish

The race becomes tactical with multiple horses in contention turning in, favouring the horse with the best turn of foot regardless of position.

Clear AboveHello HumphreySup Of RedOn The Inlet

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

On The Inlet must be watched for any signs of taking a strong hold early as he did before his recent win

WATCH

Hello Humphrey needs monitoring for fitness after 120 days off despite his previous consistent form

NOTE

Lifeguard's first-time tongue-tie and stable switch could spark improvement after poor recent efforts

WATCH

The pace could collapse if Lifeguard and Apex Star don't press On The Inlet early enough

NOTE

Clear Above and Apex Star both gelded since last runs which could bring about improvement

8:30 — Follow @attheraces On X Fillies' Handicap

1m1½f · Standard · HCAP · 4 runners

Naana's Crystal likeliest to leadHISTORIC

How it ran

Siam Ruby led; the map had Naana's Crystal in front.

Siam Ruby won at 2.88 — led, where the map had it was held up. One of the race scenarios named it.

0 of 4 runners raced in the group the map gave them

Race shape

Lead · 1

Naana's Crystal

Prominent · 0

None

Midfield · 1

Fille Imbassee

Hold Up · 2

Della PaceSiam Ruby

Naana's Crystal will likely dictate terms from the front with no other natural pace-setters in this small field. The prominent runner faces minimal early pressure, allowing her to settle into a comfortable rhythm through the middle stages. Della Pace, Siam Ruby, and Fille Imbassee are all hold-up performers who will track behind and rely on finishing kicks. This creates a tactical setup that strongly favors front-running and prominent racing styles, as the pace-setter can control fractions without being harassed early.

Runner profiles

Race scenarios

Front Runner Controls

60% probability

If Naana's Crystal establishes an easy lead without pressure through the first half-mile

She can dictate steady fractions and has enough in reserve to resist the late challenges from the hold-up trio. The three closers will be fighting for the same piece of real estate in the straight, potentially compromising each other's finishing efforts.

Naana's CrystalSiam RubyDella Pace

Late Kick Prevails

25% probability

If the hold-up horses time their runs perfectly and Naana's Crystal goes too fast early

The front-runner weakens in the final furlong as one of the closers produces a decisive late surge. Siam Ruby's recent form and lower weight make her the most likely beneficiary of this scenario.

Siam RubyFille ImbasseeNaana's CrystalDella Pace

Prominent Challenge

10% probability

If Della Pace or another runner tracks closer to dispute the pace with Naana's Crystal

The increased early tempo sets up the race for a strong stayer, with the two pace protagonists potentially tying each other up. This creates opportunities for the best finisher coming from behind.

Siam RubyFille ImbasseeDella Pace

Messy Pace Collapse

5% probability

If Naana's Crystal goes too slow early then stops quickly, leaving the field bunched turning for home

A scrambling finish develops where positioning and luck become crucial factors. Any of the hold-up horses could capitalize on a chaotic finale where the front-runner fades dramatically.

Fille ImbasseeDella PaceSiam RubyNaana's Crystal

Race position map

LeadProminentMidfieldHold up

Watch points

KEY

Naana's Crystal's jumping and early fractions - if she breaks slowly or goes too fast early, the race dynamic completely changes

WATCH

Della Pace's fitness after 197 days off - George Boughey's strike rate is poor but she has course experience if ready

NOTE

Siam Ruby's position turning for home - she needs room to maneuver and clear running to deploy her superior finishing speed

WATCH

The pace overall - if it becomes truly pedestrian, it could neutralize the front-runner's advantage and favor the strongest finisher

NOTE

Fille Imbassee's response to first-time headgear - the hood could sharpen her focus after a disappointing stable debut

About this analysis

Every race on PaceMap is read from the in-running comments of each runner’s recent form — how a horse actually ran, not only where it finished. Those comments decide the groups above, and the same comments are read back after the race to score what was published. The record is public, including the months it was worse.

Read the method behind this analysis →

This meeting ran on 9 April 2026.

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