Construction Day 14th Oct Handicap Stakes

16:50 Nottingham Thu 01 Oct 2026 0m6f18y Class 5 Good 15 runners

Mr Fox’s call

Thunderous Love

SPECULATIVE Advised 6/1 Est. 28%

8TH

Mr Fox says

Thunderous Love (SR:74, 6/1) combines the strongest course record in the field (Course:W2P5 at Nottingham — a genuine track specialist), a significant market move of +37% inward, a drop of 8lb off last win (MarkMv:-8 is a real handicapper's gift), and a consistent recent form string of 692294 showing the horse is competitive at this level. Weight of 9-4 gives a meaningful advantage over Spirit of Applause and Ingleby Archie at 9-10. The cheekpieces (HG:p) add a small edge and trainer Portman hits at 13% strike rate. The moderate distance and going figures (both ~) are a mild concern but the course expertise on a track where he has won twice overrides that. Each-way alternative: Melissa Honey. Main danger: Melissa Honey — Melissa Honey (SR:75, 6/1) has the highest SR in the field, carries the lightest weight at 9-0, shows a devastating form string of 121312 — in-and-out consistent — and has course form (W1P1); the class rise (ClassMv:↑1) is the only caveat but the pound advantage over everything else could be decisive.

Verify· #20894

Full result

Winner: Royal Accord (GB) at SP 12/1. Mr Fox’s picks highlighted in gold.