January 17 / 12.25 Newcastle (AW)

12.25

Standard

BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 1m 0f 5y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Mostly cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 2333-1 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Record here reads 131, his latest success coming over this trip this month with Apiarist second, Popmaster third and Symbol Of Light fourth; up 4lb but he remains unexposed for a 4yo and another big run is likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Ascot

Storm Star

10st 0lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Andrew Balding

All four wins have been on the AW at Newcastle, including a hat-trick early last year; back on his last winning mark and he did chase a strong pace last time (in a race he won 12 months earlier) before folding late on; lightly raced on turf.

8/1

10th

7

(6)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Storm Star

9st 1lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

He was completing a C&D hat-trick when winning the corresponding race 12 months ago off a 3lb lower mark; not at his best in two runs this year (following a gelding operation) and he needs to raise his game.

12/1

6th

4

(1)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 1

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Storm Star

9st 2lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

Three 1m wins at Newcastle last year, including the 1m handicap on Good Friday; disappointing finishing effort when sixth behind Witch Hunter back there three weeks ago; needs to raise his game upped in class.

12/1

4/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 38595- CD

Last run: 58 days

W: 9st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Three wins on the AW last winter included one over C&D, while he caught eye when finishing strongly into fifth of 14 on his return from five months off at Kempton (1m, Polytrack) in November (Popmaster second); seems well suited to this stiff mile and worth a second look; stable also runs Dragon Icon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(1)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 2

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Fantastic Fox

9st 2lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Roger Varian

Drawn a blank since January 2024 but he hasn't had much clemency from the handicapper; latest AW run saw him finish fourth at Newcastle in June having met trouble in running and he will be in the shake-up if anywhere near that level.

5/1

8

(1)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 2

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Fantastic Fox

9st 2lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Roger Varian

Drawn a blank since January 2024 but he hasn't had much clemency from the handicapper; latest AW run saw him finish fourth at Newcastle in June having met trouble in running and he will be in the shake-up if anywhere near that level.

5/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 49982- D BF

Last run: 42 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
0-7 since winning his first two races on Polytrack but, having been absent for 197 days and been gelded, he performed much better when beaten a neck by Apiarist over C&D last month (Nikovo and McManaman behind); major chance of reversing the placings with the winner on 8lb better terms; unexposed for a 5yo and respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(1)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

15:07 Southwell (AW)

Dragon Icon

9st 10lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

0-13 since winning his first two career starts on Polytrack, but capable of useful form as when third of 14 in the London Mile Series Final at Kempton (1m, Polytrack; first-time cheekpieces) 15 days ago; has run well on Tapeta at Newcastle and a player off the same mark as last time.

9/2

12

(8)

6th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Kempton (AW)

Dragon Icon

8st 10lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Career commenced with two wins; 0-12 since but close third in qualifier last time sets him up nicely for a crack at this final and first-time cheekpieces may have a boosting effect; in the mix.

8/1

4

(5)

20th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:20 Kempton (AW)

Dragon Icon

10st 1lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

On a long losing sequence and he arrives below par, having been tried in a hood (now discarded) when seventh of ten in 1m Ascot handicap last month; handily weighted if he gets back on song though.

11/2

33/1

Form: 15980- C

Last run: 181 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won twice on soft ground after returning last spring but then lost his way; six-month absence not an issue and he won here (7f) as a 2yo, but five subsequent visits haven't been anything like as good; look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(3)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 50y

Class 5

15:55 Ayr

Liamarty Dreams

9st 12lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: K R Burke

Has won on soft ground and he's now 8lb lower than when runner-up at Leicester (7f, good to firm) in June; however, he's finished no better than seventh across his five outings since.

12/1

6

(9)

30th Sep 2025

Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

15:30 Ayr

Liamarty Dreams

9st 7lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Respectable second at Leicester in June but far from consistent otherwise this year and losing spell goes back to spring 2024; not particularly solid.

16/1

12

(10)

5th Sep 2025

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 3

16:55 Haydock

Liamarty Dreams

9st 1lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: K R Burke

C&D winner who was beaten just 1l when second at Leicester in June and is now 6lb lower; however, soundly beaten on his three runs since (C&D last time) and the first-time visor needs to prompt a revival.

33/1

Form: 65261- CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Won four times last year including twice over C&D, the latest on his second start for the yard last month; likes to be played late so a solid pace would help but 4lb rise for that latest win puts him on a career-high mark, so even more will be required; stable also runs Feel The Need.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(2)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 3

17:00 Windsor

Nikovo

9st 7lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Michael Herrington

Not disgraced in the Victoria Cup last time but, generally speaking, is perhaps still on a difficult mark on turf; gained last three wins on Newcastle AW and has shown peak form there.

12/1

8th

24

(25)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Nikovo

8st 13lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Registered last three wins on Newcastle AW and ran respectably there on finals day; came up well short in the Spring Cup returned to turf last time and remains on a difficult mark in this sphere; sole handicap success on grass was off 13lb lower.

66/1

16th

18

(16)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Nikovo

9st 0lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Herrington

Kept busy on AW during the winter, winning over 7f at Newcastle and far from disgraced in a valuable 1m event there on Good Friday; however, his turf form is at a lower level and he'll do well to regain the winning thread.

40/1

OUR TIP

11/2

Form: 941-21 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
In fine form since switched to the AW last month, winning over C&D and at Chelmsford (1m, Polytrack) and finishing runner-up here in between; however, a 5lb penalty for the Chelmsford win six days ago means he meets the three who finished around him on his last visit here on worse terms; improvement will be required even with his rider's 7lb claim.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(15)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Apiarist

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Three fine efforts on AW to start the year but his run of good form came to a halt when well behind Blue Rc at Newcastle over Easter; acts on turf but has a much better strike-rate on AW; drawn widest.

20/1

12th

6

(1)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Apiarist

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Finished a good third in this race 12 months ago when rated 2lb lower; arrives in good form, having beaten Popmaster at Lingfield (1m) before a good third at Kempton (7f) 16 days ago; chance if stall 1 proves no hindrance.

10/1

3rd

4

(3)

18th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Apiarist

9st 4lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Beat very good yardstick in Popmaster for fourth AW win from just eight tries at Lingfield 19 days ago (1m; ridden by Jack Callan for the first time); up just 3lb, and no issue with this shorter trip, but he's never been to Kempton and trainer is just 1-14 here last five years.

3/1

Form: 210-

Last run: 215 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Three runs for Andre Fabre last year, winning a Fontainebleau maiden (1m2f, very soft) in April but finishing tailed off in a Group 3 at Chantilly (1m4f, good to soft) in June; changed hands for 40,000gns in October (gelded soon afterwards) and interesting to see what the market says on stable debut after seven month off; half-brother and dam both won on AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(1)

8th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 4

17:10 Nottingham

Kind Of Kiss

9st 6lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Sam England

1m2f French winner; well handicapped on his best form for Kevin Philippart De Foy but he's struggled in last four starts including two runs for new yard this year; overall record is now 1-14 and he has something to prove.

16/1

10th

1

(7)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Kind Of Kiss

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Sam England

1m2f French winner; not far away on several outings for Kevin Philippart De Foy but ended his time with that yard on a low note and tailed off on reappearance for new stable last month; now tongue tied first time.

40/1

6th

1

(3)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

14:12 Newcastle (AW)

Kind Of Kiss

9st 11lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Sam England

1m2f French winner; runner-up off this mark at Kempton (1m4f, Class 3; 11-1) last July, before disappointing on final two starts for Kevin Philippart De Foy; changed hands in October for 21,000gns; merits a market check on first start for new trainer.

7/1

17/2

Form: 0023-3

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Running well in defeat lately as when beaten just over a length into third of seven behind Storm Star and Apiarist over C&D on New Year's Day; unexposed at the trip but not easy to win with these days having only been successful twice in his last 33 starts; could go well again but others preferred for the win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

7

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Popmaster

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ed Walker

Campaigned on AW since December, proving consistent until coming up a tad short on finals day last time; has loads of Ascot form but three defeats in this race (finishing positions 074) suggest he can be opposed, especially now aged eight.

33/1

7th

4

(2)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Popmaster

9st 2lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

Arrives in fine form, beating The Lost King at Kempton in February and runner-up on his two runs since; sneaking back up the weights and he was only fifth in this race 12 months ago off today's mark.

20/1

Form: 11-117 C

Last run: 2 days

W: 8st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won his first four starts on Tapeta after the visor went back on, rising 34lb in the process; however, he could only manage a midfield finish off this mark at Southwell (7f, Tapeta) on Wednesday which means he has something to prove all of a sudden.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

(3)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

12:25 Newcastle (AW)

Angel Of Antrim

8st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Jack Morland

took keen hold, prominent, weakened inside final furlong

25/1

9th

11

(3)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

12:25 Newcastle (AW)

Angel Of Antrim

8st 8lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Jack Morland

Won his first four starts on Tapeta after the visor went back on, rising 34lb in the process; however, he could only manage a midfield finish off this mark at Southwell (7f, Tapeta) on Wednesday which means he has something to prove all of a sudden.

25/1

7th

3

(2)

15th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

13:38 Southwell (AW)

Angel Of Antrim

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Jack Morland

Impressive in Class 6 at Wolverhampton 11 days ago, completing a quickfire 7f four-timer; hit with another hefty rise in the weights and steps up two grades but he is better than ever; shortlisted.

9/2

Form: 2260-4 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Was returning from 230 days off when fourth of seven (behind three of these) over C&D at the start of the month; may fare better with the run under his belt especially if this is run at a stronger tempo, while market confidence could be significant.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(10)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Symbol Of Light

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Julie Camacho

Belatedly back in winning form the last twice, readily beating Cracking Gold at Southwell (1m) then holding on narrowly in notable handicap at Wolverhampton (8.5f); looks better than ever.

14/1

10th

2

(10)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Symbol Of Light

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Julie Camacho

Belatedly back in winning form the last twice, readily beating Cracking Gold at Southwell (1m) then holding on narrowly in notable handicap at Wolverhampton (8.5f); looks better than ever.

14/1

1st

2

(10)

8th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Symbol Of Light

9st 11lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Julie Camacho

dwelt start, midfield, raced wide and rushed up to lead after 3f

6/1

Form: 55513- D

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Returned to winning form at Southwell (1m, Tapeta) last month and ran to a similar level when third of ten over the same C&D 15 days later (runner-up has won since); needs a bit more at this level, though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

21th

14

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Feel The Need

9st 3lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Michael Herrington

Most of his 14 races at York have been over 7f, including wins in this race in 2024 and another last June; absent since second on AW in January and that's the longest break he's had for two years, which asks a question, but he has to be considered off his last winning mark.

16/1

2nd

7

(3)

23rd Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Feel The Need

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Michael Herrington

Easy to make a case on last year's peak form but signed off with two quiet runs and now back from three months off; not without hope if the break has done him good; has form here.

14/1

11th

7

(7)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:00 Doncaster

Feel The Need

9st 9lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

Enters the equation on best 7f form this year but his latest run at York, where he often goes well, was a letdown; seems to handle heavy ground, having finished close up in his sole attempt on it, but it's not necessarily a plus and he has a shade to prove now.

14/1

16/1

Form: 74203-

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Both wins over 7f on turf at Meydan; beaten less than a length into third of nine at Kempton (1m, Polytrack) last time, but this looks a tough ask given he is just 2-29 (0-10 on AW); this stiff mile may not be ideal either.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(4)

24th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Mcmanaman

10st 1lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Joe Tickle

Winner over this trip on turf at Meydan in 2021 and 2024; more miss than hit in second British spell and a recent change of scenery/break hasn't helped.

20/1

8th

5

(13)

30th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

17:00 Chester

Mcmanaman

9st 9lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Two-time 7f turf winner at Meydan who is on a competitive mark on 7f/1m AW form from late last year; the drop back in trip may not be an issue and he was returning from a break when down the field on last month's stable debut at Glorious Goodwood, but he may be best watched for now.

40/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £23.70
Straight Forecast £23.67
Tricast £70.84
Trifecta £95.80

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dragon Icon

POSTDATA:

Apiarist

Telegraph:

Storm Star

TOPSPEED:

Angel Of Antrim

Daily Mirror:

Feel The Need

D Express:

Symbol Of Light

The Guardian:

Fantastic Fox

Daily Record:

Storm Star

The Sun:

Apiarist

The Star:

Apiarist

RP RATINGS:

Dragon Icon

NEWMARKET:

Dragon Icon

The Times:

Dragon Icon

Daily Mail:

Angel Of Antrim