April 18 / 16.07 Newcastle (AW)

16.07

Standard

BetUK All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £90195
  • 1m 2f 42y
  • Class 2
  • 15 runners
ITV
View Course
BetUK All-Weather Easter Classic Middle Distance Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £16.70
  • Place: £4.00

Form: 251V-4 D

Last run: 36 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Seems held by Penzance on Chelmsford running last month but is still lightly raced and may improve on that reappearance effort; unexposed colt who can't be dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

16th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:42 York

Salamanca

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Looked a useful prospect on good ground last spring and confirmed it on AW in recent outings; dictated a steady pace when winning the Easter Classic Handicap at Newcastle (1m2f) four weeks ago; 4lb higher today but lightly raced and could continue on his upward curve.

11/2

2

(5)

16th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:42 York

Salamanca

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Looked a useful prospect on good ground last spring and confirmed it on AW in recent outings; dictated a steady pace when winning the Easter Classic Handicap at Newcastle (1m2f) four weeks ago; 4lb higher today but lightly raced and could continue on his upward curve.

11/2

1st

10

(12)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:07 Newcastle (AW)

Salamanca

8st 13lb

J: David Egan

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

made all, set steady pace, faced challenges from over 2f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, kept on well towards finish, gamely

10/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 073-21 CD

Last run: 91 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Cruised into contention and breezed clear for an easy win over C&D in January when last seen, taking AW record to 3-6 and looking a suitable type for this prize; could well defy a 9lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(7)

19th Sep 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

14:47 Newbury

Old Harrovian

9st 7lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Andrew Balding

Absent since running well in major AW handicap in April 2025; very useful in that sphere but his turf form is less convincing; enough to prove on belated reappearance.

16/1

2nd

5

(13)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:07 Newcastle (AW)

Old Harrovian

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Cruised into contention and breezed clear for an easy win over C&D in January when last seen, taking AW record to 3-6 and looking a suitable type for this prize; could well defy a 9lb rise.

7/2

9/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 111-12 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Record of 311112 on AW includes a success in the Winter Oaks at Lingfield; ran well there last time in the trial for this contest; progressive and has won over C&D; strong contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(4)

10th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

16:45 Newmarket

Charlottes Web

9st 5lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Made her breakthrough at Listed level over 1m4f at York (good to firm) in August; soft ground may have been an excuse on latest outing; player if straight back to form.

9/1

8th

1

(6)

17th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 2f 23y

Class 1

16:00 Yarmouth

Charlottes Web

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Mostly progressive filly who followed a close third in a York Listed event (1m2.5f, good) in July by making her breakthrough at that level with a narrow but fairly convincing success over 1m4f at that track (good to firm) last month; should be fine back at this trip and she's a threat if soft ground proves no barrier.

9/2

1

(3)

21st Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 1

16:10 York

Charlottes Web

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Highly progressive in AW handicaps prior to creditable third of six in Group 3 at Newcastle (again AW) in June, all at about 1m2f; she's failed to match that back on turf (good; unraced on firmer) for her last two outings, but kept on steadily for a close third of 12 (on the heels of Rainbows Edge) in Listed race here on latest to give some hope for this new trip.

5/1

OUR TIP

16/1

Form: 031-15 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Has form figures of 3115 since switched to AW; held off career-high mark in the Rosebery at Kempton (1m3f) most recently and others are likely to prove better treated.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(2)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Paradias

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Alan King

Probably acts on good to soft, much more to prove on soft; reliable 7yo who's never been better than this season (1m2f-2m); also seems to have found his limits but perhaps a handicap such as this will suit him better than the much smaller-field Group/Listed race's he's contested on last three starts.

40/1

3rd

4

(4)

3rd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

16:10 Sandown

Paradias

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Six-time winner on the Flat over shorter trips than this (1m1f-1m4f), including at this track in 2023; beaten about 5l when fifth of seven in a Group 3 over this C&D in May (behind Lazy Griff and ahead of Furthur and Duke Of Oxford) but that was steadily run and he didn't fully prove his stamina; stable won this with Trueshan in 2024 but this 7yo has a bit to find to reverse placings with Lazy Griff.

5/1

5th

6

(1)

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

18:12 Sandown

Paradias

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

7yo who has a good record here and has been better than ever in AW handicaps this year, and he wasn't beaten far when fifth of six in Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) four weeks ago; however, his form needs to go to a new level and he's unraced beyond 1m4f on the Flat.

33/1

Form: 3V6-41 CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Good second off 1lb higher in this contest 12 months ago when bidding for a five-timer; again likely to go well, having regained the winning thread at Chelmsford (1m2f) most recently.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

18th Sep 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

14:02 Newton Abbot

Penzance

11st 4lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: John Joseph Hanlon

One-time useful AW handicapper but 0-8 over hurdles, though he went close at this level a couple of times over the summer; appeared to stay this sort of trip when a 5l third of ten at Downpatrick last time and looks sure to be involved.

2/1

3rd

6

31st Aug 2026

Good

2m 5f 180y

15:55 Downpatrick

Penzance

11st 7lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Not the force of old (one-time useful AW handicapper) but runner-up in modest maiden hurdle company three times in Britain this summer; well beaten back in handicap company at Galway earlier this month but okay fourth of eight in a Tramore maiden hurdle last time (2m1f, good to yielding); place chance.

15/1

4th

2

16th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 140y

13:45 Tramore

Penzance

11st 12lb

J: Harry Sexton

T: John Joseph Hanlon

Not the force of old (one-time useful AW handicapper) but runner-up in modest maiden hurdle company in Britain this summer at Stratford (twice) and after making most (carrying head awkwardly, hung right) at Worcester (2m, good); no show on handicap debut at Galway and back into maiden company probably with a bit to find.

10/1

7/2

Form: 1/3-11 C

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who won going away at Southwell (1m4f) most recently; taking record to 4-5; beat Old Harrovian there (1m3f) the time before; improving and commands respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(6)

7th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

16:45 Goodwood

Glen Buck

9st 3lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

7yo who has had only six races, winning four; not discredited in April 2025 (1m2f; best form at 1m4f) when last seen but this graduation from handicaps seems a stiff task and it's also his turf debut.

25/1

6th

6

(10)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:07 Newcastle (AW)

Glen Buck

9st 2lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Lightly raced 6yo who won going away at Southwell (1m4f) most recently; taking record to 4-5; beat Old Harrovian there (1m3f) the time before; improving and commands respect.

7/2

6th

6

(10)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:07 Newcastle (AW)

Glen Buck

9st 2lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Lightly raced 6yo who won going away at Southwell (1m4f) most recently; taking record to 4-5; beat Old Harrovian there (1m3f) the time before; improving and commands respect.

7/2

Form: 2V62-0 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Has some useful form on AW but still has a better strike-rate on turf and current mark gives him a difficult task in this warm field.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(7)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:05 York

Andaleep

8st 13lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

9yo who was down the field at Southwell (1m3f, AW) last time but was running consistently well prior to that; this C&D winner has an each-way chance if bouncing back.

25/1

9th

1

(10)

28th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 3

20:15 Southwell (AW)

Andaleep

9st 13lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Hearty strike-rate on turf, adding another in a Racing League race at Yarmouth (1m2f) in July; less of a win machine on AW but both wins have come on this track, over C&D and 1m4f in early 2024, and he was involved in a tight finish back on AW at Wolverhampton two starts ago; not far away.

9/1

22/1

Form: 3012-3

Last run: 91 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
In good form since returned to AW but was among the beaten runners who proved no match for Old Harrovian in C&D event when last seen; unlikely to reverse the placings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(6)

17th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Ayr

Dark Moon Rising

9st 4lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Campaigned at York of late, winning in July then running creditably at the Ebor festival; disappointing when back down in class last time; contrasting results (close third; only midfield) in this race for the last two years.

14/1

13th

10

(2)

6th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 3

15:15 York

Dark Moon Rising

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

A regular over C&D and was beaten only a length in this last year; won here in July and his close sixth two weeks ago (good to soft; just behind Castle Stuart) can be upgraded as he came from a long way back; exposed but respected.

10/1

22/1

Form: 36-936 D

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Losing spell goes back to his Royal Ascot success in 2022; well treated on peak figures but balance of recent form suggests he can be opposed in this hot handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(12)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Claymore

10st 2lb

J: Jerry Chau

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Dropped into a Class 3 when making all at Windsor (extended 1m3f, good to firm) and well beaten off this 5lb higher mark at Newmarket; he can be up and down, and could finish only eighth in this last year.

12/1

8th

4

(1)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Claymore

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Often front-runner; won well over C&D on good to firm last July; somewhat back down the weights and in class when winning another Class 3 in seven-runner race at Windsor (11.4f, good to firm; made all) last Saturday in good style; back up 5lb for this Class 2 but each-way claims.

12/1

1st

1

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:45 Windsor

Claymore

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

A two-time 1m4f scorer in 2025; returned from a spell in Meydan with a solid fifth of 12 in 1m3f handicap at Carlisle four weeks ago; not out of things with Billy Loughnane now up.

9/4

20/1

Form: 6541-4 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Useful performer, albeit has an underwhelming strike-rate; narrowly beat Dark Moon Rising over C&D (off 3lb lower) in most recent AW attempt but this looks a stiffer task.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(9)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 70y

Class 3

15:23 Chester

Savvy Victory

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: S Woods

Placed on both starts here and he continues to slide down the weights, but was beaten 17l into seventh of eight at Pontefract (1m2f, good) last time and will need to do a good deal better than that; no headgear today.

14/1

7th

3

(11)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:27 Pontefract

Savvy Victory

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: S Woods

His form deteriorated last year and he went 0-9; however, he's dropped down the weights and could improve for his recent comeback in a Listed race at Kempton (fourth); this C&D winner is not ruled out.

15/2

11/1

Form: 0614-3 D

Last run: 90 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Useful filly whose handicap form for new yard comprises a win at Kempton (1m3f) and close third to Charlotte's Web in the Winter Oaks (1m2f); still unexposed on AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(6)

1st Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Power Of Destiny

10st 1lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Has finished out of the frame in her last five outings, but is back off the same mark as when successful over C&D last November; needs a resurgence but that's not out of the question, especially if responding positively to the first-time cheekpieces.

7/1

3

(9)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Power Of Destiny

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Well handicapped on AW form as recent as January; however, she hasn't been at the top of her game on her four starts since April (AW/turf) and needs something extra if she's to capitalise on this mark.

12/1

5

(11)

30th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

15:45 Goodwood

Power Of Destiny

9st 7lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Ralph Beckett

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute when pipped in this race last year on handicap debut; made a successful start for Ralph Beckett on AW in November and went close in January (2lb lower today); however, she's not beaten many in her three starts since, back to turf for the last two; trainer won this race in 2020, 2022 and 2024.

20/1

13/2

Form: 495-11

Last run: 76 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Two from two since upped in distance, both wins at Wolverhampton (8.5f/9.5f); had plenty in hand last time and should cope with 9lb rise; interesting with further progress plausible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(2)

29th May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

20:40 Sandown

Smart Hero

9st 9lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Tate

Upped in distance for two wins at Wolverhampton (8.6f/9.4f) early this year, with plenty in hand on second occasion but he was well beaten off this 9lb higher mark in a valuable Newcastle race 11 weeks later; has a little bit more more to prove back on turf as well.

12/1

1

(2)

29th May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

20:40 Sandown

Smart Hero

9st 9lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Tate

Upped in distance for two wins at Wolverhampton (8.6f/9.4f) early this year, with plenty in hand on second occasion but he was well beaten off this 9lb higher mark in a valuable Newcastle race 11 weeks later; has a little bit more more to prove back on turf as well.

12/1

12th

9

(1)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:07 Newcastle (AW)

Smart Hero

8st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Tate

Two from two since upped in distance, both wins at Wolverhampton (8.5f/9.5f); had plenty in hand last time and should cope with 9lb rise; interesting with further progress plausible.

13/2

33/1

Form: 62-633 CD

Last run: 55 days

W: 8st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Held in races won by some of these rivals over the winter; most of that form is respectable but he's unlikely to land this big pot; exposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(2)

26th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 5

18:30 Southwell (AW)

Dream Harder

9st 12lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Mark Loughnane

Regressive and inconsistent in recent times, finishing well held a couple of times since a surprise Epsom win off 1lb lower in July; the return to the AW won't hurt, as a four-time Tapeta winner, but others have more pressing claims.

16/1

7th

1

(3)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

13:30 Haydock

Dream Harder

10st 2lb

J: Hope Regan

T: Mark Loughnane

A tongue-tie was added to cheekpieces when off the mark for this yard, getting up late at Epsom (1m4f, good to firm) in July; weak in the market under a penalty when beaten 5l in amateur riders' event over C&D (good) the following week; combination of this trip and slow ground will be new to him.

8/1

10/1

Form: 163-13 D

Last run: 61 days

W: 9st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Prolific French performer whose record of 8-18 on AW includes several Listed wins, the most recent in January; creditable third off this mark in this race last year; fighting chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

2

(2)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:07 Newcastle (AW)

Hooking

9st 11lb

J: Aurelien Lemaitre

T: P Decouz

Prolific French performer whose record of 8-18 on AW includes several Listed wins, the most recent in January; creditable third off this mark in this race last year; fighting chance.

10/1

14th

2

(2)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:07 Newcastle (AW)

Hooking

9st 11lb

J: Aurelien Lemaitre

T: P Decouz

Prolific French performer whose record of 8-18 on AW includes several Listed wins, the most recent in January; creditable third off this mark in this race last year; fighting chance.

10/1

3rd

2

(10)

29th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Hooking

9st 10lb

J: Aurelien Lemaitre

T: P Decouz

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, steady headway and went second 2f out, lost second and no extra inside final 110yds

14/1

Form: 221614 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Reserve; productive in the last 12 months but this is the stiffest assignment of his career; also declared in the Marathon (4:42).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(5)

30th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 208y

Class 4

14:13 Musselburgh

Humble Spark

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Campaigned mainly over further and has done most of his winning on AW; form has dipped of late and his losing run continues to mount up; wears new headgear.

12/1

9th

1

(7)

21st Sep 2026

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 5

14:47 Hamilton

Humble Spark

10st 1lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Six of his seven wins have been on AW; may just have needed the run after a break when fifth at Ayr on Thursday (1m5f, soft) and has an each-way chance.

8/1

5th

12

(1)

17th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

17:01 Ayr

Humble Spark

8st 11lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Went close to snapping long losing run in Queen Mother's Cup at York (1m4f, good) in June; a danger to all if in that form but three lesser runs have followed.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £64.00
Straight Forecast £34.62
Tricast £244.53
Trifecta £518.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Old Harrovian

NEWMARKET:

Glen Buck

TOPSPEED:

Charlotte's Web

The Times:

Power Of Destiny

POSTDATA:

Charlotte's Web

The Guardian:

Charlotte's Web

D Express:

Glen Buck

The Sun:

Glen Buck

The Star:

Glen Buck

RP RATINGS:

Old Harrovian

LAMBOURN:

Old Harrovian

Telegraph:

Old Harrovian

Daily Mail:

Old Harrovian

Daily Mirror:

Old Harrovian

Daily Record:

Old Harrovian