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

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

towards rear, good headway over 1f out, pressed winner final strides, did well in the circumstances

7/2

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

1st

6

(5)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

14:45 Newcastle (AW)

Old Harrovian

9st 1lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Andrew Balding

travelled strongly, held up in rear, steady headway when short of room from 2f out, switched right and led final 110yds, soon niggled along briefly and went clear, readily

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

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

5th

5

(6)

1st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Newmarket

Paradias

9st 5lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Alan King

In the form of his life this winter with a win at Lingfield (1m4f) in February and close calls in his other three outings; those were on AW, which does seem to suit him particularly well, and also in handicaps, which leaves him with something to find in his first Group venture.

40/1

3rd

2

(4)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Paradias

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Fourth in this last year on sole previous visit to Newcastle and he's now 3lb higher; went close on first two starts this winter before winning at Lingfield (1m4f) in February; could run well but may prefer a longer trip.

14/1

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

7th

5

(11)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Penzance

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Mark Loughnane

Having dropped down the weights he returned to form when runner-up off today's mark at Lingfield (1m4f, AW) recently on his second start for this yard; however, he's 5-22 on AW as opposed to 0-11 on Flat turf, and needs to back up that latest performance now back on grass.

12/1

2nd

1

(1)

12th May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:20 Lingfield (AW)

Penzance

9st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Mark Loughnane

Has been a smart performer in his time (rated 18lb higher), but well below form in his last two starts including on stable debut here (1m2f) last month; tongue-tie removed after one use; look elsewhere.

11/1

11th

7

(4)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

Penzance

9st 6lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Mark Loughnane

Formerly a smart AW performer for Mick Appleby, but not quite the force of old; makes his debut for another new yard (same owners) in a new headgear combination after eight starts for Shark Hanlon; well treated if he could rediscover anything like his best form.

33/1

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

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

1st

2

(4)

22nd Feb 2025

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 2

15:50 Southwell (AW)

Glen Buck

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

took keen hold, in touch with leaders early, midfield after 1f, ridden when headway over 2f out, led inside final furlong, went clear inside final 110yds, won going away

7/4

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

5th

11

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner in 2023; no joy anywhere last season (mostly at this track) but the closest he came was a neck defeat here (1m2f; 4lb higher today) on final start; not far away on AW last three starts this year and the same may be possible on today's return to turf.

16/1

4th

6

(7)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Losing run now up to 14, but his last couple of efforts have been encouraging as when second of six in a slightly stronger contest at Chelmsford (1m2f, Polytrack) last month; still on his last winning mark and holds each-way claims.

10/1

2nd

4

(5)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Dark Moon Rising

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Drew a blank in 2025 but he ended that campaign with a good second in a big-field 10.2f handicap at York; two respectable AW runs this year but he will need to raise his game to take this.

5/1

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

5th

4

(2)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Claymore

9st 6lb

J: Sorin Moldoveanu

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Campaigned in the UAE this winter, last seen finishing tailed off at Meydan; still 4lb higher than for his last win in Britain and probably best watched after three months off.

20/1

2

(2)

14th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

20:00 Windsor

Claymore

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Career highlight was at Royal Ascot 2022 but he capitalised on a career-low mark to win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month; long list of possible excuses next time and not disgraced at Ascot last Saturday, so he needs a second look.

10/1

2

(5)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Claymore

10st 1lb

J: Suraj Narredu

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Career highlight was at Royal Ascot 2022 but he capitalised on a career-low mark to win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month; long list of possible excuses at Yarmouth 12 days later, so he remains of interest.

6/1

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

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

4th

5

(1)

6th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 1f 219y

Class 1

14:55 Kempton (AW)

Savvy Victory

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: S Woods

Useful handicapper on his day including on AW, but unplaced in all nine starts since reappearing a year ago and would be receiving weight from all his rivals in a handicap.

20/1

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

2

(7)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:30 Epsom

Dream Harder

10st 2lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Good second off this mark in better race over C&D on Derby day, having scored at Chester the time before; not in the same form since and suffered a heavy defeat last Sunday.

16/1

4

(11)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 4f 14y

Class 3

17:40 Southwell (AW)

Dream Harder

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Has only won over 1m4f at Chester in his last 26 starts; feasibly handicapped but he hasn't threatened in last four runs and others are more persuasive; 0-2 here.

11/1

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

6th

13

(5)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Humble Spark

8st 3lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Tough 6yo with seven wins to his name; beaten favourite at Hamilton (1m3f, good) last time but shaped quite nicely, keeping on into second place after a slow start and meeting trouble; place possibilities again at the very least.

10/1

2nd

6

(7)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 15y

Class 3

19:15 Hamilton

Humble Spark

8st 5lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Held up; exposed 6yo who is 6-27 on AW surfaces but 1-13 on turf; however, that solitary turf win was over C&D (2024) and he wasn't far away back on turf for last three outings; case can be made.

7/2

+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