February 24 / 16.42 Newcastle (AW)

16.42

Standard

Always Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap (Div II)

  • Prize money: £3140.4
  • 0m 7f 14y
  • Class 6
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Always Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap (Div II)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Mostly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.90
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 470-16 D BF

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
No apparent excuses last time when failing to complete a Southwell double (maiden previously); gained his win in a 0-55 event.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(7)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:35 Thirsk

Operation Gimcrack

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

Won two of his four races on the AW this year (at 7f) and has comparable form on turf; wasn't beaten far last month at Newcastle despite losing a shoe.

8/1

5th

10

(2)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Operation Gimcrack

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

Made it two wins from three starts this year when picking up well to lead towards the finish over C&D 16 days ago; the third (Call Glory), fourth and fifth in that race have all run well since so the form has bit of substance; respected up 2lb.

5/1

1st

7

(5)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Operation Gimcrack

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: Bryan Smart

No apparent excuses last time when failing to complete a Southwell double (maiden previously); gained his win in a 0-55 event.

8/1

OUR TIP

2/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 36-421 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Held on only narrowly at Wolverhampton (7f) most recently but he's a consistent sort who may well remain competitive back up just 2lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(7)

21st May 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

21:00 Southwell (AW)

Bomb Squad

9st 8lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: John Mackie

Dual C&D winner, but has raced exclusively over 7f since December and was successful over that distance here four weeks ago; has to prove he still has the speed for this trip, but his course record makes him hard to dismiss.

4/1

1st

6

(4)

23rd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Bomb Squad

9st 5lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: John Mackie

Eight wins on the AW include three at this track (6f/7f), the last win coming off 2lb lower at Wolverhampton last month; ran well when runner-up here 16 days ago and there's no reason why he can't go well again.

4/1

2nd

10

(13)

7th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Bomb Squad

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: John Mackie

Eight wins on the AW including three over 6f/7f here; still 2lb above his highest winning mark and will need things to pan out right from the outside stall, but one for the shortlist nonetheless.

6/1

13/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: -12154 D

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Successful twice at Southwell (handicap/classified) last month; made the frame over C&D last week and remains in form; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(1)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

15:40 Leicester

Call Glory

8st 12lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Just 1-20 on turf and below par at Lingfield (7f, good) last Tuesday, but prior to that he finished close-up twice in a row here (6f/7f, good to firm) and he can be bang there if leaving last time behind.

6/1

5th

8

(11)

19th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

16:45 Lingfield

Call Glory

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Won twice on Southwell AW in January and usually thereabouts since but he is 1-19 on turf; should go close but his win record is off-putting.

9/2

3rd

9

(8)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

19:25 Leicester

Call Glory

8st 11lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

A dual 6f/7f AW winner in January and he's held his form well since, beaten a head in 6f handicap here two weeks ago; he can go well again nudged up 1lb.

11/2

Form: 3698-5 CD

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Shaped encouragingly over an inadequate 6f at Newcastle last time; possibilities off an attractive mark returned to his usual distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

13

(8)

19th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle (AW)

Jkr Cobbler

8st 4lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Dual C&D winner who hasn't been running badly this year without getting the breaks; on a handy mark again and holds each-way claims into a stronger race.

11/1

5th

9

(9)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:35 Thirsk

Jkr Cobbler

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Running fairly well this year and the handicapper's helped his cause; can sometimes miss the break but if giving himself a chance he might not be far away.

10/1

Form: 4326-5 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Ideally suited by 7f and went close at Wolverhampton on most recent attempt at this trip (below par over 1m/6f since); not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(8)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Good Karma

9st 7lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: John David Riches

Things didn't pan out for him when back over 6f here in April (first-time visor; cheekpieces now refitted) but he has a good C&D record, winning once and close up in all three handicaps; has a good run in him.

10/1

4th

8

(1)

17th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

14:08 Wolverhampton (AW)

Good Karma

9st 4lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: John David Riches

Went close here (7f) on his penultimate run but he's not easy to predict and was well held when favourite at Thirsk (7f, good) last Friday; needs to step up again after that and all of his three wins have been over 7f; first-time visor.

15/2

7th

8

(4)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

17:35 Thirsk

Good Karma

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: John David Riches

Three-time winner and has been shaping as though his turn could be near once more, going down narrowly the last twice at Wolverhampton (7f); can race keenly but if getting some cover from stall 4 he should be on the scene.

13/2

Form: 2-5263

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Still a maiden but has place claims on plenty of form; last two runs suggest the reapplication of hood should be beneficial.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(2)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:19 Leicester

Instant Bond

9st 5lb

J: J F Egan

T: Michael Wigham

Well beaten in two turf handicaps either side of a break in 2025 but he was off the mark on the AW in March and has run respectably in defeat since; might well have more to offer on this surface.

5/1

3rd

1

(6)

30th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Instant Bond

11st 2lb

J: Mr Simon Walker

T: Michael Wigham

Off the mark at 18th attempt when scoring at Newcastle earlier this month (6f) and fair third there since; top amateur rides; one with a chance.

5/2

3rd

6

(5)

21st Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Instant Bond

9st 5lb

J: Owen Lewis

T: Michael Wigham

Off the mark at the 18th attempt when coming from rear to score over C&D ten days ago; back up 4lb in the weights but he pulled clear with Tomorrow Day last time and he was as good as ever with that convincing success; respected.

7/2

Form: 32-140 CD

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 6lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
Has modest strike-rate at 7f and done most of his winning over further; form dipped last time; not the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(14)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

Trais Fluors

9st 5lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Linda Perratt

Veteran (13-102); has won just once since late 2024, when edging out Pallas Lord over C&D (15-2) on New Year's Day; kept on after a slow start, fifth of seven, at Ayr (7f; 33-1) four weeks ago.

9/1

5th

8

(2)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

15:00 Ayr

Trais Fluors

8st 12lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Linda Perratt

Getting on for three years since his last turf success and this veteran hasn't been at his best at Newcastle of late; opposable back at 7f and returned to the grass.

20/1

Form: 708-78 C

Last run: 5 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
On a two-year losing spell and current mark reflects a big decline in his form; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

(9)

10th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Mighty Power

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Lisa Williamson

Has been useful on AW in the past but nothing for his current stable to make him of interest tonight.

33/1

8th

10

(4)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Mighty Power

8st 13lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Lisa Williamson

On a two-year losing spell and current mark reflects a big decline in his form; others preferred.

25/1

8th

7

(6)

19th Feb 2026

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Mighty Power

9st 9lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Lisa Williamson

Much better than this on AW in his pomp but there hasn't been much to celebrate in five runs for this yard, including returned to AW when last of seven over C&D two weeks ago; another ease in grade today but he's risky.

10/1

9th
4 (10)
Habrdi

6/1

Form: 000-43 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
On a long losing spell but proved resurgent with close third at Southwell (7f) most recently and has a fighting chance off current mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(8)

20th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 5

16:42 Ayr

Habrdi

9st 2lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

He has an up-and-down profile but he won at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in March and finished second of seven over this C&D (good to firm) a fortnight ago; leading claims if backing up that latest performance.

7/2

2nd

3

(9)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

15:00 Ayr

Habrdi

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Ruth Carr

Hold-up performer who was a ready winner at Wolverhampton in March; similar form wheen fourth at Southwell on his next start but his performance has dipped twice since; no guarantee this will be run to suit.

5/1

6th

5

(1)

22nd Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:52 Catterick

Habrdi

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Hold-up handicapper who won a 7f Wolverhampton handicap off a 7lb lower mark last month; two creditable efforts have followed but he will need to raise his game to defy this mark and stall 1 will mean he needs some luck in running too.

11/1

14/1

Form: 3/0D24/ CD

Last run: 711 days

W: 9st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Well suited by Newcastle and well treated on best form but has been absent for almost two years; market may offer further guidance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(8)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

Rocket Rod

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Geoffrey Harker

4-39, three of those wins here (7f-1m) in 2022; soundly beaten both starts since returning from a near two-year absence; makes no appeal despite this easing mark.

25/1

10th

3

(2)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Rocket Rod

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Geoffrey Harker

Well suited by Newcastle but absent for almost two years before his last of ten here (50-1) in February; probably best watched again.

40/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £39.00
Straight Forecast £28.36
Tricast £135.56
Trifecta £322.60

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Bomb Squad

SPOTLIGHT:

Habrdi

The Times:

Good Karma

The Guardian:

Habrdi

The Sun:

Habrdi

The Star:

Habrdi

D Express:

Good Karma

POSTDATA:

Bomb Squad

Telegraph:

Bomb Squad

Daily Mail:

Bomb Squad

Daily Mirror:

Bomb Squad

Daily Record:

Bomb Squad