April 03 / 16.42 Newcastle (AW)

16.42

Standard

Midnite All-Weather Easter Plate Marathon Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £90195
  • 2m 0f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
ITV4
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Midnite All-Weather Easter Plate Marathon Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Light rain

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.00
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 181-01 D

Last run: 62 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
In and out on his five runs since returning from an absence in October but he's won three of them, most recently at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) in January; has also won on Tapeta; this steadily progressive 6yo has gone up just 2lb for last time and could again be involved; cheekpieces go on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(15)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Berkshire Sundance

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Missed most of last season but won on good/AW in four of his six starts since, the latest in clearcut fashion with first-time cheekpieces at Newcastle on AW Championships day; raised another 7lb, drawn wide and lacks any race experience at this track, but he's going from strength to strength.

10/1

1st

9

(12)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Berkshire Sundance

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

In and out on his five runs since returning from an absence in October but he's won three of them, most recently at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) in January; has also won on Tapeta; this steadily progressive 6yo has gone up just 2lb for last time and could again be involved; cheekpieces go on.

9/1

1st

1

(5)

31st Jan 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

15:20 Lingfield (AW)

Berkshire Sundance

10st 2lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Has won four of his last seven races, including at Kempton (2m) in December, but he ran unaccountably poorly when favourite at Newcastle two weeks ago; needs to rebound but he's back in a lower grade here and it's possible.

9/2

14/1

  • Place: £5.60

Form: 289-68 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2024 and he's dropping down the weights; this 8yo has shown the odd sign of spark over the last 12 months but his AW exploits this winter indicate it's best to look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(1)

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 10y

Class 2

15:35 Ripon

Prydwen

9st 7lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: George Scott

Last five outings on AW, posting his most encouraging effort when second of 12 in a 2m Newcastle Good Friday handicap; nudged back up 2lb for that but he's still 3lb lower than when runner-up at Chester (2m, good to soft) last September; should go well.

3/1

2nd

4

(10)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Prydwen

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: George Scott

Won this in 2024 and he's dropping down the weights; this 8yo has shown the odd sign of spark over the last 12 months but his AW exploits this winter indicate it's best to look elsewhere.

14/1

2/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 31-322 BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Won the 2m2f Cesarewitch in October and running really well in defeat on AW over 1m2f/1m3f (including here) this year, most recently second at Lingfield behind Regal Ulixes (declared 4:10); leading player back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(3)

7th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 84y

Class 1

15:05 Chester

Beylerbeyi

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Versatile and consistent handicapper who landed the 2025 Cesarewitch (2m2f) in most recent turf attempt and has been placed in all AW starts (1m2f-2m) this year; however, faces a very difficult task at the weights upped in class.

33/1

Form: 30-334

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in this last year and also ran well over C&D when fourth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate last June; he's been running pretty well at Dundalk this year and could build on those efforts now back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(11)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:20 Curragh

Tribal Star

8st 10lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: Adrian McGuinness

Seen mostly on AW, including fourth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m) last June; running well on AW this year and good effort back on turf at Chester last month, only fading late on over 2m3f; upped in grade here and could go well with rider's claim.

10/1

3rd

3

(4)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

Tribal Star

9st 10lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Seen mostly on AW, including fourth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m) last June; running well on AW this year and although he's 0-6 on turf, that includes a close third here (2m, good to soft) in September; each-way player.

12/1

4th

7

(7)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Tribal Star

9st 1lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Runner-up in this last year and also ran well over C&D when fourth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate last June; he's been running pretty well at Dundalk this year and could build on those efforts now back here.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 0051-1 CD

Last run: 77 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Second in this in 2024 and fourth last year; won at Kempton (2m) in December and followed up by 3l over this C&D in January; this 6yo is on a career-high mark but is clearly thriving and has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

4

(8)

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

18:12 Sandown

Duke Of Oxford

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: Michael Bell

Progressive on AW in the winter with 2m handicap wins at Kempton and Newcastle; however, only fifth of 12 at Newcastle (2m) last month and the suitability of turf is questionable.

40/1

5th

1

(8)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Duke Of Oxford

9st 12lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Michael Bell

Second in this in 2024 and fourth last year; won at Kempton (2m) in December and followed up by 3l over this C&D in January; this 6yo is on a career-high mark but is clearly thriving and has to be respected.

11/2

1st

2

(4)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:15 Newcastle (AW)

Duke Of Oxford

9st 9lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Michael Bell

Ran on well to seal the deal over 2m at Kempton last month, taking his record there to 5-7; only 3lb higher and has plenty of form here, including a placing in the Northumberland Plate; player.

7/2

Form: 5617-1 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) in November and back on the scoresheet at Southwell (2m, Tapeta) three weeks ago; those wins were in Class 4 and he's back up in grade today off a career-high mark, but he did it readily last time and a 3lb rise isn't harsh; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Artisan Dancer

9st 8lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f but turf strike-rate is 1-19; not discredited on latest start (1m5f) but others are preferred.

16/1

4th

6

(5)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Artisan Dancer

9st 6lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort over 1m6f-2m2f but his turf strike-rate is just 1-18 and return to turf last time saw him well held.

25/1

10th

11

(3)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Artisan Dancer

8st 8lb

J: David Probert

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort over 1m6f-2m2f, who's fit from AW, but his turf strike-rate is just 1-17 and that makes him look vulnerable.

20/1

Form: 2942-6 C

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Not quite at his best at Kempton last month but that came after 94 days off and he could improve for it; held up in slowly run race at Kempton in October when 2l fourth on his sole previous crack at 2m, and he may yet be capable of better at this sort of trip; has won here and could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(4)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Dramatic Star

8st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Improved last year without quite winning; each-way claims if back to best with first-time headgear after two rather disappointing runs in 2026.

9/2

7th

5

(9)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Dramatic Star

9st 3lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Not quite at his best at Kempton last month but that came after 94 days off and he could improve for it; held up in slowly run race at Kempton in October when 2l fourth on his sole previous crack at 2m, and he may yet be capable of better at this sort of trip; has won here and could be involved.

11/2

6th

2

(6)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

16:37 Kempton (AW)

Dramatic Star

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Won twice in 2024, including over 1m4f on Tapeta; had only five runs last year but he went close on two occasions, including in a Class 2 at Southwell (1m4f) in November; 2lb higher on his return but he hit a personal best last time and he's a key player on this drop back in grade.

3/1

Form: 1-2573 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Prominent racer who posted four wins in the second half of last year, including over C&D and at Southwell in December; however, he needs to produce more than he's managed on his last three starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(1)

22nd May 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:07 Goodwood

Sax Appeal

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Charlie Johnston

Very busy and he's had his share of wins, including four over 2m in 2025, but that's been mostly on AW which has dominated his career; best turf ratings were on last two outings but his turf form still needs improvement.

6/1

6th

2

(8)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

16:10 Chester

Sax Appeal

9st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Charlie Johnston

Something amiss on sole start here (2024); very busy since and he's had his share of wins, including four over 2m in 2025, but that's been mostly on AW (which has dominated career) and his turf form needs improvement.

20/1

3rd

4

(2)

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 32y

Class 3

16:00 Beverley

Sax Appeal

9st 12lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Johnston

Prominent racer who posted four wins in the second half of last year, including a C&D defeat of Charging Thunder on good; suffered a heavy defeat on AW last time but it was in a strong Good Friday race at Newcastle and Charging Thunder was once again behind him; a bold show seems likely in these much calmer waters back on turf.

15/8

16/1

Form: 44-126 C

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Made all at Kempton (2m, Polytrack) in January and head second to Berkshire Sundance at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) later that month; not quite at the same level at Southwell (2m2f, Tapeta) last month but he failed to settle; Newcastle form figures read 12139 and he has an each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(8)

1st Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Newbury

Barenboim

9st 8lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Tom Dascombe

Just 1lb above his last winning mark, but is 6-31 on the AW and 0-18 on turf, including six starts over hurdles; others more solid.

20/1

9th

12

(2)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Barenboim

8st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Tom Dascombe

Made all at Kempton (2m, Polytrack) in January and head second to Berkshire Sundance at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) later that month; not quite at the same level at Southwell (2m2f, Tapeta) last month but he failed to settle; Newcastle form figures read 12139 and he has an each-way shout.

16/1

6th

2

(5)

4th Mar 2026

Standard

2m 2f 98y

Class 4

17:40 Southwell (AW)

Barenboim

9st 13lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Kempton winner (2m Class 4; 3-1, from 3lb lower) on penultimate start; went close to following up - pipped on the post - at Lingfield (2m; 9-2) subsequently; this asks a slightly sterner question over a new distance on the Flat; likely to give another positive account.

4/1

10th
3 (5)
Enemy

14/1

Form: 55-131 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Snapped a losing sequence at Southwell (1m4f, Tapeta) in January before close third at Wolverhampton (2m), and returned to winning ways at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) latest; this 9yo is in a more competitive race today but there remains mileage in his mark judged on his old form; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(12)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Enemy

9st 11lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ian Williams

Durable veteran who won twice on the AW early this year; however, he was soundly beaten at Newcastle on Good Friday and faces some unexposed rivals on his return to turf.

25/1

10th

3

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Enemy

9st 10lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ian Williams

Snapped a losing sequence at Southwell (1m4f, Tapeta) in January before close third at Wolverhampton (2m), and returned to winning ways at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) latest; this 9yo is in a more competitive race today but there remains mileage in his mark judged on his old form; might not be far away.

14/1

1st

4

(1)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:45 Lingfield (AW)

Enemy

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ian Williams

Still very useful at the age of nine, getting his head back in front at Southwell (1m4f) on New Year's Day; split reopposing pair Roaring Legend and Brasil Power when creditable third of six over 2m at Wolverhampton three weeks ago but he has yet to win over this trip.

4/1

11/1

Form: 913-92 C BF

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent since finishing second in the Northumberland Vase over C&D last June and well beaten over C&D in January, but back on song when second at Chelmsford (1m6f) in February; capable of a bold show in a first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

14th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 44y

Class 3

14:40 Salisbury

Tryfan

9st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Harry Charlton

Three-time winner whose sole success on turf came over C&D (good to firm) just under one year ago; also scored off this mark on AW (1m6f) in September but has been very in and out on last four starts, including when tried in a hood (removed) and beaten 32l in valuable AW event last time; drops back down in grade from lower turf mark and can make presence felt if on a going day.

12/1

11th

11

(4)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Tryfan

8st 10lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Harry Charlton

Inconsistent since finishing second in the Northumberland Vase over C&D last June and well beaten over C&D in January, but back on song when second at Chelmsford (1m6f) in February; capable of a bold show in a first-time hood.

11/1

2nd

1

(5)

12th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Tryfan

10st 0lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Harry Charlton

Comfortably won at Southwell (1m6f, AW) in September off a 5lb lower mark than today's; respectable effort there over 1m4f following a short break but he was disappointing at Newcastle (2m, AW) 27 days ago; drops in grade and could bounce back.

3/1

25/1

Form: 106-75 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) last July and is now just 1lb higher; however, he hasn't been at the top of his game on his three AW starts since December and needs something extra today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Worcester

Charging Thunder

11st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

Dual hurdle winner who is 0-4 in handicaps; however, he should be on a fair mark given the level of his Flat ability and he ran quite well in a valuable Newmarket handicap at the Guineas meeting; player.

9/4

7th

9

(8)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Charging Thunder

8st 10lb

J: Luke Morris

T: James Owen

Had underwhelming hurdle and AW campaigns before his second of five when returned to Flat turf at Beverley (2m) 18 days ago; this demands markedly better and his 2024 and 2025 turf records aren't that persuasive.

25/1

2nd

1

(3)

15th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 32y

Class 3

16:00 Beverley

Charging Thunder

10st 0lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

Second to Sax Appeal over C&D and successful over 1m6f at Wolverhampton (both off 2lb higher than today) last July; it's hard to be enthused by his more recent efforts, including well held at Newcastle on Good Friday, but this is a much less competitive scenario.

4/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £310.30
Straight Forecast £275.05
Tricast £973.37
Trifecta £2221.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Beylerbeyi

NEWMARKET:

Duke Of Oxford

TOPSPEED:

Dramatic Star

LAMBOURN:

Berkshire Sundance

POSTDATA:

Prydwen

Telegraph:

Dramatic Star

The Star:

Dramatic Star

The Guardian:

Duke Of Oxford

Daily Mirror:

Duke Of Oxford

The Sun:

Duke Of Oxford

RP RATINGS:

Beylerbeyi

The Times:

Beylerbeyi

Daily Mail:

Beylerbeyi

D Express:

Beylerbeyi

Daily Record:

Beylerbeyi