April 03 / 15.00 Newcastle (AW)

15.00

Standard

BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap

  • Prize money: £77310
  • 1m 0f 5y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV4
View Course
BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Light rain

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.10
  • Place: £3.20

Form: 7832-2 CD

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
As reliable as they come on AW, winning five of his 16 starts in this sphere and second or third on a further nine occasions; has a rare handicap run today but he looks held by Chancellor on their Southwell clash in February (3lb better off for a length but the winner had a bit to spare).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(14)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Tyrrhenian Sea

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

As reliable as they come on AW, winning five of his 16 starts in this sphere and second or third on a further nine occasions; has a rare handicap run today but he looks held by Chancellor on their Southwell clash in February (3lb better off for a length but the winner had a bit to spare).

7/1

2nd

6

(2)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 1

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Tyrrhenian Sea

9st 2lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Two Listed wins at Lingfield, including this race 12 months ago; may have needed the run when 3l behind Chancellor at Kempton in December and went desperately close over 1m2f later that month; shouldn't be too far away once more.

5/1

8

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 113y

Class 1

13:35 Epsom

Tyrrhenian Sea

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Better than ever in most recent AW attempt, winning 1m Listed event at Lingfield; finished behind two of today's opponents at Ascot since, taking turf record to 0-6; not the percentage call.

20/1

2nd
5 (13)
Blue Rc

4/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 1122-1 D

Last run: 92 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
The winner of four of his eight starts and he had a bit to spare when rewarding odds-on favourite backers at Southwell on New Year's Day; unlikely this mark will prove beyond him in time; solid candidate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(2)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Blue Rc

9st 8lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: James Tate

Has improved his rating almost every time, on last two outings taking second in strong 1m handicaps at Newcastle (AW) and Thirsk (good to firm); came from almost last when closing to half a length in 13-runner race last time and looks well capable of a prominent finish here despite 2lb rise.

6/1

2nd

3

(11)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Blue Rc

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: James Tate

7f course winner on good to firm last summer and has done little but progress since, winning over 1m at Southwell on New Year's Day; excellent second of 14 at Newcastle (1m again) since, with reopposing Flight Plan and Apiarist in behind; should continue the good work back on turf; top of the list.

9/2

2nd

5

(13)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Blue Rc

9st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: James Tate

The winner of four of his eight starts and he had a bit to spare when rewarding odds-on favourite backers at Southwell on New Year's Day; unlikely this mark will prove beyond him in time; solid candidate.

4/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 30-121

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
The form of his Kempton win (7f) in January could hardly have worked out better and he raised his game again to win the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton four weeks ago; still not fully exposed and he is a leading contender up 5lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(11)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Newmarket

The Lost King

9st 4lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Progressive over 7f-8.6f on AW this year, on last two starts winning the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton and close third at the AW Championships at Newcastle; turf mark has been raised in tandem, which leaves him with marked improvement to find in this sphere, but he needs a second look.

7/1

3rd

8

(10)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

The Lost King

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

The form of his Kempton win (7f) in January could hardly have worked out better and he raised his game again to win the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton four weeks ago; still not fully exposed and he is a leading contender up 5lb.

9/2

1st

6

(11)

7th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:42 Wolverhampton (AW)

The Lost King

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Lightly raced 4yo who returned from a 202-day break (gelded during the absence) to win a 7f handicap at Kempton in January, finishing off strongly (form worked out extremely well); only second over 1m last time but the tactical nature of that race may not have suited; still looks on a dangerous mark and he's one of two strong contenders for Andrew Balding.

7/1

4th
12 (12)
Dosman

16/1

Form: 8-3212 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Coaxed back to form by his new trainer, twice placed over C&D before winning at Southwell in February; good second behind First Principle two weeks ago; another 2lb rise tempers enthusiasm slightly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(8)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Ascot

Dosman

9st 11lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Oli Rix

Only 2-16 but his third trainer has him in career-best form and didn't get the breaks when a closing fourth at Newcastle last time (1m); hold-up performer who needs a good pace to chase and if getting one he'll be dangerous.

4/1

4th

12

(12)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Dosman

8st 9lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Coaxed back to form by his new trainer, twice placed over C&D before winning at Southwell in February; good second behind First Principle two weeks ago; another 2lb rise tempers enthusiasm slightly.

16/1

2nd

5

(5)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 3

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Dosman

9st 4lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Resurgent for new yard this year, looking unlucky at Newcastle on penultimate start and handing a 2l beating to runner-up Zryan at Southwell (again 1m, Tapeta) on latest; back up another 4lb but the best of his old form was a little better still and he has to be on the shortlist.

6/1

Form: 712-12 D BF

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
He has improved for gelding/wind operations, winning a 7f handicap at Kempton and a 1m Listed event at Southwell this winter; narrowly denied in the Winter Derby six weeks ago (not a vintage renewal); the demands of this race should be more suitable and he still has Pattern-race aspirations; he'll need to be a Group horse to give the weight away all round but he is an each-way contender at the very least; cheekpieces now added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(3)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 1

14:40 Epsom

Chancellor

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Has taken his form to a new level, notably with a 1m Listed success, since switched to artificial surfaces; ran creditably in first-time cheekpieces (retained) on finals day at Newcastle most recently; the query is whether his very useful AW form can be transferred back to turf.

10/1

5th

1

(8)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Chancellor

9st 12lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

He has improved for gelding/wind operations, winning a 7f handicap at Kempton and a 1m Listed event at Southwell this winter; narrowly denied in the Winter Derby six weeks ago (not a vintage renewal); the demands of this race should be more suitable and he still has Pattern-race aspirations; he'll need to be a Group horse to give the weight away all round but he is an each-way contender at the very least; cheekpieces now added.

11/2

16/1

Form: 7-2331 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Four-time course winner, the latest when recording a last-gasp success over 7f four weeks ago; 2lb higher mark to contend with in a stronger race; bettering last season's sixth would be a solid effort.
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

20/1

Form: -32122 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(15)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Popmaster

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Seven wins include three on good to soft/soft; also won on AW at Kempton (1m) in February but only midfield in valuable events at Newcastle (AW) and Ascot (good) on his last two starts; however, latter effort was better than it looks having been poorly drawn.

33/1

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

25/1

Form: 5-6094 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Quiet in Dubai in January but he returned to Britain with a good fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) five weeks ago; now 6lb lower than when winning the Thirsk Hunt Cup last May and he has the ability to feature.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Flight Plan

9st 3lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Failed to build on a decent fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) in February when behind Blue Rc at Newcastle (1m) on Good Friday but the fact he made all in this race off 8lb lower last year means a revival can't be discounted, particularly as he's well drawn to attack again; tongue-tied first time.

13/2

8th

9

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Flight Plan

8st 13lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Quiet in Dubai in January but he returned to Britain with a good fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) five weeks ago; now 6lb lower than when winning the Thirsk Hunt Cup last May and he has the ability to feature.

25/1

4th

4

(5)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Lingfield (AW)

Flight Plan

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Often front runs; below par in three outings at Meydan last month (including dirt) but well treated if a return to Britain sparks a revival having landed last year's Thirsk Hunt Cup off 6lb higher; Tapeta winner at the start of his career.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 3-5148 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Ready winner of the trial over C&D in January and a 3lb rise isn't beyond him on that evidence; two lesser efforts have followed (sustained a small wound to his right-hind fetlock last time) but his fine record at Newcastle means he can't be discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

4

(14)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Witch Hunter

9st 9lb

J: Tyrese Cameron

T: Richard Hannon

His only turf wins came in a Royal Ascot handicap and Newbury Group 3, but they were in 2023 and he needs the cards to drop right for his late bids; scored on AW in January but subsequent form, including when 40-1 in the Victoria Cup last Saturday, isn't good enough.

40/1

20th

1

(9)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Witch Hunter

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Very useful but rather needs the cards to drop right and gained his only turf wins, namely in Royal Ascot handicap and Newbury Group 3, in 2023; peak AW form this year when scoring in January; finished seventh (off 4lb higher) in this contest 12 months ago.

25/1

12/1

Form: 113-66 CD

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
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.
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

Form: 812-21 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
He has a good record on AW, winning three times and runner-up on his other two attempts; got the better of Dosman at Wolverhampton two weeks ago but he looks held by The Lost King on their Lincoln Trial form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Windsor

First Principle

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Broadly progressive, mostly at about 1m and on AW, until posting duck eggs in last two outings; may prove resurgent back down in grade, and pedigree suggests the return to 1m2f is worth a go.

4/1

17th

8

(17)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

First Principle

8st 13lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: William Haggas

Having been gelded last autumn he enjoyed a good stint on AW, winning twice (1m/8.6f); soundly beaten at Newcastle (1m, AW) last time and he needs to transfer his improvement back to turf, but he remains lightly raced for his top yard and is not discounted under Ryan Moore.

14/1

11th

10

(7)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

First Principle

8st 13lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

He has a good record on AW, winning three times and runner-up on his other two attempts; got the better of Dosman at Wolverhampton two weeks ago but he looks held by The Lost King on their Lincoln Trial form.

10/1

12th
6 (1)
Apiarist

10/1

Form: 03-413 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
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.
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

8/1

Form: /5-312 D BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Promising stable debut at Kempton in January and he easily won a 1m maiden at Chelmsford in early February; only second to a stablemate back at Chelmsford for his handicap debut three weeks ago; can win more races but probably not this one.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

24th

26

(15)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Shafdar

8st 12lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Low-mileage 4yo who is 2-5, all at about 1m on AW/turf, this year for new stable; prevailed at Epsom (good) returned to this sphere most recently, despite taking a good hold; may settle better and show further progress in this big-field scenario over a stiff 7f; not ruled out.

14/1

1st

3

(3)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 113y

Class 4

16:58 Epsom

Shafdar

9st 8lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

All starts on AW for this yard and he justified cramped odds when easily landing four-runner Chelmsford maiden (1m) in February; promising handicap debut when second over that C&D the following month and can be excused a lesser effort in highly competitive Good Friday event three weeks later; unexposed, particularly on this surface, and he warrants consideration.

7/1

13th

14

(4)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Shafdar

8st 2lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ian Williams

Promising stable debut at Kempton in January and he easily won a 1m maiden at Chelmsford in early February; only second to a stablemate back at Chelmsford for his handicap debut three weeks ago; can win more races but probably not this one.

8/1

Form: 71-509 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Won a Class 4 over C&D in September; unplaced in three runs this year, the latest here last week, and this looks a tough race in which to try to rebound.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

(3)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Rogue Encore

8st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

Won a Class 4 over C&D in September; unplaced in three runs this year, the latest here last week, and this looks a tough race in which to try to rebound.

40/1

9th

1

(11)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Rogue Encore

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

All three wins over C&D, the latest in September; failed to build on his quite promising reappearance when well beaten at Southwell five weeks ago but capable of staging a revival back at Newcastle.

10/1

10th

12

(11)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 3

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Rogue Encore

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

Unraced here but goes particularly well at Newcastle (all three wins there at 1m) where he shaped nicely after a break in a Class 2 last month; this mark isn't beyond him.

13/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £58.00
Straight Forecast £41.79
Tricast £134.96
Trifecta £260.80

Selections

POSTDATA:

The Lost King

SPOTLIGHT:

Witch Hunter

NEWMARKET:

Chancellor

D Express:

Shafdar

The Times:

Dosman

TOPSPEED:

Rogue Encore

LAMBOURN:

Popmaster

Telegraph:

The Lost King

The Guardian:

The Lost King

Daily Mirror:

The Lost King

The Sun:

The Lost King

Daily Record:

The Lost King

The Star:

Chancellor

RP RATINGS:

Witch Hunter

Daily Mail:

Witch Hunter