June 27 / 15.15 Newcastle (AW)

15.15

Standard To Slow

Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £77310
  • 2m 0f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 20 runners
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Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly sunny

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £13.90
  • Place: £3.80

Form: 04-126 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared at Kempton (2m, AW) in March with restored cheekpieces, which have been kept since; good second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f) but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing show at Goodwood five weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(10)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Align The Stars

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Won this race in 2024 before embarking on a long losing run; he's broken that with two 2m wins on the AW this year, most notably in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle last time; second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm) in May was followed by a blip here; back up another 4lb since Newcastle but not entirely ruled out.

12/1

1st

4

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Align The Stars

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared at Kempton (2m, AW) in March with restored cheekpieces, which have been kept since; good second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f) but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing show at Goodwood five weeks ago.

16/1

6th

3

(10)

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Goodwood

Align The Stars

9st 5lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Charlie Johnston

2024 C&D winner who broke his losing run in clearcut style when he reappeared with restored cheekpieces at Kempton (2m, AW) in March; second in valuable race at Newmarket (1m6f) confirmed that he's turned a corner and must remain in serious calculations.

3/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 1253-1 D

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Last season included four wins and a good C&D second to Sax Appeal; a hard-working winner at evens in four-runner race at Lingfield (1m6f, good) last month, which he needs to improve on if he's to defy a 5lb penalty but that was a solid start to his 4yo campaign and he could still have potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(1)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 3

15:30 Ascot

Synergism

9st 6lb

J: James Doyle

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Progressive sort who won four times last year and has kicked on again this term, landing a four-runner handicap at Lingfield (1m6f, good) in May and third of 20 under 5lb penalty in the Northumberland Plate (2m, AW; Kirchner second) four weeks ago; effectively on the same mark as last time; good chance.

7/4

3rd

13

(9)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Synergism

9st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Last season included four wins and a good C&D second to Sax Appeal; a hard-working winner at evens in four-runner race at Lingfield (1m6f, good) last month, which he needs to improve on if he's to defy a 5lb penalty but that was a solid start to his 4yo campaign and he could still have potential.

12/1

1st

1

(3)

26th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:54 Lingfield

Synergism

9st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Won four times last year including over this trip at Sandown (good) in the summer; still 9lb above his last winning mark and off for seven months. but he is proven fresh and this is a drop in class; high on list.

7/4

5th
6 (17)
Bahadur

16/1

Form: 1-6510 C

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Progressive on AW last autumn, including here, and another improved effort when he won a five-runner race at Goodwood (upped to 2m, good) this May; mid-division at 14-1 in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes 11 days ago, not discredited but he probably needs to resume improvement in another major handicap today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

(8)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Bahadur

9st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: S Woods

Won five-runner race here (upped to 2m, good) in May and made most when fifth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW); no room over 1f out at Newbury two weeks ago but the speed with which he dropped out when jockey gave up was still rather disconcerting; place chance if bouncing back.

28/1

7th

2

(1)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Bahadur

9st 10lb

J: William Buick

T: S Woods

Progressive on AW last autumn and he's been a bit better this season too; won five-runner race at Goodwood (upped to 2m, good) in May and, having been mid-division at Royal Ascot (2m4f), made most when fifth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW); in the mix.

11/2

5th

6

(17)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Bahadur

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: S Woods

Progressive on AW last autumn, including here, and another improved effort when he won a five-runner race at Goodwood (upped to 2m, good) this May; mid-division at 14-1 in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes 11 days ago, not discredited but he probably needs to resume improvement in another major handicap today.

16/1

Form: 1442-3

Last run: 41 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won 1m2f maiden last June; on the premises in all his four handicaps, coming from off the pace when second at Haydock (1m6f) on final 3yo start and when third at Hamilton (1m5f; gelded and hooded) on reappearance six weeks ago; relatively lightly raced, so could have further improvement in him and 2m is plausible for this AW debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(3)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Ride The Thunder

9st 5lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Roger Varian

Maiden winner who's been on the premises in all his five handicaps, albeit managing only sixth of 20 from midfield when clear favourite for the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (upped to 2m) last time on AW debut; no handicap win but he's been pretty reliable and this race is a lot less competitive.

3/1

6th

15

(7)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Ride The Thunder

8st 13lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Won 1m2f maiden last June; on the premises in all his four handicaps, coming from off the pace when second at Haydock (1m6f) on final 3yo start and when third at Hamilton (1m5f; gelded and hooded) on reappearance six weeks ago; relatively lightly raced, so could have further improvement in him and 2m is plausible for this AW debut.

15/2

3rd

5

(10)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Ride The Thunder

9st 7lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

Won 1m2f Nottingham maiden last June; on the premises in all his three handicaps, closest last time when he came from the back at Haydock (1m6f, good) but to not quite such good effect in the end as Valiancy who made the same move on the other side of the track; gelded since and hooded first time for this reappearance; up 4lb but looks a serious contender.

4/1

14/1

Form: -68215 CD

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Prolific 8yo who gained his 11th success when taking 1m4f Ripon handicap in April; also effective at 2m this term, including C&D, but he's edged back up the weights; place player but he may be vulnerable for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(15)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Prydwen

9st 12lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: George Scott

Prolific 8yo who gained his 11th success when taking 1m4f Ripon handicap in April; also effective at 2m this term, including C&D, but he's edged back up the weights; place player but he may be vulnerable for win purposes.

14/1

14/1

Form: 7049-8

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Two novice hurdles last autumn seem a pretty meagre return for respected yard but he was an unlucky, strong-finishing third in the 2024 Chester Cup; glimpses of that Flat ability on occasions since, but he made inroads far too late from out the back in this last year (11th at 13-2) and it was a similar story in last month's Chester Cup (8th at 11-1); something needs to change and such a wide draw probably means he tries to come from the back again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

18

(18)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Zanndabad

8st 13lb

J: N G McCullagh

T: A J Martin

Two novice hurdles last autumn seem a pretty meagre return for respected yard but he was an unlucky, strong-finishing third in the 2024 Chester Cup; glimpses of that Flat ability on occasions since, but he made inroads far too late from out the back in this last year (11th at 13-2) and it was a similar story in last month's Chester Cup (8th at 11-1); something needs to change and such a wide draw probably means he tries to come from the back again.

14/1

8th

11

(9)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Zanndabad

8st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: A J Martin

An unlucky, strong-finishing third in this race in 2024 (good to firm; his only run here) and has a 1lb lower mark today; flickers of that ability on occasions since, though had to have his sights lowered for two hurdle wins last autumn; tailed off at 40-1 in a Grade 1 novice hurdle four weeks ago, after a winter break, and could be more interesting this time.

12/1

10th

11

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:55 Aintree

Zanndabad

11st 7lb

J: Daniel King

T: A J Martin

Won four-runner handicap at Sedgefield (2m4f, good) last October and followed up in a warm Newcastle novice (2m6f, good to soft), again with plenty in hand; he's useful on the Flat and could have more to offer in this code now things have started to click, but such improvement is necessary.

33/1

Form: 13-115 CD

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
With tongue-tie enlisted he's hit major new heights for new yard this year; started it with wins from off the pace at Newcastle (2m, AW) and Musselburgh (1m6f, soft), both in some style, before his excellent fifth of 15 from out the back in the 2m2f Chester Cup; a bit slow to find his stride that day and cheekpieces now go on; more to give if he takes to them, so a major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(6)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Team Player

9st 8lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

With tongue-tie enlisted he's hit major new heights for new yard this year, with two wins preceding his excellent fifth of 15 in the 2m2f Chester Cup; comes from off the pace but never got seriously involved wearing first-time cheekpieces when ninth of 20 as second favourite in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m); needs to bounce back from that pretty disappointing show.

11/2

9th

8

(6)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Team Player

9st 1lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

With tongue-tie enlisted he's hit major new heights for new yard this year; started it with wins from off the pace at Newcastle (2m, AW) and Musselburgh (1m6f, soft), both in some style, before his excellent fifth of 15 from out the back in the 2m2f Chester Cup; a bit slow to find his stride that day and cheekpieces now go on; more to give if he takes to them, so a major player.

8/1

5th

12

(12)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Team Player

8st 10lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Ewan Whillans

Led on the post here for the first of two 1m4f wins last summer for Gemma Tutty and, with tongue-tie enlisted, hit major new heights for new yard this year with his wins from off the pace at Newcastle (2m, AW) and Musselburgh (1m6f, soft); raised another 9lb, which demands more, but those last two wins were delivered in some style and he has to be considered seriously.

12/1

Form: 146-50 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Third win last term was clearcut over 1m4f here in August and he ran creditably over 1m6f on turf next time; it's not that hard to forgive this season, given the 1m2f/1m, although he has raced a bit freely; looked the type to make progress this year and this is an eye-catching rethink on trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Circus Of Rome

9st 7lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Third win last term was clearcut over 1m4f here in August and he ran creditably over 1m6f on turf next time; it's not that hard to forgive this season, given the 1m2f/1m, although he has raced a bit freely; looked the type to make progress this year and this is an eye-catching rethink on trip.

7/2

11th

2

(5)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:17 Sandown

Circus Of Rome

10st 0lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Campaigned over further since the start of last term and gained his handicap double at about 1m4f (stays 1m6f); never dangerous over 1m2f on reappearance; drop back to 1m looks a big negative.

20/1

5th

2

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

16:00 Goodwood

Circus Of Rome

9st 7lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Enjoyed a very good 2025 (three-time 9.5f to 1m4f winner) and he signed off with a good sixth in 1m6f Ascot listed race in October when set a lot to do; hood goes on and can't be ruled out on his seasonal return.

6/1

18/1

Form: 334439

Last run: 24 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Brought over from Ireland for five British races and ran well every time, including when fourth in this contest last year and third in the Chester Plate last month; he didn't win any of them, though, and has taken just one Irish handicap; plenty seemingly needs to go right if he's to win this but he has a place chance despite wide draw.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

11

(11)

31st Jul 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

18:35 Galway

Tribal Star

9st 2lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Two-time AW winner is 0-9 on turf; stayed on well for a 2.75l second over 2m1f at Killarney last time and closely matched with The Kingstonian on Chester form in May; may need more of a stamina test.

12/1

2nd

1

(5)

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 185y

19:40 Killarney

Tribal Star

10st 0lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Premier handicap winner over 1m2f at Dundalk last season; upped in trip this year to decent effect; good third in the Chester Plate in May; made no impact in the Northumberland Plate last time but will appreciate the calmer waters here.

7/1

11th

14

(20)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Tribal Star

8st 13lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Brought over from Ireland for five British races and ran well every time, including when fourth in this contest last year and third in the Chester Plate last month; he didn't win any of them, though, and has taken just one Irish handicap; plenty seemingly needs to go right if he's to win this but he has a place chance despite wide draw.

18/1

16/1

Form: -53414 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Three wins at this track but he came 13th in this race last year; that was his only appearance over this long a trip and he was also below form when he had a crack at 1m6f, so he's unproven beyond 1m4f, over which he's contested his last nine starts; stamina is the big doubt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(9)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Asgards Captain

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Dylan Cunha

Seen mostly at up to 1m4f so perhaps unwise to read all that much into last two defeats over 2m and 1m6f; not impossibly treated on his solid 1m4f form earlier this season, and last year's efforts included a 2l defeat in this (not seen to best effect) and a victory over Insanity at York (1m4f, good to firm); in the mix.

13/2

6th

5

(3)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Asgards Captain

9st 1lb

J: David Egan

T: Dylan Cunha

Seen mostly at up to 1m4f, over which he delivered a telling late challenge on the other Newmarket track in May; while that looked encouraging for longer trips, his one attempt at 1m6f (on soft last July) and two at 2m (last two Northumberland Plates) saw him well beaten; that's not conclusive proof that he won't stay 1m6f but it leaves his stamina unproven.

33/1

12th

11

(13)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Asgards Captain

9st 1lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Dylan Cunha

Three wins at this track but he came 13th in this race last year; that was his only appearance over this long a trip and he was also below form when he had a crack at 1m6f, so he's unproven beyond 1m4f, over which he's contested his last nine starts; stamina is the big doubt.

16/1

Form: 61-504 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Third turf win was a narrow one off this mark at Newbury (2m, good; rallying) in April on his final start last year; ran creditably once in 2025 on Polytrack and it's not hard to make excuses for his three turf runs this year, including the Chester Cup, but a revival is needed and such a wide draw probably makes that harder.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

16

(19)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Moon Over Miami

8st 13lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Third turf win was a narrow one off this mark at Newbury (2m, good; rallying) in April on his final start last year; ran creditably once in 2025 on Polytrack and it's not hard to make excuses for his three turf runs this year, including the Chester Cup, but a revival is needed and such a wide draw probably makes that harder.

16/1

4th

4

(6)

23rd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Goodwood

Moon Over Miami

8st 13lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Third turf win was a narrow one at Newbury (2m, good; rallying) in April on his final start last year; may have needed his 2026 reappearance and the unusual test of the Chester Cup might excuse his disappointing show next time, but a revival is needed.

11/2

11th

9

(7)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Moon Over Miami

8st 12lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Lightly raced 5yo who won the first three of his four races on turf, including a narrow rallying win at Newbury (2m, good) last April; absent afterwards until below-form joint-second favourite from the front at Musselburgh (1m6f) five weeks ago but he should be a lot more potent with today's trip and that run under his belt; interesting.

8/1

20/1

Form: 111-62 D

Last run: 71 days

W: 9st 1lb

8 yo Filly

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Ended last year in storming form with a 1m6f/2m hat-trick, the final leg on Southwell Tapeta; not disgraced when never dangerous here in January and made a satisfactory return to turf (second at Newbury) in April, but this 8yo needs to hit another new high.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(3)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Blazeon Five

9st 1lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Alan King

Ended last year in storming form with a 1m6f/2m hat-trick, the final leg on Southwell Tapeta; not disgraced when never dangerous here in January and made a satisfactory return to turf (second at Newbury) in April, but this 8yo needs to hit another new high.

20/1

2nd

2

(4)

17th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

16:20 Newbury

Blazeon Five

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Ended last year in storming form for 1m6f/2m hat-trick and not disgraced when never dangerous in January when last seen; peak efforts on softer than good but she's not dismissed.

7/1

Form: 8240-9

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
He hasn't won since August 2024 but ran some fine races last season, including when beaten a neck by Spirit Mixer in this event; 4lb higher today and made a muted reappearance at Epsom three weeks ago but that was at 40-1 over 1m4f on soft; should be more interesting again with that under his belt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(3)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Dancing In Paris

9st 6lb

J: L J Ferraris

T: Ian Williams

Third in a 1m4f handicap at this meeting two years ago and his run over the same trip here 15 days ago was a step back in the right direction; has some appealing form to his name at 2m, so very much in the mix.

12/1

5th

5

(3)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:05 Ascot

Dancing In Paris

9st 7lb

J: David Egan

T: Ian Williams

Course winner over 1m6f (also has two wins at 1m4f) but he hasn't scored since August 2024; posted a couple of mighty seconds in big handicaps on AW and turf last term but he's yet to get going in two starts this year; dangerous mark if he can stage a revival and the market might be revealing.

16/1

15th

7

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Dancing In Paris

9st 2lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Ian Williams

He hasn't won since August 2024 but ran some fine races last season, including when beaten a neck by Spirit Mixer in this event; 4lb higher today and made a muted reappearance at Epsom three weeks ago but that was at 40-1 over 1m4f on soft; should be more interesting again with that under his belt.

14/1

Form: /4-154 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 1lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Well beaten in 2018 in his only AW race; peak Flat form came with big-race placings over 2m4f in summer 2021; there's been a four-year absence since and his 2m win at Beverley (2lb higher today) this April showed that stacks of his ability remains, form which was backed up at Thirsk on latest start but this contest demands more; cheekpieces (absent this term) return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

10

(10)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Elysian Flame

9st 1lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Well beaten in 2018 in his only AW race; peak Flat form came with big-race placings over 2m4f in summer 2021; there's been a four-year absence since and his 2m win at Beverley (2lb higher today) this April showed that stacks of his ability remains, form which was backed up at Thirsk on latest start but this contest demands more; cheekpieces (absent this term) return.

50/1

4th

1

(12)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Elysian Flame

10st 0lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Smart staying handicapper for Mick and David Easterby in 2021 when competitive at some of the top meetings; only his second run since when winning over 2m at Beverley (good to soft; 2lb higher today) in April, while 1m5f helps to explain his last of five at Hamilton four weeks ago; not dismissed.

16/1

5th

1

(3)

3rd May 2026

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

14:40 Hamilton

Elysian Flame

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Smart staying handicapper on the Flat for Mick and David Easterby in 2021 when competitive at some of the major meetings; having only his second run since that year when winning well over 2m at Beverley last month (good to soft); still useful, clearly, and has only gone up 2lb.

13/2

17th
17 (11)
Aqwaam

33/1

Form: 1763/9 CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Three AW wins include his only appearance at this track, over C&D in 2023; sole win since was in March 2024; excellent third off this mark in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket that October but unraced since until well held at 66-1 over 1m4f one month ago; whether that run is enough to have brought him back to peak form is hard to say with confidence but he shaped okay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

17

(11)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Aqwaam

8st 13lb

J: Mikey Sheehy

T: Ian Williams

Three AW wins include his only appearance at this track, over C&D in 2023; sole win since was in March 2024; excellent third off this mark in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket that October but unraced since until well held at 66-1 over 1m4f one month ago; whether that run is enough to have brought him back to peak form is hard to say with confidence but he shaped okay.

33/1

9th

1

(1)

27th May 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Aqwaam

9st 9lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Four wins (three on AW at 1m6f and 2m) and was last seen finishing third in the 2024 Cesarewitch; has gone well over this shorter trip but can only be considered if market vibes are positive.

14/1

3rd

13

(22)

12th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Newmarket

Aqwaam

8st 9lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Ian Williams

Reached new heights during a pretty busy AW campaign prior to his creditable and none-too-lucky sixth in the 2m2f Chester Cup in May when last seen (finished lame); that was on good to firm and easily his best turf form, but he won on soft in 2022; withdrawn twice last month; on the Chester Cup evidence he could still be capable of better.

28/1

14/1

Form: 14-304 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Beat Dancing In Paris by a neck to win this race last year off 6lb lower; also won at Chester in September and two of his three starts this term have been creditable, so he's in the each-way picture.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(2)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Spirit Mixer

9st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Andrew Balding

Never involved when defending his crown in the Northumberland Plate but two of his three previous runs this season had been creditable; only 1lb higher than for his last win at Chester (September) and he was a close fourth in this two years ago; would have been tempting but for concerns about him these days on fast ground (only fifth last year on good to firm).

10/1

19th

5

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Spirit Mixer

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Beat Dancing In Paris by a neck to win this race last year off 6lb lower; also won at Chester in September and two of his three starts this term have been creditable, so he's in the each-way picture.

14/1

10th

5

(10)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Spirit Mixer

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

One of three for the yard; won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) last June and has a 4-7 record at Chester, although his two performances in this race were muted (from double-figure draws); reappearance six weeks ago matched his best 2025 form but a bit extra will be needed.

14/1

OUR TIP

40/1

Form: 66070-

Last run: 231 days

W: 9st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Off since a mixed hurdles campaign ended in March; formerly very smart on Flat but he's not scored in this sphere since 2023, had a disappointing 2025 and all wins have been on soft or heavy ground; tailed off in this race in 2024.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

2

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Tashkhan

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Brian Ellison

Off since a mixed hurdles campaign ended in March; formerly very smart on Flat but he's not scored in this sphere since 2023, had a disappointing 2025 and all wins have been on soft or heavy ground; tailed off in this race in 2024.

40/1

Form: 7-9047

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

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

Form: 426-90

Last run: 31 days

W: 8st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 89

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

20/1

Form: 434-75

Last run: 31 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

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

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £135.70
Straight Forecast £92.79
Tricast £829.68
Trifecta £765.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Team Player

Telegraph:

Ride The Thunder

NEWMARKET:

Synergism

POSTDATA:

Prydwen

LAMBOURN:

Circus Of Rome

D Express:

Kirchner

The Times:

Zanndabad

TOPSPEED:

Spirit Mixer

RP RATINGS:

Team Player

Daily Mail:

Team Player

Daily Mirror:

Team Player

Daily Record:

Synergism

The Guardian:

Ride The Thunder

The Sun:

Ride The Thunder

The Star:

Prydwen