July 29 / 15.10 Newcastle (AW)

15.10

Standard

Vermont Hotel Handicap

  • Prize money: £3245.08
  • 2m 0f 56y
  • Class 6
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Vermont Hotel Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Showers

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.70
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 702135 CD BF

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Missed 2022 and has a mixed record in his six runs this year; won off 2lb lower at Wolverhampton (2m, AW) in May but he couldn't make an impact there (fifth of six) last time and needs to raise his game again after that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(11)

10th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

16:20 Catterick

Victoriano

9st 9lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Brian Ellison

No turf win since August 2019; won three times on the AW (2m) last year, but it's difficult to draw a great deal of confidence from either of his two efforts since returning to action; look elsewhere.

28/1

10th

8

(10)

8th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 192y

Class 5

16:30 Catterick

Victoriano

9st 2lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

raced wide early, pressed leaders, lost ground after 5f, disputed lead after 6f

20/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 575151 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
C&D winner who has scored at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) in two of his last three runs, including a comfortable success last time; up another 3lb but he still looks feasibly treated and is respected back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(5)

5th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Steel Helmet

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Harriet Bethell

Two wins and as many seconds from 11 visits here but was well behind in The Craftymaster's race here 20 days ago.

10/1

7th

3

(2)

16th Dec 2023

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Steel Helmet

9st 6lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Harriet Bethell

Won two of his three most recent course starts, over 1m6f in May and June, and went very close off this mark at Newcastle (2m) in July; can come on for his recent return to action at Southwell; major role likely.

6/1

5th

14

7th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 6f 21y

Class 6

15:07 Southwell (AW)

Steel Helmet

9st 4lb

T: Harriet Bethell

Seen mostly on Tapeta and has more to prove on Polytrack, as shown by latest start; 1m6f wins at Wolverhampton this May and June, with a close call at Newcastle on penultimate start, but there's a bit more for him to prove with the 105-day absence.

9/1

12/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 457324

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Dual Tapeta winner who had a near miss at Catterick (2m, good to firm) last month but he didn't match that form over the same C&D (well-held fourth) last time; remains on a dangerous mark but losing run is up to 15 and he's not easy to predict.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(2)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 5f 192y

Class 5

13:30 Catterick

Lord Torranaga

9st 2lb

J: William Pyle

T: Philip Kirby

prominent

12/1

7th

1

(10)

2nd Oct 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:23 Catterick

Lord Torranaga

9st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Philip Kirby

1m6f course winner; not quite at his best here last time, having raced freely when second over C&D prior to that; a similar effort to that penultimate start would give him claims.

9/2

5th

3

(9)

6th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 7f 189y

Class 6

15:25 Catterick

Lord Torranaga

9st 7lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Philip Kirby

Has a good record here and was third in this last year; won here (1m6f, good to soft) this May and runner-up over today's C&D (soft) last time; seems versatile ground-wise; could play a leading role.

11/4

Form: 05-112

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 5yo who has done really well for his new yard this year, with wins at Wetherby (1m5f) and Redcar (1m6f) last month followed by a close second in his hat-trick bid at Wolverhampton (2m, Tapeta); only 1lb higher than for that last run and he's open to more progress in staying handicaps; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

(2)

23rd Sep 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

16:55 York

Mirrie Dancers

8st 13lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

led early, headed but prominent soon after start

10/1

4th

1

(7)

29th Jul 2023

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Mirrie Dancers

9st 12lb

J: Ben Curtis

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Lightly raced 5yo who has done really well for his new yard this year, with wins at Wetherby (1m5f) and Redcar (1m6f) last month followed by a close second in his hat-trick bid at Wolverhampton (2m, Tapeta); only 1lb higher than for that last run and he's open to more progress in staying handicaps; big player.

2/1

2nd

3

(7)

19th Jul 2023

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Mirrie Dancers

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Low-mileage 5yo who made light of a 16-month absence when making a winning start for this stable in 1m5f Wetherby handicap in June; followed up when favourite at Redcar (1m6f; gamely from the front) 18 days later; up another 4lb, new trip and has a bit to prove on AW form but he's on a roll and highly respected.

9/4

Form: -64847

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
No longer the force of old and he made it 0-7 for current yard when a well-held seventh at Nottingham (1m6f, good) last time; mark continues to fall but others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(5)

29th Jul 2023

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Norman Kindu

9st 3lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Rebecca Menzies

No longer the force of old and he made it 0-7 for current yard when a well-held seventh at Nottingham (1m6f, good) last time; mark continues to fall but others are preferred.

16/1

7th

9

(4)

8th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:42 Nottingham

Norman Kindu

9st 4lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Rebecca Menzies

No longer the force of old and 0-6 for current stable but took step back in right direction when keeping-on fourth (just behind Marbuzet) at Redcar (1m6f, good) last month and has possibilities here if able to build on that performance.

8/1

4th

5

(5)

24th Jun 2023

Good

1m 5f 218y

Class 6

14:12 Redcar

Norman Kindu

9st 4lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Rebecca Menzies

midfield, pushed along 3f out, ridden 2f out, stayed on and went fourth towards finish

20/1

12/1

Form: 0-5824

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
21-race maiden under both codes but he went very close at Wetherby (2m, good to firm) on his penultimate run and was a fair fourth at Doncaster last time; still unexposed on AW and has each-way claims back in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

9

(7)

5th Oct 2023

Standard

2m 0f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Toutatis

9st 0lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Ewan Whillans

slowly away, held up in rear

14/1

6th

5

(2)

16th Sep 2023

Good

1m 7f 217y

Class 6

18:35 Musselburgh

Toutatis

9st 1lb

J: Connor Murtagh

T: Ewan Whillans

raced in second

14/1

8th

8

(1)

7th Sep 2023

Good To Firm

1m 6f 32y

Class 6

19:35 Carlisle

Toutatis

9st 2lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Ewan Whillans

Remains winless but he posted a good second of seven in 1m5f Ayr handicap three weeks ago; possibilities.

7/1

Form: /90978

Last run: 53 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Missed last year and he hasn't shown a great deal since returning to action in March (five runs); record now stands at 1-14 and has plenty to prove at this new trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(6)

9th Aug 2023

Soft

1m 3f 104y

Class 6

19:20 Yarmouth

Knight Of Kings

9st 11lb

J: Neil Callan

T: John Butler

Missed last year and he hasn't shown a great deal since returning to action in March (six runs); should be capable at this level but he's not one for the fainthearted.

10/1

7th

10

(9)

29th Jul 2023

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Knight Of Kings

8st 10lb

J: James Sullivan

T: John Butler

Missed last year and he hasn't shown a great deal since returning to action in March (five runs); record now stands at 1-14 and has plenty to prove at this new trip.

20/1

8th

9

(5)

6th Jun 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 6

20:10 Lingfield (AW)

Knight Of Kings

10st 2lb

J: Neil Callan

T: John Butler

took keen hold

9/1

Form: 256656 D

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
His last three wins have been on Tapeta (1m6f/2m); has plenty of form last year and last winter that makes this look a good mark but he's not been firing on all cylinders since May and was beaten 18l at Wolverhampton last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(3)

2nd Apr 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Kittens Dream

9st 1lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Scott Dixon

dwelt start, in rear, lost touch over 4f out, soon tailed off

33/1

Form: 108847 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Kickstarted 2023 with a win at Southwell (2m, AW) in January; struggled in her next three starts but she ran well at Musselburgh in May and wasn't beaten far at Redcar last time; now back on last winning mark and she's not ruled out on this return to Tapeta.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(8)

12th Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 5f 218y

Class 6

17:35 Redcar

Tiger Spirit

9st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

Started this year with a win at Southwell (2m, AW) in January but she's generally struggled since and was beaten a long way at Newcastle last time; now back below her last winning mark but she needs a major revival.

16/1

9th

4

(2)

29th Jul 2023

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Tiger Spirit

9st 7lb

J: Paul Hanagan

T: Michael Herrington

Kickstarted 2023 with a win at Southwell (2m, AW) in January; struggled in her next three starts but she ran well at Musselburgh in May and wasn't beaten far at Redcar last time; now back on last winning mark and she's not ruled out on this return to Tapeta.

9/1

7th

3

(1)

24th Jun 2023

Good

1m 5f 218y

Class 6

14:12 Redcar

Tiger Spirit

9st 8lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Michael Herrington

prominent, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened from 1f out

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 33/966

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
All four wins have come on Tapeta at Wolverhampton (1m4f-1m6f); now 8lb lower than for last success but he missed last year and has been well held in three runs for new yard this season; this step back up to 2m is no problem but he needs to get back on track; another change of headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

(11)

29th Jul 2023

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 6

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Gold Arch

9st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Sara Ender

All four wins have come on Tapeta at Wolverhampton (1m4f-1m6f); now 8lb lower than for last success but he missed last year and has been well held in three runs for new yard this season; this step back up to 2m is no problem but he needs to get back on track; another change of headgear.

20/1

6th

3

(6)

19th Jun 2023

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 5

17:20 Wolverhampton (AW)

Gold Arch

9st 6lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Sara Ender

Boasts four wins at this track (three over 1m4f, the other at 1m6f) but has shown very little since moving yards; replacing cheekpieces with a visor could work but others are preferred.

20/1

6th

3

(6)

2nd May 2023

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 5

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Gold Arch

9st 4lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Sara Ender

Has won four handicaps on the AW at Wolverhampton (three over 1m4f, the other at 1m6f); well beaten after a long break on stable debut/reappearance; cheekpieces tried (has worn a visor); best watched for now.

14/1

Non-runners

Buford

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £22.50
Straight Forecast £30.44
Tricast £151.61
Trifecta £144.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Mirrie Dancers

Telegraph:

Steel Helmet

D Express:

Victoriano

NEWMARKET:

Knight Of Kings

The Times:

Norman Kindu

POSTDATA:

Kitten's Dream

RP RATINGS:

Gold Arch

Daily Mirror:

Mirrie Dancers

The Star:

Mirrie Dancers

Daily Record:

Mirrie Dancers

The Sun:

Victoriano

The Guardian:

Steel Helmet

Daily Mail:

Steel Helmet