October 20 / 16.25 Newcastle (AW)

16.25

Standard

BetMGM: It’s Showtime Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £3140.4
  • 1m 0f 5y
  • Class 6
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
BetMGM: It’s Showtime Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Rain

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 837143 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Three of four wins have been at this venue (including one over this trip) and this reliable sort has posted solid efforts on his last two starts; should give another good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

(12)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Cusack

8st 12lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: David Thompson

10-47 on AW, with all bar one of those wins coming at Newcastle (7f-1m2f); now sits 3lb below his last winning mark, and Tom Kiely-Marshall's 5lb claim is a bonus, but seems to have lost his way; may strip fitter for 7f course comeback run.

40/1

11

(2)

19th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle (AW)

Cusack

8st 12lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: David Thompson

Nine course wins to his name, mainly in the early months of the year; 50-1 for his C&D return a month ago, when well behind a few of these, and needs a big step forward.

25/1

12th

12

(11)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Cusack

9st 0lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: David Thompson

Nine of his ten wins have come at this track (7f-1m2f) but last success was 13 months ago and he finished down the field here in his final two runs last year; looks opposable back from a break.

16/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 7P5251 C

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Irish turf winner; slipped in weights prior to notching first AW win over 1m2f here last time (third/fifth both won next time); effective at a mile and claims with capable rider offsetting the 2lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(5)

22nd Sep 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 15y

Class 4

15:12 Hamilton

Loom Large

9st 4lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

0-13 this year and has dropped to a mark in the 40s; best recent effort when second at Newcastle (1m, AW) on penultimate start; has the worst chance at the weights on current figures.

20/1

6th

5

(8)

17th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

Loom Large

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

prominent

9/4

2nd

11

(5)

3rd Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Loom Large

9st 0lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Both wins have come over 1m2f, the latest here in October last year; has run with credit to finish fourth in his last two starts on turf (1m), but he needs to produce more if he is to resume winning ways.

12/1

10/1

  • Place: £5.30

Form: 704576 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Dual course winner (over 7f and a mile) but no improvement over 1m2f on last five starts; behind Looming Large last time but good apprentice up and could finish closer back in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(4)

27th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:35 Newcastle (AW)

Danielsflyer

8st 11lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: David Thompson

Signed off last year in the doldrums and finished last behind Barnaby when returning from a break.

33/1

8

(4)

14th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Danielsflyer

9st 0lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: David Thompson

Rattled off a four-timer here (7f-1m) early last year but he was out of sorts in his final three runs in 2024; now only 1lb higher than for his last success but this 11yo needs a major turnaround.

20/1

9th

5

(3)

12th Dec 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

15:25 Newcastle (AW)

Danielsflyer

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: David Thompson

Veteran; rattled off a four-timer here (7f-1m) early in the year; weakened when sixth to a stablemate of Judgement Call over C&D six weeks ago and others appear to be on more manageable marks.

14/1

14/1

Form: 141306 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
9lb higher than for July C&D win and has since won over further on turf; creditable effort at Ayr last time and claims in this lesser grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(13)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

Little Ted

9st 4lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

9-96; just failed to reel in Wyvern over 7f here in December but laboured since; weakened, well down the field at Ripon (1m, good; beaten 17l) latest; is fairly treated but the chances are that age is beginning to catch up with him.

10/1

12th

5

(5)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:50 Ripon

Little Ted

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Has three course wins over 1m2f; hasn't figured at Redcar or Ayr since returning to turf last month; best watched.

16/1

6th

7

(8)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

15:00 Ayr

Little Ted

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Into the veteran stage but on a competitive mark on form as recent as December; recent Redcar run should have sharpened him up but others may have his measure for win purposes.

10/1

Form: 003859 C

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
7f course winner who has won over a mile on turf; form patchy since last win over a year ago but on a good mark and trainer among the winners; may be suited by drop in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(9)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

Mercurius Power

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Difficult to win with in recent years, now 7lb lower than when last successful at Southwell (1m) in August 2024; met trouble when sixth (beaten over 4l) here on penultimate start, but latest Leicester effort was less encouraging.

12/1

7th

9

(7)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 53y

Class 6

20:25 Leicester

Mercurius Power

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Jessica Macey

It's now 17 outings since his last success but he arrives on the back of a respectable sixth of 11 in 1m Newcastle handicap last month; easing in the weights and no forlorn hope.

14/1

6th

4

(9)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Mercurius Power

9st 8lb

J: George Wood

T: Jessica Macey

Regular 1m placings here and at Southwell since September; form dipped on latest outing, however, and there's been no win since August 2024.

8/1

12/1

Form: 550556 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Triple AW winner last winter (including one over C&D) but form has an uneven look since; below best over C&D last time but usual cheekpieces now replaced by first-time visor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(2)

28th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

19:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Asdaa

9st 8lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

took keen hold, held up in rear

7/2

6th

12

(7)

20th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

16:25 Newcastle (AW)

Asdaa

9st 4lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Triple AW winner last winter (including one over C&D) but form has an uneven look since; below best over C&D last time but usual cheekpieces now replaced by first-time visor.

12/1

6th

1

(3)

6th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Asdaa

9st 11lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Charlie Johnston

Not quite at the top of his game of late; however, this six-time AW winner has clear possibilities off current mark back in Class 6.

6/1

Form: 678227 BF

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 4lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent maiden; probably a bit better than he was able to show from stall 9 draw at Chelmsford last time; well beaten only previous run here (debut) but place claims this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

(8)

20th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

16:25 Newcastle (AW)

Al Tarfa

9st 4lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Inconsistent maiden; probably a bit better than he was able to show from stall 9 draw at Chelmsford last time; well beaten only previous run here (debut) but place claims this time.

7/1

7th

7

(9)

12th Oct 2023

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

18:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Al Tarfa

9st 7lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: William Knight

A maiden after eight starts but his pair of seconds to a progressive rival at Lingfield (1m, AW) in recent weeks suggest he can put that right soon; high on the shortlist.

4/1

8th
5 (3)
Rory

14/1

Form: 556279 C

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
All wins have been over 5f (including here) but stays this trip; type that needs things to drop just right and below best on three of last four starts so probably one to take on back on AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(1)

6th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Rory

8st 11lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Hold-up performer who needs the cards to fall right; losing run stretches back to July 2024 and others appeal more for win purposes.

14/1

6th

7

(11)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

13:13 Newcastle (AW)

Rory

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

7-91 but without a win since July 2024; didn't get the breaks when fifth at Southwell (6f) on penultimate start and was an encouraging third to an in-form pair over C&D (beaten under 2l) 11 days ago; a likely player under Mulrennan.

4/1

13

(13)

18th Nov 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

Rory

9st 0lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Three-time course scorer; on a long losing sequence but holds a good chance off current mark, provided he takes well to first-time visor; has won in cheekpieces.

10/1

14/1

Form: 373865 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Won on handicap debut/reappearance at Hamilton in June but hasn't bettered that form or added to tally since; however, down to a handy mark and return to a mile should suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

5

(2)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 1

14:55 Haydock

Powdering

9st 7lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Admirable 6yo who has won eight of her 52 starts (including on soft); however, she goes up in grade this afternoon and would be a shock winner.

100/1

6th

3

(1)

17th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:50 Ripon

Powdering

9st 8lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

As good as ever as a 6yo judged on her near miss at Lingfield (7f, AW); latest Newmarket third probably not the run to judge her on and she can't be ruled out, for all stall 1 isn't ideal.

8/1

3rd

4

(7)

1st May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

17:15 Newmarket

Powdering

9st 8lb

J: Connor Planas

T: Michael Herrington

Inconsistent on AW this year but she was short-headed at Lingfield (7f) in February and denied a clear run when third at Southwell (6f) last time; has won here and she might not be far away if she's on a going day.

10/1

Form: 821425 D

Last run: 73 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Won over a mile at Wetherby in May but wasn't at best on soft at Ripon last time; still to show she's as good on AW and she'll have to return to her best if she's to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

(1)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 5

16:48 Pontefract

Bay Dream Believer

8st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Mark Walford

Showed signs of a return to form at Ripon last time; no certainty to build on that effort, having been inconsistent since a hat-trick last August, but otherwise has become attractively handicapped.

8/1

5th

11

(12)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:17 Ripon

Bay Dream Believer

8st 12lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Mark Walford

Rattled off a three-timer last August (two of which were over C&D); yet to get going this year, down the field at Doncaster and Nottingham; now 2lb lower than her last winning mark but doesn't look ready to take advantage.

16/1

10th

14

(13)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 50y

Class 5

18:45 Nottingham

Bay Dream Believer

9st 0lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Mark Walford

Reeled off a fast-ground hat-trick over this trip last August; also runner-up off 2lb higher at Redcar (1m2f, good to soft) in the autumn but never involved on Doncaster return three weeks ago.

25/1

OUR TIP

10/1

Form: -67325 CD

Last run: 105 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
C&D winner a year ago and has shown he retains his ability this year; however, has been off since early July and best watched unless market speaks in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(1)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

17:56 Beverley

Cloch Nua

9st 3lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

Tapeta specialist who returned from a short break with an eye-catching third at Newcastle (1m) two weeks ago; has claims if he can back that up, but he's 0-11 on turf and has had only one run in this sphere in his last 14 starts; mixed messages.

8/1

3rd

2

(3)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Cloch Nua

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

Four wins in the early part of 2025 including three over C&D; down to a handy mark again but he generally struggled during the winter and was beaten 11l at Wolverhampton (7f) last time; has something to prove after a short break and he needs a major revival back up in trip.

7/1

6th

8

(9)

3rd Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Cloch Nua

9st 5lb

J: Stevie Donohoe

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

Four wins in the early part of 2025 (7f and 1m); down to a handy mark again and his penultimate effort was a step back in the right direction; disappointed 12 days ago (slowly away) but a revival isn't out of the question.

12/1

Non-runners

Red Hat Eagle

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £8.80
Straight Forecast £6.83
Tricast £77.01
Trifecta £117.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Loom Large

Daily Mirror:

Cusack

NEWMARKET:

Red Hat Eagle

The Times:

Al Tarfa

POSTDATA:

Rory

Daily Mail:

Danielsflyer

Telegraph:

Red Hat Eagle

The Guardian:

Al Tarfa

D Express:

Loom Large

Daily Record:

Loom Large

The Sun:

Cusack

The Star:

Cusack