December 09 / 18.15 Newcastle (AW)

18.15

Standard To Slow

Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap

  • Prize money: £13189.68
  • 0m 7f 14y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Light rain

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.00
  • Place: £3.80

Form: 541754 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Perhaps best on turning courses having won three at Chester and it was at Lingfield when close up in a good Class 2 handicap a fortnight ago; effective on Tapeta but having his first run here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

12

(2)

4th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Master Zoffany

9st 4lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Richard Fahey

midfield towards far side

20/1

6th

8

(9)

13th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 4

17:05 Chester

Master Zoffany

9st 8lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Richard Fahey

Acts on soft; close third on penultimate start, inconsistent otherwise this year; three-time winner at Chester and has possibilities back here, provided he takes well to first-time visor.

16/1

11th

10

(8)

1st Aug 2024

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 3

19:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Master Zoffany

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

7f course winner who had dropped 6lb lower than when successful at Newcastle (7f, Tapeta) last December when beaten less than a length into third of 11 at Ripon (1m, good to soft) 12 days ago; races off the same mark but this trip looks to be right on the limit of his stamina.

10/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 307014 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Had dropped a long way in the weights prior to winning over C&D in October (5lb lower); step up to 1m2f was no real excuse next time but he's a strong traveller and could be interesting back at 7f, a trip he's not tried since his debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(9)

4th Oct 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Greatgadian

9st 11lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

slowly away, in rear

9/2

12th

6

(12)

7th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Kempton (AW)

Greatgadian

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Runner-up twice in a row at Newcastle (7f/1m, AW) in March; not at his best in two turf starts this summer but his mark has eased 4lb as a result and his better AW record provides hope for a revival.

25/1

5th

8

(2)

8th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 16y

Class 2

20:30 Chepstow

Greatgadian

9st 0lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Roger Varian

Runner-up twice in a row at Newcastle (7f/1m, AW) in March; handed tough assignment in Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot when back from a break (well beaten) but he's now just 1-17 on turf and others have more compelling credentials; wears a first-time tongue-tie.

20/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 698715 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Very much a 7f specialist having gained all ten wins over that distance, three of them here; looked full of himself when winning at Doncaster (heavy) before another solid effort here back at 6f; considered.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

12

(8)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Zip

8st 11lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

The oldest contender and a familiar face, having taken part in this race for the last four years (form figures read 6529); beat all bar Eldrickjones over C&D last month but the return to this better grade presents a tougher task.

16/1

2nd

10

(5)

11th May 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Zip

8st 11lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Four-time C&D winner, including this race in 2021; second in it last year; has continued in good form in the main since winning over C&D last November (didn't run badly at Doncaster latest) and is on the shortlist now back here.

10/1

2nd

10

(5)

11th May 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 3

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Zip

8st 11lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Four-time C&D winner, including this race in 2021; second in it last year; has continued in good form in the main since winning over C&D last November (didn't run badly at Doncaster latest) and is on the shortlist now back here.

10/1

OUR TIP

10/1

Form: 71-500 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
After winning a 7f Ayr novice he ran well when fifth in Listed race over 1m here on April reappearance; well below that level in two subsequent runs but has been gelded since the last of those; hard to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(6)

5th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Chuzzlewit

9st 9lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

Losing run goes back to C&D win in March 2024 but in good form on this track for his last yard, albeit he didn't help his mark by running well from out of the weights in July and he's now 4lb higher than for a defeat here the time before; likely to go well for new stable, even so.

4/1

3rd

14

(11)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Newcastle (AW)

Chuzzlewit

8st 11lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Seb Spencer

Winless since 2024 (over C&D) but runner-up in 1m handicaps here on his last two starts; can't be dismissed despite being 3lb out of the handicap.

10/1

2nd

14

(4)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:18 Newcastle (AW)

Chuzzlewit

8st 11lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Seb Spencer

He's 9lb lower than when third in this last year and he returned to form when going close over C&D early this month; has a modest strike-rate but he can be bang there if backing up that latest performance.

10/1

5/1

Form: 161906 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Three-time winner over 6f or 7f; never got a clear run in his penultimate race at Ascot and again at Wolverhampton last time having been dropped in from a wide draw; has a big run in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(6)

16th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

17:10 Southwell (AW)

Tough Enough

10st 0lb

J: Oliver Carmichael

T: Antony Brittain

Three-time winner but 0-13 since moving yards and doesn't look about to put that right.

12/1

12th

20

(10)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Tough Enough

8st 12lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Antony Brittain

Still seeking a first win for this yard and, although he continues to drop down the weights, this looks too competitive.

25/1

4th

1

(5)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:05 Southwell (AW)

Tough Enough

9st 9lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Slowly away on his last three starts; runner-up over 6f here in April following a break; hasn't built on that on turf on his two starts since (6f) but he made late headway at Chester last time and the return to 7f may be a good move; could be involved back here.

8/1

Form: 136760 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Tailed off behind Zip at Doncaster last time when the ground was heavy; chance on a few of his good runs this year (7f/1m) but this veteran hasn't had a lot of racing on the AW (1-7).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

1

(11)

7th Sep 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

18:10 Thirsk

Scottish Summit

9st 11lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Geoffrey Harker

steadied start, switched left soon after start, held up in rear

5/1

3rd

4

(4)

17th Aug 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Ripon

Scottish Summit

10st 2lb

J: Sam James

T: Geoffrey Harker

midfield, not clear run against rail over 2f out, soon switched left, headway over 1f out, went third when bit short of room towards finish

10/1

4th

6

(4)

3rd Aug 2024

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

15:55 Thirsk

Scottish Summit

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: Geoffrey Harker

in touch with leaders against rail

16/1

20/1

Form: 0-4067 D

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Only 2-27 and managed only seventh on a belated AW debut at Wolverhampton (7f) last mont; others stronger.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

3

(6)

29th Jul 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

16:00 Southwell (AW)

Symbolize

10st 2lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

midfield

12/1

7th

5

(6)

9th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Symbolize

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

in touch with leaders in centre of group

20/1

2

(5)

13th Nov 2023

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 3

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Symbolize

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Just one win in 25 starts since his successful debut despite a sliding mark and well held on his return from four months off at Thirsk (7f, good; first since since wind surgery) in September; needs to improve for the different surface on AW debut.

7/1

13/2

Form: 5-4071 D

Last run: 199 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Did well on the AW for David O'Meara and signed off for John Butler with a narrow success over 1m at Kempton; that was back in May, since when he's changed hands for 24,000gns; probably best at 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(9)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

16:50 Catterick

Darwell Lion

9st 8lb

J: Sam James

T: Ruth Carr

Dropped a long way in the weights for this yard; retains ability judged on this year's AW best but he has more to prove on turf.

16/1

9th

9

(3)

18th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:54 Thirsk

Darwell Lion

8st 12lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

dwelt start, took keen hold, in rear early, headway into midfield after 2f

10/1

9th

9

(3)

18th May 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:54 Thirsk

Darwell Lion

8st 12lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

dwelt start, took keen hold, in rear early, headway into midfield after 2f

10/1

14/1

Form: 400808 D

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Hard to win with these days having not got his head in front in more than a year; again below his best in this new headgear last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(6)

20th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Escobar

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

steadied start, towards rear

10/1

9th

8

(8)

9th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Escobar

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

sweating, dwelt start, midfield on near side of group

14/1

8th

7

(11)

27th Oct 2023

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 2

18:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Escobar

9st 3lb

J: Neil Callan

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who's become hard to win with and been on the downgrade this year, coming 22lb down the weights; late in the day to be making his Tapeta debut in a new form of headgear and will need some luck if dropped in as usual from stall 11.

12/1

16/1

Form: 889617 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Didn't get much luck last time at Newmarket and won his previous race, over 7f on soft at Leicester when in first-time cheekpieces; multiple winner but only 1-13 on the AW and best figures have come on grass.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(7)

20th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Kempton (AW)

Marshal Dan

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Heather Main

steadied start, in rear

14/1

10th

9

(9)

9th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Marshal Dan

9st 4lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Heather Main

keen to post, in touch with leaders

16/1

7th

1

(16)

4th Nov 2023

Heavy

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:57 Newmarket

Marshal Dan

10st 0lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Heather Main

Finished third of 15 in the 2018 running; has had a stop-start year but testing conditions suit and he looked in good form when a ready winner from Hodler at Leicester 18 days ago (7f, soft; first-time cheekpieces, retained); back up 5lb; one of the more likely ones.

8/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £64.20
Straight Forecast £61.12
Tricast £224.81
Trifecta £258.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Tough Enough

RP RATINGS:

Greatgadian

THE NORTH:

Zip

Daily Mirror:

Darwell Lion

TOPSPEED:

Master Zoffany

The Star:

Symbolize

The Guardian:

Marshal Dan

The Times:

Tough Enough

D Express:

Tough Enough

The Sun:

Tough Enough

POSTDATA:

Greatgadian

NEWMARKET:

Greatgadian

Daily Record:

Greatgadian

Telegraph:

Zip

Daily Mail:

Zip