December 28 / 19.00 Newcastle (AW)

19.00

Standard

BetUK. It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap

  • Prize money: £3873.16
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
SKY
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BetUK. It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Rain

11/4 (Won)

  • Win: £2.75
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 711232 C BF

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Looked a different proposition when fitted with blinkers in October, running away with a 7f handicap here and following up at Wolverhampton six days later; placed on his last three starts, beaten a short-head off this mark at Wolverhampton last week (7f); should be in the thick of it again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(6)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

19:00 Redcar

The Caltonian

9st 7lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Linda Perratt

All his seven victories have come on the AW but he wasn't discredited with fourth of ten in 6f Newmarket handicap 15 days ago; not out of things eased 1lb.

11/2

4th

9

(2)

7th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:12 Newmarket (July)

The Caltonian

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Linda Perratt

Multiple AW winner; has shown most of his turf form at Ayr, not disgraced last time; 0-22 in this sphere, so the booking of Oisin Murphy (up for first time) needs to make a significant difference.

10/1

5th

9

(9)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:30 Ayr

The Caltonian

8st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Linda Perratt

Useful on AW on his day but 0-21 on turf; handicapped accordingly but his latest C&D 12th didn't suggest he was the answer to today's puzzle.

25/1

9/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 330640

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Ex-Irish filly who ran okay over C&D on her second run for new connections; tailed off over 7f three weeks ago; stable runs four in the race and may have stronger claims elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(4)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

14:57 Redcar

Sibyl Charm

9st 9lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

Three-time AW winner; only 1-17 on turf but gained the success off current mark at Ayr (6f, good) in August; good chance provided she returns to that form.

10/1

3rd

2

(4)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

14:57 Redcar

Sibyl Charm

9st 9lb

J: Mohammed Tabti

T: Iain Jardine

Three-time AW winner; only 1-17 on turf but gained the success off current mark at Ayr (6f, good) in August; good chance provided she returns to that form.

10/1

OUR TIP

33/1

  • Place: £7.70

Form: 524-78

Last run: 168 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Nine-race maiden who showed ability on a couple of occasions last year; didn't threaten in two runs for this yard in midsummer; down another 3lb but he returns from a break in a warm race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

10

(8)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Grant Wood

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Landed a pair of 6f Newcastle handicaps early in 2026; back in good form of late, and first home in his group when sixth of 20 in 6f Ripon handicap 20 days ago; this C&D winner is very much one to consider.

7/1

6th

6

(7)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Grant Wood

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Impressive in this race in 2024 when rated 3lb higher; mixed bag this summer but his two best turf runs have come over C&D and this represents an ease in grade; can't rule out.

7/1

4th

7

(5)

3rd Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

15:54 Ripon

Grant Wood

8st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

C&D winner who won two in a row at Newcastle (AW) at the start of the year and was a close third over C&D (good) in May; he's dropped back down to a handy mark but has finished down the field on his last three outings.

12/1

Form: 023016 CD BF

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Scored over C&D last month before getting going too late in a 6f handicap at Southwell 16 days ago (behind a couple of today's rivals); still in form but others might prove better handicapped.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

(14)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 10y

Class 6

14:30 Bath

Phoenix Beach

9st 7lb

J: Tyler Heard

T: Scott Dixon

On a long losing sequence and he came in a below-par seventh of 12 in 5.7f handicap here 22 days ago; yet to score on turf too.

12/1

7th

2

(5)

22nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

17:40 Bath

Phoenix Beach

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Tapeta specialist but he's hung right before finishing a well-held fifth at Wolverhampton (5f) in his last two starts; continues to edge down the weights but he's 0-13 on turf and has not run in this sphere since last May; others preferred.

11/2

5th

7

(7)

21st Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

18:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Phoenix Beach

8st 6lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Four C&D wins (from marks in the 60s); excuses when a closing third over C&D on penultimate start; hung right when three places (over 4l) behind Shalaa Asker subsequently; has won for Kieran O'Neill but needs everything to drop his way.

12/1

5th
12 (6)
Rory

10/1

Form: 798412 CD

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Hold-up sprinter who ran on well up the stands' rail to win over C&D 19 days ago; similar form when second over 5f here one week later; creeping up weights and now steps into a Class 5 but he should be doing some good late work.
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

Form: 497708 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Good chance on her spring form but she's gone off the boil more recently; continues to drop in the weights but others look safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(5)

11th Jan 2024

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

14:40 Southwell (AW)

Absolutelyflawless

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David Loughnane

She hasn't recaptured her best since returning to the AW in October; Rossa Ryan is a notable booking but there are risks attached now she's dropping back to 5f.

16/1

6th

10

(2)

28th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Absolutelyflawless

9st 5lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

Good chance on her spring form but she's gone off the boil more recently; continues to drop in the weights but others look safer.

25/1

Form: 074012 CD BF

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Switch to positive tactics bore fruit over C&D last month and he backed that up with a near miss at Southwell 16 days ago, keeping on strongly close home; runs off the same mark today and looks set to go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

3

(10)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:54 Newcastle (AW)

Secret Road

9st 8lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward

Eight-time winner; made a winning stable debut for Laura Mongan (1m, AW) in March but that wasn't a springboard to better things; sold for 2,000gns in July; return to 6f should suit on stable debut.

20/1

9th

6

(2)

4th Jun 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 6

17:10 Lingfield (AW)

Secret Road

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Laura Mongan

Won at 6f and over C&D for James Owen at the start of the year, then over 1m here on yard debut in March, but his last three runs have been nothing like as good; has plenty to prove back at 7f.

25/1

10th

6

(12)

1st Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

14:07 Lingfield (AW)

Secret Road

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Laura Mongan

Enjoyed a revival for James Owen and this yard earlier in the year, with three wins, including two round here; up in the weights now, though, and finished well behind a couple of these over C&D a month ago; needs more from somewhere.

20/1

8th
5 (12)
Kats Bob

7/1

Form: 401425 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Successful over C&D in October and only went down narrowly back here last month; only fifth at Southwell 16 days ago but he was beaten just half a length at the finish; should remain competitive; one of four runners for the yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

20

(5)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:00 Thirsk

Kats Bob

9st 0lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Ruth Carr

A five-time scorer in 2025, including over C&D; runner-up in 6f handicaps at York and Redcar this summer and not ideally drawn with 14th in 6f Ripon handicap last time; not ruled out.

25/1

14th

5

(5)

15th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Ripon

Kats Bob

9st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

4lb lower than when third of 15 in this race last year; yet to strike in 2026 but there have been some good runs along the way, including his last two starts; looks the likeliest to grab the far rail if the field split into two groups; one to consider.

10/1

2nd

4

(5)

29th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

14:05 Redcar

Kats Bob

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Had a fine year in 2025, winning five times; in and out this year but his latest York second (of 19) was a fine run and he needs serious consideration despite a 3lb rise.

3/1

Form: 449061 CD

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Conditions to suit and he bounced back to form with a come-from-behind success over C&D eight weeks ago; met plenty of trouble on that occasion and looks good value for the 3lb rise; won this race off the same mark 12 months ago; one of four runners for the stable; would be suited by a strong pace.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(5)

25th Jan 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 5

15:55 Southwell (AW)

After John

9st 7lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Iain Jardine

Had plenty to spare when winning a 6f handicap at Newcastle in November, meeting trouble in running but sweeping through to lead late on; never dangerous back there four weeks ago but this race looks full of pace and he should be arriving on the scene late.

9/1

9th

9

(1)

28th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

After John

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Iain Jardine

Conditions to suit and he bounced back to form with a come-from-behind success over C&D eight weeks ago; met plenty of trouble on that occasion and looks good value for the 3lb rise; won this race off the same mark 12 months ago; one of four runners for the stable; would be suited by a strong pace.

5/1

10th
7 (5)
Thaki

16/1

Form: 802589 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
His last visit to Newcastle saw him follow home Secret Road (6f) last month and he's running off the same mark today; no surprise to see him bounce back to his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(9)

8th Jul 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Thaki

10st 0lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Katie Scott

Regained the winning thread at Hamilton (6f, good) last time and remains favourably treated on peak form; defied a 4lb higher mark over C&D last August and warrants respect.

11/4

1st

3

(3)

27th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

20:45 Hamilton

Thaki

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: Katie Scott

made virtually all, hung right from over 1f out, clear with one other and ridden inside final furlong, kept on well

10/1

16/1

Form: 128670 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Won three of her first six starts (Tapeta, 5f and 6f; one over C&D); progress has stalled more recently and she comes here with something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(8)

28th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Wasdale

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Won three of her first six starts (Tapeta, 5f and 6f; one over C&D); progress has stalled more recently and she comes here with something to prove.

16/1

10th

10

(9)

8th Dec 2023

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Newcastle (AW)

Wasdale

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Out of the frame in four outings on turf, but her record on Tapeta reads 711512 including two wins over 5f/6f here; interesting on this first start on the AW since May.

10/1

7th

7

(8)

2nd Sep 2023

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:15 Beverley

Wasdale

9st 4lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Julie Camacho

Better on the AW, but was beaten only 2l when sixth to Hardy Angel (4lb worse off) over C&D last time (good to firm); well treated but not ideally drawn.

9/2

10/1

Form: 238467 D

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Down to a good mark now and his last two runs (7f) have both suggested he would benefit from today's return to 6f; interesting to see how he fares in the market in relation to his three stablemates.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(4)

13th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 1y

Class 6

18:40 Lingfield (AW)

Hour By Hour

9st 5lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Adam Kirby

All wins at 6f on ground ranging from good to soft to heavy, the last three in 2024; well handicapped on his old form but he's been tailed off in three runs (1m, AW/good to firm) for new yard this year and has a lot to prove

20/1

7th

1

(7)

26th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:25 Newmarket (July)

Hour By Hour

10st 2lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Adam Kirby

All wins at 6f on ground ranging from good to soft to heavy, the last three in 2024; well below best on final starts for previous trainer and he's beaten a total of one rival in two AW runs (1m) for this one in 2026; has a lot to prove.

25/1

10th

11

(1)

10th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:40 Kempton (AW)

Hour By Hour

9st 3lb

J: Charles Bishop

T: Adam Kirby

Well treated on his 2024 form; low-key stable debut here three weeks ago and he arrives with a point to prove.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £27.60
Straight Forecast £10.91
Tricast £198.63
Trifecta £411.20

Selections

The Guardian:

Secret Road

SPOTLIGHT:

Hour By Hour

Telegraph:

The Caltonian

The Times:

Wasdale

The Star:

Absolutelyflawless

POSTDATA:

Kats Bob

RP RATINGS:

After John

D Express:

Hour By Hour

Daily Mirror:

Hour By Hour

Daily Mail:

Secret Road

The Sun:

Secret Road

Daily Record:

Secret Road