January 01 / 15.45 Newcastle (AW)

15.45

Standard

BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap

  • Prize money: £24300
  • 1m 0f 5y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface:

Weather: Mostly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.40
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 18000- CD

Last run: 129 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Ended 2023 out of form (stiff tasks, notably in the Derby) but he has won first time out in each of his two seasons of racing (including a C&D Listed event last April); gelding and wind ops since last seen; potentially well treated and although there are risks involved, a case can be made.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(4)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 1

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Dear My Friend

9st 2lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: Charlie Johnston

Useful on turf but better on AW, winning four of his six starts including twice at Listed level (won the corresponding race when it was run at Lingfield in 2024); off the track for a year but still more appealing than many.

20/1

4th

2

(9)

4th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Dear My Friend

9st 6lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Charlie Johnston

in rear

15/2

4th

2

(9)

4th Dec 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Dear My Friend

9st 6lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Charlie Johnston

in rear

15/2

7/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 1/453- D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Completed an AW hat-trick (all at around 1m on Tapeta) when trained by Charlie Appleby; had a wind operation prior to his stable debut in June (C&D; after 518 days off) and he responded well to pressure, narrowly beaten into fourth in a blanket finish; backed and ran well for third at Kempton six weeks ago; still brings low mileage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(10)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Symbol Of Light

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Julie Camacho

Belatedly back in winning form the last twice, readily beating Cracking Gold at Southwell (1m) then holding on narrowly in notable handicap at Wolverhampton (8.5f); looks better than ever.

14/1

10th

2

(10)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Symbol Of Light

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Julie Camacho

Belatedly back in winning form the last twice, readily beating Cracking Gold at Southwell (1m) then holding on narrowly in notable handicap at Wolverhampton (8.5f); looks better than ever.

14/1

1st

2

(10)

8th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 2

14:45 Wolverhampton (AW)

Symbol Of Light

9st 11lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Julie Camacho

dwelt start, midfield, raced wide and rushed up to lead after 3f

6/1

8/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 05114- CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Finished just behind Helm Rock when bidding for a hat-trick at Chelmsford 18 days ago; rider's claim helpful today but suspicion there will be a few too strong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(1)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 2

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Fantastic Fox

9st 2lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Roger Varian

Drawn a blank since January 2024 but he hasn't had much clemency from the handicapper; latest AW run saw him finish fourth at Newcastle in June having met trouble in running and he will be in the shake-up if anywhere near that level.

5/1

8

(1)

31st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 2

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Fantastic Fox

9st 2lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Roger Varian

Drawn a blank since January 2024 but he hasn't had much clemency from the handicapper; latest AW run saw him finish fourth at Newcastle in June having met trouble in running and he will be in the shake-up if anywhere near that level.

5/1

OUR TIP

8/1

Form: 64572- CD

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Won twice in Group 3 company in 2022; ran some creditable races in defeat last year, notably a second in Listed company at Kempton four weeks ago; this is less demanding than he's used to and he should have a big run in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(9)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Tempus

9st 8lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

1lb lower than when scoring in an amateur riders' event at Goodwood (1m, good) in June, but hard to win with these days and latest close third of six came in a Newcastle seller (1m, Tapeta); look elsewhere.

11/1

6

(9)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Tempus

9st 8lb

J: William Cox

T: Archie Watson

1lb lower than when scoring in an amateur riders' event at Goodwood (1m, good) in June, but hard to win with these days and latest close third of six came in a Newcastle seller (1m, Tapeta); look elsewhere.

11/1

4

(2)

17th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Tempus

10st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Multiple winner in his young days including over C&D, but has only managed to win two of his last 31 starts, one of which was on Jersey; may find a couple too strong.

7/1

5th
10 (7)
Chuzzlewit

10/1

Form: /5004-

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Ran okay when fifth behind Dear My Friend over C&D last April, his only attempt at this trip; finished behind Master Zoffany here (7f) three weeks ago, travelling strongly and perhaps not best positioned; still has time to do better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

12

(9)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Chuzzlewit

8st 8lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Seb Spencer

Fine looker, and for all that he's an infrequent winner (2-35), was once rated in the 90s; placed in a Class 4 over C&D (from 10lb higher) last June but he's been steadily regressive since; safer options elsewhere.

20/1

11th

5

(11)

25th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 6

19:45 Doncaster

Chuzzlewit

9st 8lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Seb Spencer

Without a victory since March 2024 and he's yet to hit top form in a trio of handicaps at Newcastle this year, only seventh of nine over 1m there last month.

10/1

10/1

Form: 17541- C

Last run: 23 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Came from off the pace to record a comfortable win over 7f here three weeks ago; 1m is within range and although he'll need another career best to win, it's not out of the question.
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

7th
12 (5)
Ron O

14/1

Form: 25471- CD

Last run: 38 days

W: 8st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Steadily progressive 6yo who took his form to a new level when keeping on well to win at Southwell in November; that form has a solid look to it and he ought to give another good account under suitable conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(6)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

19:20 Redcar

Ron O

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Ray Craggs

Developed into a very useful handicapper for Ray Craggs in 2024, including a C&D win on good to firm; failed to scale the same heights for David Thompson in 2025 but has a reduced mark to work with now back under the care of his owner.

20/1

12th

7

(2)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Ron O

9st 1lb

J: Jason Hart

T: David Thompson

C&D winner off this mark last summer and better than the result (met trouble) when fifth to Sir Busker in this 12 months ago; shaped as if retaining all his ability when sixth on C&D return in June and there have been excuses for two lesser runs since, with Thirsk fifth last time coming over a 7f trip which is likely a little on the short side for him nowadays; no shock were he to go well.

25/1

1

(3)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Thirsk

Ron O

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: David Thompson

Won two in a row on turf last May/June (1m/1m2f) for Ray Craggs (who still owns him) and fair sixth on stable/seasonal debut at York (1m2f) in June; might not have been over those exertions when well held over 1m on AW at Newcastle 13 days later; effective over 7f.

33/1

Form: 11503- CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Has recorded RPRs of 103, 105 and 104 in his last three AW starts, one of them a C&D win; should be sharper for last month's promising third at Chelmsford; one to take seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(1)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:42 Newmarket

Helm Rock

9st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

8yo who has been in fine form this spring, winning at Kempton (1m, AW) last month then going close at Lingfield (1m, AW) and Nottingham (1m, good); there's every chance he'll be bang there once more.

9/1

2nd

2

(7)

9th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 4

15:25 Nottingham

Helm Rock

9st 8lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Ten-time winner split between turf and AW; his last success was at Kempton (1m) last month and he backed that up with a close third under a penalty at Lingfield (Polytrack); did well to hang in there from a wide draw last time and he's respected off same mark back on turf.

13/2

3rd

1

(10)

14th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 4

18:30 Lingfield (AW)

Helm Rock

9st 13lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Tended to do his winning in the past in batches, which bodes well under a 4lb penalty for last Monday's Kempton victory; well over two years snice he won off a mark this high and hasn't been at his best in two previous runs here but needs considering.

4/1

20/1

Form: 80226- D

Last run: 182 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Made good progress for John Quinn last winter, winning twice over 1m at Southwell and second over C&D off 1lb lower last March; this is his first AW start since and he could still have more to come on this surface; pitched into a deep race after six months off though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(9)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

18:50 Redcar

Tropez Power

9st 4lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Gained sole turf success in 2021 and it's two years since last AW win; 0-5 for current stable but he could strip fitter for his Beverley reappearance a fortnight ago.

12/1

6th

11

(7)

23rd Apr 2026

Good

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

15:22 Beverley

Tropez Power

8st 10lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Mark Walford

Gained sole turf success in 2021 and it's two years since last AW win; 0-4 for current stable and lacks recent match practice having been absent since November; probably best watched unless the market suggests otherwise.

25/1

Form: 45133-

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Ex-French colt who made a promising stable debut when third of ten at Wolverhampton last month (extended 1m); that form has worked out and he should be seen to better effect granted a stiffer test at the trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(5)

21st Jan 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Woodstock City

9st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Won a 1m3f Class 5 handicap at Southwell in October and slightly better form when collared late over 1m2f at Lingfield 11 days ago; 1lb higher in a better race but current wellbeing will count for plenty here.

9/2

1

(3)

30th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Woodstock City

9st 11lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ian Williams

3-36 and has suffered heavy defeats on turf in two his last three starts, but he went down by just a head at Kempton (1m3f, Polytrack) in between; perhaps not the most reliable, but would be a player on that form.

4/1

1

(3)

30th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Woodstock City

9st 11lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ian Williams

3-36 and has suffered heavy defeats on turf in two his last three starts, but he went down by just a head at Kempton (1m3f, Polytrack) in between; perhaps not the most reliable, but would be a player on that form.

4/1

Form: /1855- D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Looked promising in maiden/novice company, winning twice (7.5f and 1m); lots went wrong at Chester on his handicap debut in September but he's not kicked on since, including when behind Helm Rock at Chelmsford last month (stable and AW debut); others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

1

(6)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 2y

Class 4

18:38 Doncaster

Lord Bertie

9st 10lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: David O’Meara

Four wins have come on good to soft/soft ground later in the year and he wants a good test over this trip on good ground; turned in a solid comeback effort over C&D in March but there's little room for error off this mark and he has his quirks.

8/1

6th

7

(6)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 6f 2y

Class 3

17:15 Doncaster

Lord Bertie

9st 1lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: David O’Meara

Hasn't fulfilled the huge promise of his early form for William Haggas but he retains a good chunk of ability and enjoyed a resurgence last autumn, notably when a comfortable winner over C&D (soft) in October; disappointed when last seen but he should be in for another good year; back from a break is perhaps not the time to catch him but market should give clues.

16/1

Form: 61118- C BF

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Completed a hat-trick when getting an easy lead at Lingfield (1m2f) on his handicap debut last month; disappointed off this mark at Wolverhampton on Tuesday; drops in trip but improvement needed to defy this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Non-runners

Gincident, Urban Sprawl

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £26.40
Straight Forecast £16.29
Tricast £80.71
Trifecta £96.70

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Master Zoffany

RP RATINGS:

Dear My Friend

Telegraph:

Symbol Of Light

POSTDATA:

Fantastic Fox

SPOTLIGHT:

Helm Rock

The Times:

Chuzzlewit

Daily Mail:

Urban Sprawl

The Sun:

Tempus

The Star:

Dear My Friend

Daily Mirror:

Symbol Of Light

The Guardian:

Fantastic Fox

LAMBOURN:

Helm Rock

D Express:

Master Zoffany

Daily Record:

Master Zoffany