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

1st

3

(5)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Newcastle (AW)

Fantastic Fox

9st 13lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

On a long losing run but a useful AW performer at his best; off 7 months before coming in only 11th in 1m1f York handicap on his return last month but this C&D winner bounce back.

5/1

11th

4

(2)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 177y

Class 4

16:50 York

Fantastic Fox

9st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Roger Varian

Smart handicapper at his peak but his form tailed off in the second half of 2025; has a reduced mark to work with as a result but the betting is perhaps the best guide after 198 days off.

14/1

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

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

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

3rd

3

(2)

19th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:30 Kempton (AW)

Helm Rock

10st 0lb

J: Ebrahim Nader

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Two wins from ten starts over C&D include a success in April off 3lb lower; didn't look in a great mood at Ascot last time but he still ran well to finish fairly close fourth; not ruled out.

8/1

4th

2

(1)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Ascot

Helm Rock

10st 0lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Five-time turf winner who matched that tally on the AW when landing Kempton handicap (1m) in April; never a threat over that C&D last Thursday and it's been a while since he won off a mark this high.

6/1

7th

3

(4)

2nd Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:08 Kempton (AW)

Helm Rock

9st 8lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Won over C&D in April and he went close on Polytrack and turf in his next two starts; didn't really fire at Newmarket (1m, good) last time but he still looks on a workable mark and has claims if he can get back near best.

13/2

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

5th

4

(5)

28th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 6

14:13 Thirsk

Tropez Power

11st 0lb

J: Miss Alice Cooke

T: Mark Walford

On a long losing sequence and current mark reflects a general decline in his form; not particularly solid on 2026 efforts and it's still over five years since his only turf win.

16/1

6th

7

(13)

10th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

14:45 Ayr

Tropez Power

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Mark Walford

His last win was at Southwell in April 2024 but he travelled strongly for a long way before weakening there (7f) last month; record of 1-35 on turf but he's on a much lower mark back in this sphere and is well handicapped on his best form last season; one to keep an eye on with visor reapplied.

20/1

9th

7

(11)

27th Jul 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Tropez Power

9st 7lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Mark Walford

Dry since a C&D win for the Quinn yard more than two years ago; now 10lb lower than when last seen on the AW (3-8 here) but has regressed on turf in the meantime and may just be on the downgrade.

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

2nd

2

(5)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 50y

Class 5

20:43 Nottingham

Woodstock City

9st 8lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Won twice in Britain for current yard since winning twice in France; however, beaten 21l at Leicester (1m2f, good) last month following five-month layoff and lacks the scope of his rivals.

20/1

9th

11

(11)

8th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Leicester

Woodstock City

8st 11lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Won a 1m3f Class 5 handicap at Southwell in October and slightly better form when collared late over 1m2f at Lingfield in January; broke out of stalls and withdrawn at Kempton 11 days later (10-1 at the time); now returns to turf after a break but he's a dual winner in this sphere and is versatile ground-wise; possibilities.

14/1

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

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

2nd

12

(13)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:15 Haydock

Lord Bertie

9st 3lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Fairly useful on his day but he's not one to rely on and failed to beat a rival in 6f Hamilton handicap two weeks ago; others are much preferred.

12/1

10th

4

(1)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 6y

Class 4

19:45 Hamilton

Lord Bertie

9st 12lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

His wins have come on slow ground but he was beaten only 3l in a big field at York (7f, good to firm) last month; that was a creditable effort after a slow start and he ran well over this trip at Ayr on his penultimate run; could be dangerous.

8/1

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