February 02 / 18.15 Newcastle (AW)

18.15

Standard

Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap

  • Prize money: £4710.6
  • 0m 7f 14y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
SKY
View Course
Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Windy

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £8.00
  • Place: £2.30

Form: 25-111 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Veteran who won three 7f handicaps last month, one of them here; effectively just 1lb higher than for last week's Southwell success and he'll be another 3lb higher from the weekend; respected but could prove vulnerable in his bid for a four-timer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(9)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Bobby Joe Leg

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ruth Carr

11-time course winner who defied this mark over C&D in December; some creditable efforts since but he has been a bit up and down and was only sixth behind Anthropologist here last time; others preferred.

16/1

6th

5

(9)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:30 Newcastle (AW)

Bobby Joe Leg

9st 7lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

11-time course winner, the latest over C&D in December, and he twice finished placed over C&D last month; certainly of interest on that form but this 12yo has gone off the boil on his last two starts.

14/1

11th

1

(7)

14th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Bobby Joe Leg

9st 9lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Failed to fire at Newcastle last week but this veteran had run two fine races in defeat beforehand; fully effective at this track too so no great surprise were he to rebound quickly.

12/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 166-27 CD BF

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Ready winner of a C&D handicap in November; good second at Southwell on his penultimate start before racing too freely over 1m here 11 days ago; still appeals as being well handicapped and interesting with Paul Mulrennan taking over in the saddle.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(5)

11th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Star Zinc

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Has often started slowly but he's taken things to the next level the past twice, refusing to jump away either time; is quite capable off this mark if in the mood but comes with obvious risks attached.

33/1

7

(5)

11th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Star Zinc

9st 4lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

refused to race

33/1

3

(8)

3rd Oct 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Star Zinc

9st 13lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Rebecca Menzies

Comes with major risks attached as he was badly out of form on turf last month and refused to race at Redcar last week, while he's untested beyond about 1m; however, his last two wins have come here and he's dropped to a dangerous mark; not ruled out now back on this track.

14/1

3rd
12 (5)
Rory

7/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 25-022 C BF

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Sprinting since November, winning a 6f handicap here in December and runner-up in three of his five starts since; fully effective over this longer trip and he's of interest in what should be a well-run race.
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: 31426- D

Last run: 94 days

W: 9st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Seven turf wins to his name and although he's 0-12 on AW, he did run well on Tapeta in his youth; heavy ground excuses a big defeat when last seen; ran creditably here last March after a break; not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(1)

28th May 2024

Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

14:00 Redcar

Global Spirit

9st 8lb

J: Sam James

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Acts on any ground; still 4lb below his last winning mark but unplaced in all six starts so far this year, including when seventh of 11 at Pontefract (1m, good) on Friday; more needed.

9/1

8th

6

(1)

28th May 2024

Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

14:00 Redcar

Global Spirit

9st 8lb

J: Sam James

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

Acts on any ground; still 4lb below his last winning mark but unplaced in all six starts so far this year, including when seventh of 11 at Pontefract (1m, good) on Friday; more needed.

9/1

7th

9

(2)

24th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

18:15 Pontefract

Global Spirit

8st 9lb

J: William Pyle

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

disputed lead, led clearly after 3f, headed under 2f out, lost second inside final furlong, weakened inside final 110yds

20/1

12/1

Form: 7183-9 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Came from off the pace to win over C&D in November; mixed record since but returning to a Class 5 should suit; claims would be enhanced by a strong early pace.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(9)

26th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

15:07 Southwell (AW)

Sir Maxi

9st 9lb

J: Kyle McHugh

T: Sam England

Last eight starts in classifieds and he didn't always get the breaks when third over C&D 12 days ago; that was one of his better recent efforts and he's firmly in calculations.

13/2

3rd

6

(5)

14th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Sir Maxi

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Sam England

Regressive 8yo; running respectably at this level in 2026 but 2l behind Woodrafff at Newcastle last week; never threatened over 1m2f on Thursday; easy enough to look elsewhere.

8/1

6th

10

(4)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

16:28 Newcastle (AW)

Sir Maxi

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Sam England

Spent most of a long career racing at shy of 1m and didn't look to see it out in one try over this far (C&D); not as good now and can miss the break and/or pull hard, so comes with risks attached.

8/1

OUR TIP

7/1

Form: 1086-2 CD

Last run: 10 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Made all over C&D on his stable debut in October when 3lb lower; back to form with a good second at Southwell ten days ago (6f); other pace on show but he can't be discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

8

(9)

17th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Gobi Sunset

9st 4lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

Front-runner and dual C&D winner, the latest from 5lb higher just under a year ago; 0-16 in the meantime, though, and needs to do better than when returned to the AW at Southwell (7f, Tapeta) a fortnight ago; stable also runs Novak.

12/1

5th

4

(7)

3rd Sep 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Gobi Sunset

9st 8lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Iain Jardine

Not been in much form off his lower turf mark this season, coming 12lb down the weights; is 3lb lower than when last seen on the AW but it may just be he's on the downgrade now.

6/1

5th

3

(1)

29th Jul 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

15:05 Ayr

Gobi Sunset

9st 6lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Iain Jardine

C&D winner whose mark continues to fall and he showed some good AW form earlier this year; however, he's without a win on turf since 2019 and he's been unable to threaten on grass on his recent starts.

8/1

20/1

Form: 5040-7 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far behind Sir Maxi in a strongly run C&D handicap in November, coming from some way off the pace to take fourth; well beaten twice since and others look safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

11

(10)

26th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

17:00 Doncaster

Cold Stare

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

9yo who needs to produce more than he's managed the last twice but before those he was a creditable fifth in the Ayr Bronze Cup and he's dropped to a dangerous mark; not written off.

14/1

5th

1

(8)

18th Oct 2024

Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

13:52 Redcar

Cold Stare

10st 0lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Most of his nine wins on soft or heavy; finished close up in the Ayr Bronze Cup last month and ran well enough to think he's still in reasonable form when fifth in a higher grade than this at Haydock last time; in the mix.

15/2

6th

10

(2)

28th Sep 2024

Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Haydock

Cold Stare

8st 13lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Most of his nine wins on soft or heavy; finished close up in the Ayr Bronze Cup last weekend which gives him a fighting chance here but he has a better overall record on that track than this one and remains on much the same mark as when well adrift of Trilby here in April.

8/1

14/1

Form: 2085-2

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
On a long losing run; stayed on well for second over C&D two weeks ago but benefited from getting cover in a race run into a strong wind; more will be needed from him to come out on top.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(14)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:50 Ripon

Arranmore

9st 6lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Last of four wins on turf came in August 2021 but he's been in good order on AW recently, winning at Southwell (1m3f) in March; not sure that the drop back in trip will suit on this return to turf.

9/2

2nd

8

(3)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

17:52 Southwell (AW)

Arranmore

9st 0lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Kept on well to score over C&D (16-1; from 3lb lower) five weeks ago; that came as a bit of a surprise, only his second win since August 2021, but the form was given a boost with the third (Moon Over The Sea) winning at Bath on Monday; needs considering.

9/2

1st

9

(3)

28th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Arranmore

9st 1lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Micky Hammond

Bagged a classified contest last August, ending a long losing spell, and has proved consistent at the same level this year; however, this 9yo hasn't won a handicap since 2021.

10/1

Form: 6175-5 CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
C&D winner in September; he's run creditably in defeat since without looking ahead of his mark; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(6)

13th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Abruzzo Mia

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

held up in rear

14/1

10th

11

(1)

22nd Feb 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell (AW)

Abruzzo Mia

9st 4lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Michael Dods

Two 7f wins on the Tapeta track at Newcastle; solid third off 1lb higher here three weeks ago; capable of another prominent showing.

12/1

3rd

8

(3)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Abruzzo Mia

9st 0lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Michael Dods

held up in rear, headway over 1f out, went third inside final furlong, stayed on

16/1

10th
10 (10)
Kats Bob

10/1

Form: 258-13 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Has won over this trip but his three wins since July have come over 6f; creeping back up the weights but set to run his race once again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

7

(8)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

13:30 York

Kats Bob

9st 8lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Enthusiastic front-runner who shone for Ruth Carr in 2025, winning five 6f handicaps (including a defeat of Jonny Concrete here on good to firm); creditable in-frame efforts on two of three starts this year without necessarily suggesting he's ready to strike again.

14/1

4th

3

(7)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Kats Bob

9st 8lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Enthusiastic front-runner who shone for Ruth Carr in 2025, winning five 6f handicaps (including here on good to firm); encouraging seasonal return at Catterick (6f, good) last month and likely remains in better form than his subsequent Ripon ninth might suggest as he was second home on his side.

11/2

Form: 8967-2 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Ran one of his better races for his current stable when second of seven in a C&D handicap two weeks ago; dangerous if he can build on that but that wouldn't be assured.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(4)

15th Feb 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:25 Newcastle (AW)

Alexander James

9st 0lb

J: Sam Feilden

T: Michael Herrington

in touch with leaders, in rear after 2f

20/1

8th

1

(8)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alexander James

9st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

dwelt start

6/1

8th

1

(8)

10th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Alexander James

9st 13lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Michael Herrington

dwelt start

6/1

Form: 3330-6 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Placed in his first three runs for this yard last summer, including C&D; ran poorly at Chester in September and underwent wind surgery one week later; perhaps needed his return to action here two weeks ago but he's unlikely to get his own way up front this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(10)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

Emperor Caradoc

9st 7lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Still on career-high mark but latest effort (when bidding for 6f double) suggests he remains in form, and his Pontefract record is largely consistent; solid contender.

6/1

3rd

1

(6)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:25 Leicester

Emperor Caradoc

9st 11lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Has won on a range of surfaces but two 6f wins in 2025 came on good to firm and he was racing on that surface for the first time since when winning at Thirsk last week; back up 3lb and has another good run in him.

3/1

1st

6

(1)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:55 Thirsk

Emperor Caradoc

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Two 6f wins on fast ground last season; made a pleasing return to action at Newcastle (6f) in March and raced away from the main action when well held back on turf at Doncaster (5f, good to soft) since; not discounted.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £34.80
Straight Forecast £39.46
Tricast £264.09
Trifecta £298.20

Selections

The Guardian:

Bobby Joe Leg

SPOTLIGHT:

Star Zinc

TOPSPEED:

Rory

Daily Record:

Arranmore

RP RATINGS:

Alexander James

The Times:

Star Zinc

Telegraph:

Star Zinc

D Express:

Star Zinc

POSTDATA:

Rory

Daily Mail:

Bobby Joe Leg

Daily Mirror:

Bobby Joe Leg

The Sun:

Bobby Joe Leg

The Star:

Bobby Joe Leg