March 13 / 19.45 Newcastle (AW)

19.45

Standard

Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £6804.2
  • 1m 0f 5y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £1.50

Form: 355-11 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Doesn't look straightforward but he's managed to win his last two starts, getting up late on each occasion; 2lb rise less of a concern than the step up in class.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

12

(9)

4th Jun 2026

Yielding

1m 1f 0y

20:00 Leopardstown

Lough Leane

9st 2lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

All six wins in Britain came on the AW; first success on turf came last month over this trip at Ballinrobe, quickening off a slow pace, despite racing keenly; 6lb rise but remains on a workable mark.

9/1

1st

10

(3)

8th May 2026

Yielding To Soft

1m 1f 133y

18:52 Ballinrobe

Lough Leane

8st 10lb

J: Megan Telford-Kelly

T: Maurice Andrew Ahern

All six wins came on the AW when trained in Britain; standout run for this yard came on opening day of season when runner-up in 26-runner Curragh handicap (heavy), most recently didn't seem to get home over this trip at Gowran last month (soft); stamina concerns remain.

12/1

5/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 0611-2 C

Last run: 46 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Flat/hurdle wins since joining this yard and he ran well for second in a 1m4f handicap here in January; dropping back to 1m not sure to suit though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(8)

30th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

17:52 Southwell (AW)

Its A Love Thing

9st 7lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Sam England

7-47 on AW but has struggled for form since finishing third at Newcastle (1m, Class 5; from 12lb higher) last November; failed to beat a rival in each of his last two starts (9.4f/1m4f) so it's difficult to have confidence.

25/1

10th

2

(8)

6th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Its A Love Thing

9st 9lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Sam England

4lb lower than when winning over C&D last March and 11lb lower than when successful at Pontefract in April; little inspiration from his recent AW efforts, though, beaten 11l, 17.5l, and 23l respectively in three starts in 2026.

14/1

OUR TIP

14/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 5-4017 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
2-6 since joining Linda Perratt, both wins coming over C&D; struggled in a hot handicap here last month but no surprise to see an improved showing back down to a Class 5.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(14)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

Trais Fluors

9st 5lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Linda Perratt

Veteran (13-102); has won just once since late 2024, when edging out Pallas Lord over C&D (15-2) on New Year's Day; kept on after a slow start, fifth of seven, at Ayr (7f; 33-1) four weeks ago.

9/1

5th

8

(2)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 50y

Class 6

15:00 Ayr

Trais Fluors

8st 12lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Linda Perratt

Getting on for three years since his last turf success and this veteran hasn't been at his best at Newcastle of late; opposable back at 7f and returned to the grass.

20/1

Form: -03201 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Not sure what went wrong at Southwell on his penultimate start but he bounced back quickly by winning a 1m apprentice Class 4 at Kempton last week; unpenalised and should go well in his bid for a fourth C&D success.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

27th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 1f 0y

16:42 Wexford

Plastic Paddy

11st 4lb

J: Dylan Robinson

T: Tom McGuinness

Seven-time AW winner in Britain for Michael Appleby; no success since 2024, and Flat mark has dropped to a lowly 42; jumped badly and pulled up on his hurdling debut at Punchestown two weeks ago.

100/1

5

13th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

18:50 Punchestown

Plastic Paddy

11st 12lb

J: Cian Cullinan

T: Tom McGuinness

Seven-time AW winner in Britain for Michael Appleby; no wins since 2024 and Flat mark has dropped to a basement level; slim hopes rest on hurdles rejuvenating him.

40/1

13th

11

(5)

10th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Plastic Paddy

9st 8lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Tom McGuinness

Seven AW wins in the UK; however, has been poor on turf for this yard and needs a major revival.

33/1

Form: 21-333 CD

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Three-time C&D winner; placed in AW handicaps on his last three starts, latterly last Friday; needs more to win off this mark but he should give his running again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(6)

26th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 173y

Class 4

16:05 Carlisle

Star Shield

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

in rear

8/1

4

(2)

14th Jun 2024

Good To Soft

0m 7f 127y

Class 5

16:35 Chester

Star Shield

9st 8lb

J: David Nolan

T: David O’Meara

Scored three times at 1m in 2023 and he arrives in very good nick, runner-up in 1m Redcar handicap nine days ago; he must enter calculations off the same mark from his inside berth.

7/2

2nd

2

(10)

5th Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:25 Ripon

Star Shield

9st 8lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

9yo who is 0-7 this year; however, he's run some good races and won three times in 2023; each-way contender off a reduced mark.

7/1

10/1

Form: 2047-6 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Went close over C&D in December and his two subsequent defeats have come in stronger company; no secrets from the handicapper as a 9yo but he's on a fair mark and a big run would be no surprise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

(2)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

15:57 Redcar

Crownthorpe

8st 12lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Alan Brown

11-84; runner-up at Carlisle (1m, soft; joint-favourite) in July on last turf appearance; 0-4 on AW (1m-1m2f) since, not doing enough to suggest his turn is near; blinkers are added on this attempt for first win since April 2023.

16/1

3rd

10

(2)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

15:57 Redcar

Crownthorpe

8st 12lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Alan Brown

11-84; runner-up at Carlisle (1m, soft; joint-favourite) in July on last turf appearance; 0-4 on AW (1m-1m2f) since, not doing enough to suggest his turn is near; blinkers are added on this attempt for first win since April 2023.

16/1

3rd

10

(2)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

15:57 Redcar

Crownthorpe

8st 12lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Alan Brown

11-84; runner-up at Carlisle (1m, soft; joint-favourite) in July on last turf appearance; 0-4 on AW (1m-1m2f) since, not doing enough to suggest his turn is near; blinkers are added on this attempt for first win since April 2023.

16/1

Form: 18-068

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
1m6f winner for Charlie Johnston last summer off a 12lb higher mark; struggled for new stable and risky now dropping to 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

14

(16)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Midnight Lion

8st 8lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

24 visits to Newcastle have yielded nine wins, seven over C&D; the latest came on New Year's Day when beating five rivals; fifth of 12 at Southwell since and could better that performance now back here, but there's a suspicion today's contest will prove too competitive.

25/1

5th

6

(2)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 3

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Midnight Lion

9st 6lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Enhanced his outstanding Newcastle record (all nine AW wins there) on New Year's Day when fending off five rivals; only 2lb higher and he'll probably be ridden positively as usual; has only raced twice here (unplaced).

13/2

Form: 13003- D

Last run: 163 days

W: 9st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Two turf wins and several good placed efforts last year; returns from 163 days off and he's 0-15 on AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(12)

9th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Shine On Brendan

9st 13lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

8yo who is 0-9 this year but he's run some good races, most recently third at Hamilton (1m, soft) off 2lb higher, and he won this 12 months ago (good); there's every chance he'll be thereabouts.

7/1

3rd

6

(5)

29th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

15:00 Hamilton

Shine On Brendan

9st 8lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Nine-time winner (five times here) who won't mind what the weather does; yet to hit the target this season, though, and both runs this month have been disappointing; others have less to prove.

14/1

6th

5

(5)

21st Sep 2025

Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 5

16:13 Hamilton

Shine On Brendan

9st 9lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Jim Goldie

Runner-up twice this summer but form dipped last time; the 8yo is a five-time course winner and could go well returned to Hamilton.

15/2

14/1

Form: 69528- CD

Last run: 76 days

W: 9st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Lacklustre effort here when last seen in December but his earlier second of 12 over C&D was a sound effort; yard haven't had a Flat winner since October and not sure what to expect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(5)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 6

14:05 Thirsk

Sandret

11st 2lb

J: Miss Rebecca Hitchen

T: Sam England

In good form for new yard this summer, recording a comfortable win at Redcar (1m, good) in July and just as good when second at Musselburgh (7f, good) three weeks ago (both under Rebecca Hitchen); another prominent showing is on the cards with the return to 1m in his favour.

7/2

2nd

4

(1)

8th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 6

17:05 Musselburgh

Sandret

10st 13lb

J: Miss Rebecca Hitchen

T: Sam England

Recorded a comfortable win under Rebecca Hitchen, who was unable to claim, at Redcar (1m, good) last week on second start for new stable; rider can now use 5lb allowance, which offsets a penalty; scored over 7f very early in career; this in-form 9yo commands respect.

2/1

1st

3

(1)

30th Jul 2025

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

17:10 Redcar

Sandret

11st 0lb

J: Miss Rebecca Hitchen

T: Sam England

5-43, with his latest win coming off this mark at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) in December; posted a solid effort when third of 12 over that C&D on stable debut under Rebecca Hitchen 33 days ago (raced wide); has won over 1m but he hasn't won on turf since 2019.

9/2

12/1

Form: 0079-3

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
The winner of six races for his former stables and he wasn't beaten far over 7f here on his final outing for Ed Dunlop in January (sold for 21,000gns last month); stamina the query on stable debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(8)

17th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 5

15:42 Doncaster

Matty Too

9st 1lb

J: Harry Burns

T: Ian McInnes

Has won six races over 6f/7f on good/good to firm; well below form on his four starts for current yard.

40/1

8th

1

(2)

30th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 5

17:00 Beverley

Matty Too

10st 2lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ian McInnes

Arrives out of sorts, beating only one in handicap over C&D 35 days ago; others are much preferred.

33/1

9th

3

(11)

25th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 5

14:47 Beverley

Matty Too

10st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ian McInnes

Has tended to come to the boil around this time in previous years but was in no form for his new yard on the AW when last seen; has landed the outside stall (is a free-goer who tends to race on the pace) back from ten weeks off.

50/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £25.90
Straight Forecast £42.69
Tricast £317.01
Trifecta £351.60

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Lough Leane

SPOTLIGHT:

Plastic Paddy

Telegraph:

Star Shield

D Express:

It's A Love Thing

The Times:

Lough Leane

The Guardian:

Lough Leane

The Sun:

Lough Leane

The Star:

Lough Leane

Daily Record:

Lough Leane

RP RATINGS:

Plastic Paddy

POSTDATA:

Plastic Paddy

Daily Mail:

Plastic Paddy

Daily Mirror:

Star Shield