June 28 / 16.55 Newcastle (AW)

16.55

Standard

Skopes Menswear Metrocentre Store Handicap

  • Prize money: £4710.6
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Skopes Menswear Metrocentre Store Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.00
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 854632 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 11lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Losing run up to 13, but having dropped in the weights her last two efforts have been encouraging as when second of nine at Carlisle (5f, good to soft) four weeks ago (has since undergone wind surgery); suited by a stiff track and respected from the same mark as last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

6

(8)

23rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:40 York

Elegant Erin

9st 8lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Paul Midgley

Ended 2025 in top form, winning twice at Beverley (5f, soft), but she has looked rusty on both her starts this year; absent another seven weeks since her last run and probably best watched.

50/1

12/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 4-2627 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
A bit in and out on turf since returning in April, one of his better efforts when a close second of eight off this mark at Ayr (5f, good) on his penultimate outing; still 4lb higher than when winning over C&D last November so a bit more is required.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(10)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Paddys Day

9st 3lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Won six 5f handicaps here in 2025; only 1lb higher than for the latest of them but he is rarely seen over 6f and connections now turn to a tongue tie for the first time.

7/1

5th

3

(4)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Paddys Day

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Boasts a fine record over 5f here, winning in December and reaching the frame on all three outings this year; 6f AW winner for previous stable but has raced almost exclusively at the minimum trip for Nigel Tinkler; should be on the premises if still fully effective at 6f.

8/1

10/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 97-004 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Dual Tapeta winner (at Wolverhampton) who has dropped 7lb below his last winning mark and returned to some form on last two outings when fourth at Chester (5f, soft) and third of eight at Hamilton (5f, good on Thursday); stable also runs Borough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

(10)

17th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:25 Haydock

Never Dark

8st 13lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Iain Jardine

C&D winner in 2023; landed a ninth win when scoring at Hamilton last September and finished third to Impressor there (also 5f, soft) last month; reared in stalls and weakened quickly at that venue one week later, though; career-low mark can only help.

16/1

6

(9)

29th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

16:45 Hamilton

Never Dark

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

Won this race off a 12lb higher mark last season (soft); mixed form this season, but creditable third over C&D last time (soft) and having dropped a further 2lb, is a contender.

9/1

4

(2)

22nd Sep 2025

Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

16:08 Hamilton

Never Dark

9st 8lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

8yo who has had a regressive campaign but he showed some spark at Wolverhampton (5f, AW) two starts ago; two-time C&D winner on soft/good to soft so today's conditions will be right up his street; chance.

6/1

6/1

Form: 4169-1 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Likes a stiff track and has won twice here, the latest over this trip last October; 33-1 when making a successful reappearance at Carlisle (5f, soft) last month and respected despite a 3lb rise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(6)

11th Jun 2025

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

20:00 Hamilton

Lady Celia

9st 4lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Alan Brown

Won over C&D (good to soft) last July and is now 2lb lower; not written off but she has something to prove having been well beaten at Newcastle in March on her sole outing this year.

12/1

Form: -18051 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Back to form when winning narrowly at Hamilton (5f, good to firm) 16 days ago and is just 1lb higher, but his three previous wins have been followed by moderate efforts which does pose a question.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(1)

22nd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 160y

Class 6

17:40 Bath

Newyorkstateofmind

9st 1lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Ruth Carr

Nine-time winner who has not scored since September 2024 but he finished well to go close at Catterick (5f, good) last week; looks interesting off same mark and this step back up in trip is a positive.

4/1

2nd

7

(4)

11th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Catterick

Newyorkstateofmind

9st 1lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Three-time turf winner who went close at Newcastle (5f, AW) last September and races off 7lb lower today; however, last season ended tamely and this 9yo finished down the field on last month's reappearance.

7/1

12th

9

(10)

24th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 6

13:40 Doncaster

Newyorkstateofmind

9st 4lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Veteran with a better record on AW than turf; 5f on fast ground no problem for him and he has run well after an absence in the past (although not last year); good run wouldn't be a surprise but others appeal more for win purposes.

14/1

Form: 6-1275 CD

Last run: 82 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Does seem to like it here (record over C&D reads 2212), but still 8lb above her last winning mark; may have to give best to something better handicapped.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(7)

31st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 4

15:55 Nottingham

Sugar Hill Babe

9st 11lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Lisa Williamson

Her front-running C&D win last May came off just 1lb lower; ended 2025 quietly but she returned to form after six months off, keeping on well for second at Musselburgh (5f, good) 32 days ago; takes on some less-exposed 3yos but likely to go well.

7/1

2nd

2

(3)

29th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 4

15:15 Musselburgh

Sugar Hill Babe

9st 8lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Lisa Williamson

Reappears off the mark she defied at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) last May and has won first time up before; also a creditable third on previous C&D visit; no surprise were she to go well.

9/1

9th

3

(6)

24th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 4

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Sugar Hill Babe

9st 8lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: Lisa Williamson

Dual C&D winner who has mainly performed well since winning from 2lb lower at Nottingham (5f, good to firm) in May; possible excuses for her last two defeats and could go well back here.

11/1

7th
11 (1)
Rory

9/1

Form: 183823 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Has won over C&D but returns to 5f for the first time since twice finishing runner-up here in January; needs a strong pace to aim at but still needs everything to fall right even if he does get it; others safer.
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

OUR TIP

10/1

Form: -51997 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Well held on turf the last twice, but two of his four wins have come over C&D and he is back off the same mark as for his latest success in March; drops into a Class 5 for the first time since winning here last October; high on list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(18)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:37 Thirsk

Castan

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

25-1 winner of a division of this race 12 months ago; arrives in form following a success at Southwell and a creditable fourth of eight at Ripon; should be in the thick of things again.

8/1

4th

4

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

16:10 Ripon

Castan

8st 12lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Bryan Smart

Placed three times on AW over the winter before resuming winning ways over 5f at Southwell 18 days ago; hasn't been successful above a mark of 76 so a career best will be needed if he's to follow up.

13/2

1st

4

(3)

7th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 5

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Castan

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

C&D scorer who wasn't seen to ideal effect when eighth of 12 in 5f Newcastle handicap last month, helping set a strong gallop; not out of things eased 1lb.

7/1

Form: -14755 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Usually seen over further and though he did win over 5f off 4lb lower at Doncaster in March, that was on soft ground; 0-4 on the AW and not sure this is his ideal scenario.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(4)

27th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

17:20 Beverley

Thornaby Pearl

9st 9lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

Both wins on soft but has useful form on good to firm; has yet to race on this course but he's versatile track-wise and comes here in good form after finishing close up at Hamilton (5f, good) recently; thereabouts.

3/1

3rd

2

(1)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 6

17:30 Hamilton

Thornaby Pearl

9st 9lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

Suited by ground softer than good; five-time winner, most recently off current mark over C&D last August; ran respectably at Doncaster on reappearance; in the mix.

7/1

5th

17

(13)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

17:50 Doncaster

Thornaby Pearl

8st 10lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Adrian Nicholls

Has gone well fresh in the past, as when winning a division of this race in 2024 (soft ground); only 2lb higher than when winning at Hamilton last August (first run after wind surgery); failed to beat a rival in his two subsequent runs; unlikely to find it easy dominating in this field.

25/1

10th
12 (8)
Buraback

12/1

Form: 311054 C

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Won four times in the spring, twice over 5f on soft ground/Polytrack and twice over 6f at Wolverhampton (Tapeta); not disgraced the last twice, but needs a bit more to defy this mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

(8)

24th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Buraback

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Derek Shaw

Conditions to suit and he ran well in defeat at Chelmsford (5f) in February/March; didn't run badly in a stronger C&D handicap last week and he can feature prominently back into 0-55 company.

6/1

7th

10

(8)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

16:22 Wolverhampton (AW)

Buraback

8st 4lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Derek Shaw

Finished a solid second at Chelmsford (5f Class 6) on his last two starts and his turn looks near; back up in grade but receives weight all round and remains favourably treated on plenty of form; not dismissed.

7/1

7/1

Form: 3-4773 CD

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
1-25 on turf, but 5-18 on the AW including a win over C&D from 3lb higher last summer; last 14 starts have been in cheekpieces, but blinkers return today (worn twice before); one for the shortlist off what looks a favourable mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(7)

23rd Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

16:27 Southwell (AW)

Nelson Gay

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Multiple winner on the AW and consistent in the main; in front 2f out but didn't quite get home when third here last month; respected off same mark.

7/1

3rd

5

(7)

27th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Nelson Gay

9st 7lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Michael Dods

Won twice over C&D early this year and he's now 2lb lower than for the second of them; showed signs of a return to form when fourth of nine at Lingfield three weeks ago; solid candidate.

9/2

1

(3)

8th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 6y

Class 6

14:52 Lingfield (AW)

Nelson Gay

9st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Michael Dods

Three wins this year include two on the Southwell AW; hasn't been flying of late but he's the type to bounce back and this mark is fine.

11/2

Form: 183326 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Nine wins on the AW have included five here, the latest from just 1lb lower in March; returns to the AW after some creditable efforts on turf and can't be dismissed entirely, even though this is a better race than he normally contests these days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(5)

25th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Phoenix Star

9st 2lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Five-time C&D winner, including twice around this time last year, who's on the downgrade now; is handicapped accordingly but has had a good few chances in similar company of late.

10/1

3rd

6

(2)

10th Mar 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Phoenix Star

9st 9lb

J: George Wood

T: Jessica Macey

took keen hold, in rear on far side of group, headway and went third inside final furlong, kept on

6/1

7

(6)

19th Feb 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:25 Kempton (AW)

Phoenix Star

9st 0lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Jessica Macey

Should be winning races off his reduced mark and the return to 6f looks a good move judged on recent efforts; four of his 12 wins have come over C&D; high on the list.

4/1

Form: 1-9060 CD

Last run: 69 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Dual C&D winner and 4lb lower than when successful at Ayr (6f, soft) last summer, but his four efforts since returning in January (three of them back here) leave him with enough to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(8)

28th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:20 Ripon

Our Absent Friends

9st 5lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Seven wins, the latest at Newcastle in December off a 6lb lower mark; good second off 1lb lower back at Newcastle in March but well held back on turf at Doncaster later that month; freshened up since.

10/1

17th

14

(4)

29th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

17:50 Doncaster

Our Absent Friends

9st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tristan Davidson

Seven wins, the latest at Newcastle in December off a 6lb lower mark; good second off 1lb lower back at Newcastle 24 days ago; should give his running but others may prove better treated.

12/1

2nd

10

(8)

5th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Our Absent Friends

8st 13lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tristan Davidson

Gained a third C&D success in December and largely in good nick since, fourth of nine over C&D two weeks ago; ought to be in the shake-up.

10/1

20/1

Form: 2007-9 D

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Both wins came on soft turf last summer and is 1lb lower than for the latest; has run well in two of his three starts on the AW (including over C&D), but he failed to beat a rival on his recent Hamilton return so he needs to step up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

4

(8)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:06 Newcastle (AW)

Borough

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

slowly away, always behind

14/1

10th

4

(8)

23rd Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:06 Newcastle (AW)

Borough

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

slowly away, always behind

14/1

8th

4

(11)

11th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:35 Newcastle (AW)

Borough

9st 9lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

dwelt start, towards rear

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £38.00
Straight Forecast £38.25
Tricast £319.46
Trifecta £243.70

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Elegant Erin

The Guardian:

Nelson Gay

TOPSPEED:

Rory

SPOTLIGHT:

Castan

D Express:

Never Dark

POSTDATA:

Rory

Daily Mail:

Nelson Gay

The Sun:

Nelson Gay

The Star:

Nelson Gay

The Times:

Elegant Erin

Telegraph:

Elegant Erin

Daily Mirror:

Elegant Erin

Daily Record:

Elegant Erin