December 10 / 15.28 Newcastle (AW)

15.28

Standard To Slow

Huge Daily Boosts Only At BetUK Handicap

  • Prize money: £4536
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 12 runners
SKY
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Huge Daily Boosts Only At BetUK Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Snow showers

OUR TIP

Form: 448700 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Two C&D wins early in the year; not at his best here on his last two starts; drops in class and a worth market check with his yard in form but others have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

7

(6)

6th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Spartan Fighter

8st 11lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Tough 9yo who has won four 6f handicaps here this year; form dipped last time, however, and returning to 7f isn't enough to tempt.

9/1

9th

1

(2)

14th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

Spartan Fighter

9st 11lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Has won four of his five races, all over C&D, this year, his latest win coming last Tuesday when getting home by 0.5l; up 6lb but has won off higher marks in the past; should go well

7/2

1st

9

(7)

10th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

Spartan Fighter

8st 13lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Sprightly 9yo who completed a quick hat-trick of front-running C&D wins last month and lost out only by a neck off today's mark here on Wednesday; upped in grade but likely to give another good account.

5/1

Abandoned

Form: 911134 CD

Last run: 3 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Has returned from a wind operation a much-improved performer, landing a gamble over C&D in October and defying a penalty in good style one week later; completed his hat-trick at Chelmsford (7f) and two subsequent defeats don't suggest this mark is beyond him; likely to go well back at 6f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(3)

21st May 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

21:00 Southwell (AW)

One More Dream

9st 7lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: John & Sean Quinn

Dual course winner (6f/7f) and 3lb lower than when successful at Wolverhampton (6f, Tapeta) last September, but he can't be entertained on his performances in the meantime.

25/1

18th

13

(1)

18th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

14:47 Thirsk

One More Dream

8st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

The winner of 13 races, but just three of them have been on turf; yet to shine this year and he was behind a few of today's rivals over C&D last week.

20/1

12th

14

(12)

10th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

18:10 Thirsk

One More Dream

9st 5lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: John & Sean Quinn

Winner of 13 races and just 1lb higher than for the latest, but quiet in two starts at Southwell (6f, AW) since returning in February; needs to step up.

20/1

Abandoned

Form: -10972 D

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Game effort to win at Catterick on his return to action in April (6f, good); had six months off afterwards and well beaten in his first three runs back from that layoff; back in the groove when second of 11 at Southwell on Tuesday; respected off the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

11

(13)

21st Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 217y

Class 6

16:27 Redcar

Motawaazy

9st 1lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

Has tumbled down the weights in the past year but rather struggled in four runs back following wind surgery; hard to enthuse about.

12/1

5th

2

(4)

3rd Jul 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:55 Thirsk

Motawaazy

9st 9lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Michael Dods

soon disputed lead, led narrowly over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon lost second, weakened final furlong

16/1

Abandoned

Form: 031047 CD

Last run: 4 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Off the mark for the year with a wide-margin win at Redcar in October (6f, heavy); beaten off this mark on AW the last twice; minor money perhaps his best hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

(2)

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:15 Thirsk

Kapono

9st 6lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell

dwelt start, raced near side

7/1

2nd

1

(9)

31st Mar 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:20 Newcastle (AW)

Kapono

9st 9lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell

towards rear, switched right and headway from over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong, went second final 110yds

10/1

6th

3

(9)

24th Mar 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

Kapono

9st 9lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Roger Fell

Wide-margin winner of a 6f handicap at Redcar in October off this mark; not found that form in two 7f runs here this year but better is expected back down in trip and dropping into a Class 6.

14/1

Abandoned

Form: 080225 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Runner-up twice at Pontefract (6f) in October; didn't run badly over 7f at Southwell last month but more will be needed if he's to get off the mark for the year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(3)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Barneys Bay

9st 1lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Derek Shaw

1-34 on the AW, that win coming over 6f at Southwell in April 2021; rather out of sorts over 6f-1m this year and now tries 5f for the first time since May 2024.

33/1

11th

11

(9)

11th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Barneys Bay

9st 0lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Derek Shaw

Without a victory since 2023 and he has yet to make the frame in seven starts in 2026; hard to warm to.

33/1

6th

9

(5)

23rd Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Barneys Bay

9st 0lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Derek Shaw

Minor classified form at 1m, 7f and 6f this year and it's 13 months since he posed a serious threat in a handicap (over 7f at Southwell); up against it.

25/1

Form: 420518 C BF

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Ready winner of a 5f handicap here in October but he couldn't back it up last month; stays 6f but likely another career best will be needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(10)

7th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Golden Rainbow

9st 6lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Proved resurgent with close third at Newcastle most recently; this five-time AW scorer remains well treated on best form; in the mix.

11/2

3rd

5

(3)

26th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Golden Rainbow

9st 7lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Conditions no problem but only ninth behind a couple of these over C&D last week and he'll be 2lb lower from the weekend; type to come good again soon.

12/1

6

(9)

19th Sep 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Golden Rainbow

9st 7lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Rebecca Menzies

C&D win 12 months ago came off an 8lb higher mark; pick of this summer's form gives him claims but he has suffered heavy defeats on his last three starts; too much to prove for now.

25/1

Abandoned

Form: 312838 CD

Last run: 72 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Won five times for Chris Dwyer, including twice over C&D; wasn't at his best when last seen and a ten-week break and a change of yard need to prompt a full revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(9)

8th Jul 2024

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Ayr

Thaki

10st 0lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Katie Scott

Regained the winning thread at Hamilton (6f, good) last time and remains favourably treated on peak form; defied a 4lb higher mark over C&D last August and warrants respect.

11/4

1st

3

(3)

27th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

20:45 Hamilton

Thaki

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: Katie Scott

made virtually all, hung right from over 1f out, clear with one other and ridden inside final furlong, kept on well

10/1

Abandoned

Form: 163531 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Two 7f wins this year, latterly at this track 25 days ago (first-time cheekpieces, retained); was clinging on late on that occasion and possible this first crack at 6f can squeeze out a bit more from her.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(15)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 6

15:30 Doncaster

Emily Post

9st 12lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Well treated on old form but last win was two years ago and she's not posed a threat in her three runs this season; now drops back into a Class 6 event but she needs to find some extra spark.

12/1

7th

7

(3)

2nd Jul 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:03 Thirsk

Emily Post

9st 0lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

On a losing run but handicapped accordingly and she ran a creditable race when fourth at Wetherby last month (7f, good to firm); better could be forthcoming.

5/1

Abandoned

Form: 640118 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Won his final two starts for John Butler but he took a hike up the ratings and was down the field at Wolverhampton on his stable debut 12 days ago; others more appealing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(4)

19th Mar 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Starjik

9st 0lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Ewan Whillans

Didn't get home behind Bungle Bay over C&D 17 days ago and his best efforts have come over 6f; could prove vulnerable late on once again.

14/1

5th

11

(3)

2nd Mar 2024

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Starjik

9st 9lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Ewan Whillans

Dual 6f winner; bred to be as effective back at 7f and looks interesting on classified debut with reappearance under his belt.

16/1

6th

5

(1)

19th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

17:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Starjik

9st 6lb

J: Archie Young

T: Ewan Whillans

Won twice off higher marks on Polytrack (6f) in the autumn of 2022 but he's drawn a blank since and has finished out the back at Chelmsford in his last two starts; down the list.

10/1

Abandoned

Form: 507070 CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Hasn't fired back from his summer break, including when more prominent in the betting here five weeks ago (5f); continues to drop in the weights but others are more persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

13

(7)

8th May 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

Gowanlad

9st 3lb

J: Madi Patzelt

T: Philip Kirby

midfield

16/1

13th

9

(5)

22nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:50 Thirsk

Gowanlad

9st 4lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Philip Kirby

raced near side

14/1

10th

6

(9)

23rd Feb 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Gowanlad

9st 2lb

J: Phil Dennis

T: Philip Kirby

All three wins on Tapeta, the latest over 5f here a year ago; now 6lb lower, but he has finished out of the frame in all eight starts since that success so doubts over whether he can take advantage.

14/1

Abandoned

Form: 334211 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Reliable sprinter who comes here chasing a hat-trick after ready wins at Redcar and C&D; 4lb rise for last time doesn't look excessive as he had the race in safe keeping some way out; up in class but high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(6)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

19:42 Ripon

Blazing Son

9st 6lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Bryan Smart

More productive on AW (5-17) than on turf (2-28) and was only run out of it inside the final furlong at Newcastle (7f Class 5; 9-1) in March; less effective since (0-2) but is slowly easing in the weights, and is perhaps best suited by 6f.

11/1

9th

4

(3)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Blazing Son

9st 7lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Bryan Smart

Seven-time winner who scored off 1lb higher over C&D in September; has been hit and miss since but he finished second here (7f) on his penultimate run and wasn't disgraced after an awkward start at Southwell last time; usually races prominently and he's not ruled out back at this track.

10/1

Abandoned

Form: 452424 C

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Infrequent winner but he comes here in good form and returning to 6f won't be a problem; should give a good account.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

3

(11)

21st Jun 2023

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:55 Newcastle (AW)

Macho Pride

9st 9lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Ruth Carr

5lb better off with Beast Of Burden for a C&D defeat of just over 1l last month, and last week's fine Hamilton second was a third podium finish from as many starts since; losing run mounting up, but claims still good.

4/1

2nd

4

(12)

14th Jun 2023

Good To Firm

0m 6f 6y

Class 6

17:50 Hamilton

Macho Pride

11st 2lb

J: Miss Chelsea Brooks

T: Ruth Carr

Sandwiched between Beast Of Burden and Zegos Surprise when second at Newcastle early last month and has backed that effort up twice since (one C&D), albeit held behind Giselles Izzy latest; obvious place claims.

9/1

3rd

1

(1)

1st Jun 2023

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:22 Ripon

Macho Pride

9st 10lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Poor strike-rate and on a long losing run but he is fully effective over C&D and he comes here on the back of two seconds last month; drawn on the outside and may have to wait a bit longer to get off the mark for this yard.

9/2

Verdict

One More Dream and Motawaazy ran well earlier in the week and make the shortlist, but BLAZING SON is going the right way and he can take this step up in class in his stride.[Paul Smith]

Selections

POSTDATA:

One More Dream

SPOTLIGHT:

Blazing Son

RP Ratings:

Kapono

TOPSPEED:

Thaki

D Express:

Macho Pride

THE NORTH:

One More Dream

The Times:

One More Dream

Daily Mail:

One More Dream

The Star:

One More Dream

Telegraph:

Blazing Son

The Guardian:

Blazing Son

Daily Mirror:

Blazing Son

Daily Record:

Blazing Son

The Sun:

Kapono