January 08 / 15.55 Newcastle (AW)

15.55

Standard

BetMGM: It’s Showtime Apprentice Handicap

  • Prize money: £2983.38
  • 0m 7f 14y
  • Class 6
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
BetMGM: It’s Showtime Apprentice Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Mostly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.00
  • Place: £2.40

Form: 84725- CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 6lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
On lengthy losing run but he's a Tapeta specialist who was runner-up over C&D on his penultimate run; didn't shine here last time but the step back up to 1m backfired and he has possibilities back at this trip; blinkers reapplied.
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

13/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 98955-

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Odds-on winner in France (6.5f, good) on debut in August 2022; has not come close to that form in eight runs since but he's tumbled down the weights and didn't get much luck when fifth at Wolverhampton (5f, Tapeta) on his stable debut last month; now takes a big step back up in trip and he could be dangerous.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Beylerbeyi

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Tricky to settle and is held up in rear; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 9lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year; back to near his best when eighth of 20 at Royal Ascot (2m4f) but he needs to hit a new high if he's to win this.

16/1

8th

1

(16)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Beylerbeyi

9st 12lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 9lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year; not nearly so good in his two races back on turf but his recent run at Epsom (1m2f) should have teed him up nicely for this; current mark and tactical issues coming from the rear are the chief worries.

12/1

10th

5

(17)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Beylerbeyi

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Acts on good to soft, much more to prove on soft; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 10lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year, prior to tailing off at 50-1 in the Group 3 Ormonde at Chester four weeks ago; he's not on a bad mark but plenty needs to go right if one of his late rushes is to prevail in this.

33/1

5/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 37443-

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Record of 0-13 but she's reached the frame in four of her last five runs including when third with blinkers added at Kempton (7f) last month; that was a solid effort behind a well-handicapped rival and she should be in the mix again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(10)

20th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Sparkling Spirit

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

midfield on near side of group

3/1

10

15th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

16:22 Southwell (AW)

Sparkling Spirit

9st 4lb

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

2nd

11

15th Feb 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

15:12 Southwell (AW)

Sparkling Spirit

9st 3lb

T: Adrian Paul Keatley

took keen hold, held up in rear, headway towards near side over 1f out, pressed winner inside final 110yds, kept on

11/4

Form: 89969- CD

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Her last win was off 11lb higher at Southwell (7f, Tapeta) but that was 12 months ago and she's finished down the field in her last five runs; this drop back in trip is a positive but she needs a major upturn in form; reapplied blinkers replace cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(3)

25th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 6

13:00 Nottingham

Comedian Leader

9st 2lb

J: William Cox

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Has gained all eight of her wins over further (6f-1m); finished off well to be beaten around 2l over 5f on the AW at Lingfield 97 days ago; returns to turf having been off since and will need a good pace to aim at.

11/2

25/1

Form: 96090- CD

Last run: 122 days

W: 9st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
All seven wins have been on Tapeta, including four over C&D; very well treated on his best form last winter but he's been out of sorts in last eight runs and needs a major revival back from four months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

(2)

25th Jan 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

15:20 Southwell (AW)

Abnaa

9st 6lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

held up in rear, outpaced over 2f out

10/1

7th

7

(6)

19th Jan 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Abnaa

9st 5lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

midfield

10/1

5th

2

(11)

8th Jan 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

15:55 Newcastle (AW)

Abnaa

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Breslin

T: Antony Brittain

All seven wins have been on Tapeta, including four over C&D; very well treated on his best form last winter but he's been out of sorts in last eight runs and needs a major revival back from four months off.

25/1

Form: 79717- C

Last run: 45 days

W: 9st 4lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Ended a lengthy losing run when scoring over 6f here in November but that was a bolt from the blue and she's finished a well-held seventh in both runs either side of that; this step back up in trip is no problem but she comes with risks attached.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

12

(10)

3rd May 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

21:00 Newcastle (AW)

Dandys Gold

9st 4lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

This is her level nowadays but she kept on well to score over C&D a week ago and is effectively only 3lb higher under 4lb penalty; probably won't be far away.

5/1

7th

12

(10)

3rd May 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

21:00 Newcastle (AW)

Dandys Gold

9st 4lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

This is her level nowadays but she kept on well to score over C&D a week ago and is effectively only 3lb higher under 4lb penalty; probably won't be far away.

5/1

1st

6

(1)

26th Apr 2024

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

21:00 Newcastle (AW)

Dandys Gold

9st 4lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

in touch with leaders, some headway over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, jockey dropped rein but kept on inside final 110yds

10/1

Form: 505/8-

Last run: 254 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Well held in his three 2yo runs and same story when eighth of 12 on his handicap debut at Doncaster (6f, soft) in April; returns after another lengthy absence and he needs a transformation back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(5)

29th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:45 Ayr

Maries Jewel

9st 1lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

A maiden after nine starts but has twice finished second on Tapeta at Newcastle (6f/7f) in recent weeks and is now 1lb lower; has a fighting chance if this switch back to turf suits.

6/1

6th

7

(5)

29th Apr 2024

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:45 Ayr

Maries Jewel

9st 1lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

led narrowly, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong

6/1

5th

6

(7)

8th Apr 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

16:50 Newcastle (AW)

Maries Jewel

9st 7lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Roger Fell & Sean Murray

midfield

9/2

7/1

Form: 02531- D

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at the 20th attempt when justifying support at Wolverhampton (7f, Tapeta) on Boxing Day; that was a narrow success but he battled well to come out on top and is only 1lb higher here; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(3)

27th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Van Zant

9st 3lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Won 7f Southwell classified in January and is also suited by this C&D but his recent efforts have been disappointing and his overall profile is not persuasive.

20/1

6th

8

(2)

21st Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Van Zant

8st 12lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

7f win here in January but he's gone off the boil more recently; a full revival is required.

16/1

12th

12

(11)

4th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Van Zant

9st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

In good form early in the year but ran poorly behind two of these over C&D 11 days ago; is some way down the pecking order from another wide stall.

16/1

9th
6 (10)
Conri

12/1

Form: /5450-

Last run: 29 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo but his form has been mixed so far and he finished last of ten when upped to 7f at Wolverhampton last month; dropped another 3lb but others are more convincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

(1)

25th Jan 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

15:20 Southwell (AW)

Conri

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

midfield

14/1

9th

6

(10)

8th Jan 2024

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

15:55 Newcastle (AW)

Conri

9st 7lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David O’Meara

Lightly raced 4yo but his form has been mixed so far and he finished last of ten when upped to 7f at Wolverhampton last month; dropped another 3lb but others are more convincing.

12/1

8

10th Dec 2023

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

16:50 Wolverhampton (AW)

Conri

9st 9lb

T: David O’Meara

Form: 46872-

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
11-race maiden but she made a bold bid when a close second off a reduced mark at Lingfield (1m, Polytrack) last month; only 1lb higher here and she's respected on this drop back to 7f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

27th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Fitz Perfectly

9st 7lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Danny Brooke

7

27th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Fitz Perfectly

9st 7lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Danny Brooke

11th

1

(2)

20th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

11:30 Southwell (AW)

Fitz Perfectly

10st 0lb

J: Alistair Rawlinson

T: Danny Brooke

Made all and just held on when off the mark at the 20th attempt at Wolverhampton (9.5f, Tapeta) 11 days ago; 4lb wrong under her penalty, but the drop back in trip may suit on her first visit here; high on list.

7/2

OUR TIP

Form: 942- BF

Last run: 111 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Well-bred gelding who is a half-brother to a 1m4f winner; has improved with each of his three runs and he pulled 5l clear of the third when runner-up in a Redcar novice (6f, good; odds-on) in September; looks on a fair mark for his handicap debut and he's open to more progress back up in trip; interesting contender on return.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

12

(2)

10th Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Greenwich

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Rebecca Menzies

Unexposed; best run when second in a Redcar novice (6f, good) last September; hasn't shown a great deal on last three starts; may do better with cheekpieces tried.

20/1

8th

1

(9)

3rd Sep 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Greenwich

9st 11lb

J: David Nolan

T: Rebecca Menzies

Looked as though he might be one for handicaps when second of eight in a Redcar novice (6f, good) a year ago, but lightly raced since and hasn't shone at all, his best effort a midfield finish here (7f) last month; best watched for now.

15/2

10th

1

(8)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

0m 6f 195y

Class 6

16:25 Carlisle

Greenwich

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Rebecca Menzies

Second in a 6f novice (good) on final start last term; flopped when favourite for handicap/seasonal debut at Newcastle (7f, AW; pulled hard) in January but beaten just under 4l over that same C&D when next seen 19 days ago, coming from last; could still do better and he needs a close look.

13/8

Non-runners

Martin's Brig

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £56.20
Straight Forecast £41.22
Tricast £512.60
Trifecta £604.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Greenwich

POSTDATA:

Van Zant

The Sun:

Sparkling Spirit

NEWMARKET:

Fitz Perfectly

Daily Mirror:

Beylerbeyi

RP RATINGS:

Conri

Telegraph:

Dandys Gold

The Times:

Greenwich

Daily Mail:

Greenwich

D Express:

Greenwich

The Star:

Greenwich

The Guardian:

Van Zant

Daily Record:

Van Zant