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

4th

9

(7)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:15 Beverley

Elegant Erin

8st 13lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Paul Midgley

Positives include a penchant for soft ground and a C&D record that reads 1166126113; beaten in a Class 4 handicap last month though and she faces a stiff task in this company.

40/1

3rd

2

(6)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

19:02 Beverley

Elegant Erin

10st 0lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Paul Midgley

Five wins and a second from nine attempts over C&D; ended 2025 in flying form and returned off a brutal mark as a consequence; handicapper relenting now and her third at Nottingham 13 days ago was a step back in the right direction; this should be run to suit and she's a strong contender.

5/1

3rd

1

(2)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 4

19:45 Nottingham

Elegant Erin

10st 4lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Paul Midgley

Eight-time turf winner including on fast and soft ground; ended last season with a good fourth in a Listed race at Ascot (5f) but she's been out of sorts in her four runs this year; on dangerous mark but she needs to get back on track.

10/1

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

9th

6

(7)

29th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 3

13:45 Beverley

Paddys Day

9st 4lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Won six times on AW last year; has just one success on turf (good to firm on his debut in 2022) but he was placed on both starts here and last time's third of seven at Doncaster (5f, good to firm) was a solid effort; regularly stays away from ground worse than good so probably doesn't want any rain, which is forecast.

12/1

3rd

1

(1)

3rd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 3y

Class 3

15:10 Doncaster

Paddys Day

10st 0lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

He's just 1-25 on turf but was runner-up over C&D (good to firm) last month and wasn't beaten far in a competitive Class 2 at favourite course Newcastle (5f, AW) last Friday; could be in the mix.

7/2

7th

14

(9)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 2

19:28 Newcastle (AW)

Paddys Day

9st 1lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Won this race 12 months ago off a 1lb higher mark and recorded his seventh C&D win when scoring in December; solid second on turf three weeks ago; should run his race.

10/1

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

3rd

9

(13)

27th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Carlisle

Never Dark

9st 4lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

Can lead; recorded the latest of his nine wins when taking Hamilton handicap (5f, soft) in September 2024; now 23lb lower but was only sixth of ten back at that track last Friday; career-low mark and any rain would be welcome.

12/1

6th

9

(12)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 6

20:15 Hamilton

Never Dark

9st 5lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Iain Jardine

Has won nine races, two over C&D (good to soft/soft); 3.5l second to Tanjen over C&D last time but meets her on the same terms, so may struggle to turn that form around.

8/1

2nd

5

(3)

11th Aug 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 7y

Class 6

17:30 Hamilton

Never Dark

9st 5lb

J: Jude Fernandes

T: Iain Jardine

Without a success since September 2024 but that did come over this C&D off a 22lb higher mark; faded into seventh of 11 here ten days ago but it would be no surprise to see him go well.

8/1

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

9

(4)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:10 Newcastle (AW)

Newyorkstateofmind

9st 1lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Regressive veteran; finished second at Catterick (5f, good) in May but little to celebrate since; vulnerable once more.

20/1

9th

14

(8)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:54 Newcastle (AW)

Newyorkstateofmind

8st 9lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Regressive veteran; finished second at Catterick (5f, good) in May but little to celebrate since; vulnerable once more.

33/1

6th

6

(9)

7th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:10 Thirsk

Newyorkstateofmind

9st 9lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Ruth Carr

Has a better strike-rate on the AW and his last turf win was over two years ago; finished well when runner-up at Catterick (5f, good) in May but he's been quiet since and reared at the start when down the field at Ayr last time; others preferred.

20/1

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

6th

2

(1)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 4

19:45 Nottingham

Sugar Hill Babe

10st 3lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: Lisa Williamson

Reappeared with a close second at Musselburgh in April and she built on that when forging clear over C&D (good) last month; up 6lb but she has form figures of 3211 at this track and was as good as ever last time; big player.

11/4

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

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

8th

11

(10)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

20:24 Newcastle (AW)

Castan

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

Multiple C&D winner; ran his best race for some time when third of ten at Beverley last week; major player back on AW.

9/2

3rd

3

(6)

13th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:45 Beverley

Castan

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Bryan Smart

5f AW win in April; hasn't reproduced that in four subsequent turf outings but he's back on that last successful mark and has run well here before.

12/1

6th

5

(7)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:17 Thirsk

Castan

9st 10lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Bryan Smart

5f AW win in April; ran well at Ripon (5f, good) later that month but he has struggled twice since; has a C&D win on his record but others bring more pressing claims.

33/1

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

2nd

3

(8)

31st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:10 Ripon

Thornaby Pearl

9st 11lb

J: Oliver Carmichael

T: Adrian Nicholls

Resurgent 8yo who has won four of his last seven starts, including at Windsor (5f, good to firm) two weeks ago; that was a last-gasp success but he beat a subsequent winner and this return to slower ground is no problem; big player again in his bid for a third course win.

5/1

1st

4

(8)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

17:20 Windsor

Thornaby Pearl

9st 12lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Adrian Nicholls

Usually claimer ridden, to set the pace or race prominently; 8yo who has never raced here but he's been competitive in nearly every race this season, winning three, and went down by just a head and a neck at Newmarket on latest outing; drawn a bit wide but needs major respect.

5/1

3rd

4

(4)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Newmarket (July)

Thornaby Pearl

9st 5lb

J: Oliver Carmichael

T: Adrian Nicholls

Prominent racer who made it three wins in his last five starts when making all at Musselburgh (5f, good) last Friday; it's over three years since he defied a mark this high but he has to be respected in his current mood.

11/4

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

3rd

1

(9)

31st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:10 Ripon

Our Absent Friends

10st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tristan Davidson

Acts on good to firm and soft; nine-time winner who scored by 4l at Catterick two weeks ago but was disappointing under a penalty there last Wednesday; up another 4lb, but he was as good as ever on his penultimate run and is a player if he can recapture that form.

5/1

5th

9

(9)

26th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:15 Catterick

Our Absent Friends

9st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tristan Davidson

Failed to beat a rival home at Thirsk (5f, good) but he's won over this C&D either side of that, including when coming 4l clear nine days ago; looks well treated under a 4lb penalty but this is a step up in class.

4/1

1st

3

(4)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:15 Catterick

Our Absent Friends

9st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tristan Davidson

Wins his share and he got off the mark for the year over C&D last month; well held at Thirsk three days ago but in a Class 4; this should be more suitable.

6/1

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