June 29 / 15.10 Newcastle (AW)

15.10

Standard

Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

  • Prize money: £81000
  • 2m 0f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 20 runners
ITV
View Course
Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

Runners: 20 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Showers

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £14.40
  • Place: £3.20

Form: -64282 C

Last run: 62 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Landed the rescheduled November Handicap over 1m4f here (off 4lb lower) in 2023 and ran well to make the frame over 1m4f/2m in three of his five AW starts this year; player on that but he has a modest strike-rate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

8

(1)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Onesmoothoperator

9st 8lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Won the 2024 Northumberland Plate (2m, AW) and also a Group 3 handicap in Australia (1m4f, good) last October; usually held up and he came from the back when seventh of 20 in this race last year; whether he's well enough handicapped to win this time round remains to be seen but he's shown enough in his two British starts this summer to demand each-way respect.

28/1

4th

3

(1)

12th Jul 2025

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:45 York

Onesmoothoperator

9st 0lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Won last season's Northumberland Plate (2m, AW) and also a Group 3 handicap in Australia (1m4f, good) last October; some fair efforts in Meydan earlier this year, and also in the Northumberland Plate a fortnight ago following a break, but he needs to raise his game to take this.

12/1

8th

1

(7)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Onesmoothoperator

9st 12lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Brian Ellison

Usually runs well at Newcastle, where he won this race last year in good style; took a big prize in Australia last October and struck up a solid sequence over the winter; absent 119 days and 12lb higher than 12 months ago, which surely demands a career best, but needs respect.

10/1

14/1

  • Place: £7.90

Form: 45-591 D

Last run: 67 days

W: 8st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Fourth in the Vase in 2022; absent from November 2022 until November 2023; with new yard for last two starts and got up close home in a six-runner race at Wolverhampton (2m, AW) in April latest; going back up 2lb does not rule him out (peak 2022 form was 4lb higher) and he needs a second look.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

15th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

15:20 Wetherby

Evaluation

11st 12lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Useful Flat racer who is still unexposed over hurdles and was close second in Perth handicap (2m, good) on latest outing two months ago; only 2lb higher here and ought to be right in the thick of things again.

7/2

5

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 2

18:07 Perth

Evaluation

10st 2lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Smart handicapper on the Flat; a tad disappointing so far over hurdles given his ability but was close up in a C&D handicap three months ago when a stronger pace would have suited; could yet raise his profile in this discipline; 2lb out of the weights.

5/1

3

15th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 47y

Class 3

15:53 Perth

Evaluation

11st 10lb

J: Patrick Wadge

T: Lucinda Russell

Useful Flat performer (second in the 2024 Northumberland Plate); not as good over hurdles so far, winning over 2m at Ayr on debut in November (good; first run after wind surgery) and last time finishing runner-up at Kelso (2m, good); quite interesting on h'cap debut.

11/4

10/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: 11-320 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Progressed well since September coming from off the pace on AW, including for two 2m wins late last year and a fine second off this mark over C&D at the AW Championships in March; no show from wide draw in the Chester Cup on his only start since but should be a lot more interesting again today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

16:55 York

Duke Of Oxford

9st 0lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Michael Bell

Eight AW wins, two last winter in 2m handicaps; however, he failed to beat a rival in Group 3 at Sandown (2m, good) on turf return, has tons to prove on turf record (0-5) and even best AW form does not look good enough.

25/1

7th

4

(8)

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

18:12 Sandown

Duke Of Oxford

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: Michael Bell

Progressive on AW in the winter with 2m handicap wins at Kempton and Newcastle; however, only fifth of 12 at Newcastle (2m) last month and the suitability of turf is questionable.

40/1

20/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 8/1024 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Seen far more often over hurdles; lost his way in that discipline but smooth 2m winner on the Kempton AW in March (first Flat start since 2021) and he's run well on turf since over 1m6f and 1m5f; often wears cheekpieces, which return today after he was hooded instead on penultimate start and had no headgear on latest; others are preferred for the win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(8)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Too Friendly

8st 7lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: James Owen

Seen far more often over hurdles; lost his way in that discipline but smooth 2m winner on the Kempton AW in March (first Flat start since 2021) and he's run well on turf since over 1m6f and 1m5f; often wears cheekpieces, which return today after he was hooded instead on penultimate start and had no headgear on latest; others are preferred for the win.

20/1

4th

4

(1)

2nd Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:40 Hamilton

Too Friendly

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: James Owen

Seen far more often over hurdles (winner on varied ground); lost his way in that discipline but smooth 2m winner on the Kempton AW in March (first Flat start since 2021) and close second of six to Hope You Can Run at Newmarket (1m6f) two weeks ago; often wears cheekpieces, but hooded instead on latest start and has no headgear today; may still have more to offer on Flat.

8/1

2nd

6

(1)

19th May 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Newmarket

Too Friendly

9st 3lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: James Owen

Seen far more often over hurdles (winner on varied ground); has lost his way in that discipline but he was a smooth 2m winner on the Kempton AW in March (first Flat start since 2021) and was not discredited when tenth in the Chester Cup nine days ago; first-time hood replaces cheekpieces; may still have more to offer on Flat.

4/1

Form: 825-22 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 8lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won here last May; mostly progressive over the last year, including when second on both starts this term; can race freely and that seemed to find him out on his two attempts last term over about 1m6f but he made a strong late bid when short-headed over that trip at Goodwood (when usual cheekpieces were removed) on latest outing; 2m is new but he is one to take seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

4th Oct 2024

Heavy

1m 7f 209y

Class 3

14:47 Ascot

True Legend

10st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

steadied start, held up in rear, steady headway from 4f out, waiting for room home turn, outpaced over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went second inside final 110yds

9/2

9th

4

(2)

3rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Goodwood

True Legend

9st 3lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Unraced on soft; can race freely but has run well at 1m6f and 2m this season; strong late bid when short-headed by Tides Of War over C&D in May, followed by fifth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) and close third last Friday at Ascot (2m); usual cheekpieces (absent for last three starts) are back; a leading contender.

8/1

3rd

1

(8)

26th Jul 2024

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 3

14:25 Ascot

True Legend

10st 4lb

J: Shane Kelly

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Mostly progressive; can race freely but he made a strong late bid when short-headed over 1m6f at Goodwood on penultimate outing and ran on from out the back (slowly away after blindfold was removed late) when fifth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (AW) last time on step up to 2m; usual cheekpieces were removed for those last two outings; 2m now looks worth pursuing and it would not be a great surprise if improvement is resumed.

7/2

20/1

Form: 18-786 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 3lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Upped to 2m when winning a competitive handicap at the York Ebor meeting (good to firm) last August; failed to see out the 2m2f of Chester Cup this May but did not shine at Haydock (poor record there) five weeks ago; just 1lb higher than the York win but this is his AW debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(3)

15th Jun 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 3

16:45 Hamilton

Forza Orta

8st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

Disappointing sort who ended up 12l behind King's Scholar here last time, following wind surgery; now has a tongue-tie (tried on final start last term) and first-time blinkers.

25/1

2

(14)

28th May 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Hamilton

Forza Orta

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

0-7 last year and has weakened quickly on both runs this term; however, a wind operation may have done the trick and his good course form and a dangerous mark suggest he's worth a second look.

12/1

2

(14)

28th May 2025

Good

1m 5f 16y

Class 4

16:30 Hamilton

Forza Orta

9st 6lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

0-7 last year and has weakened quickly on both runs this term; however, a wind operation may have done the trick and his good course form and a dangerous mark suggest he's worth a second look.

12/1

11/1

Form: -11135 D

Last run: 71 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Flat form took off again last winter with the switch to AW, winning three in a row before his creditable third at Newcastle on finals day, all over 2m; ran respectably on turf in April on latest outing; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(18)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Spartan Army

8st 11lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Alan King

Flat form took off again last winter with the switch to AW, winning three in a row before his creditable third at Newcastle on finals day, all over 2m; ran respectably on turf in April on latest outing; each-way claims.

11/1

19

(7)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

19:15 Ascot

Spartan Army

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Reserve; won three in a row over 2m on AW early this year; has run well in defeat the last twice, most recently travelling well when finishing fifth back on turf at Newbury (2m, good to soft); he may benefit from this drop back in distance and could give a good account.

25/1

5th

5

(5)

19th Apr 2024

Soft

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

15:45 Newbury

Spartan Army

9st 3lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

disputed lead early, headed and prominent after 1f

5/1

Form: 210-35 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won last year's 2m2f Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket and good fifth when ridden more prominently than usual in the Chester Cup (good to firm) this May; her three AW races were on Polytrack at start of career, winning on third occasion; assuming she's fully effective on this surface, she could still have more to offer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

(7)

3rd Jul 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

18:58 Kempton (AW)

Grand Providence

9st 6lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Andrew Balding

Won 1m3f novice here in 2023 and the Cesarewitch Trial (2m2f) later that year; lightly raced since and she wasn't beaten far in the Chester Cup last May but needs to be at her peak to win this after over a year off.

11/1

8th

12

(14)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Grand Providence

8st 6lb

J: David Probert

T: Andrew Balding

Won last year's 2m2f Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket and good fifth when ridden more prominently than usual in the Chester Cup (good to firm) this May; her three AW races were on Polytrack at start of career, winning on third occasion; assuming she's fully effective on this surface, she could still have more to offer.

7/1

Form: 7-8903

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Close second in this race in 2022 on his only visit to Newcastle; missed most of 2023 and has not been near his peak this season but there's also been a 9lb slip in the weights, which saw him come third at Goodwood in second-time cheekpieces on latest outing; needs to build on that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

5

(1)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Spirit Mixer

9st 4lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Beat Dancing In Paris by a neck to win this race last year off 6lb lower; also won at Chester in September and two of his three starts this term have been creditable, so he's in the each-way picture.

14/1

10th

5

(10)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Spirit Mixer

9st 1lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

One of three for the yard; won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, AW) last June and has a 4-7 record at Chester, although his two performances in this race were muted (from double-figure draws); reappearance six weeks ago matched his best 2025 form but a bit extra will be needed.

14/1

3rd

3

(4)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Spirit Mixer

9st 13lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Andrew Balding

Won the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (2m, Tapeta) last June and bagged a second valuable 2m handicap success of the year at Chester in September; however, disappointing in this race in 2024 on his only race at Kempton and this stage of the season may not be the time to catch him.

7/1

10th
4 (13)
Zoffee

8/1

Form: 6080-1 CD

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Won well in the Vase on this card in 2022 but well beaten in last year's Plate; very nearly won last year's Chester Cup and everything fell right for him in that race this year, winning off 4lb lower than today; failed to sustain his form in 2023 but did in 2022, so needs a great deal of respect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(10)

13th Sep 2025

Good

1m 7f 196y

Class 2

14:40 Chester

Zoffee

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Hugo Palmer

Second, first and third in the last three Chester Cups; he didn't quite reproduce that form in the 2023 or 2024 campaigns, however, and tailed off at Royal Ascot on first attempt this season; comfortably held in fourth in this race last year; this does not look the time to catch him.

7/1

19th

11

(8)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Zoffee

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

Second, first and third in the last three Chester Cups and not far away in this race two years ago; back up 3lb since latest Chester Cup, however, and he didn't quite reproduce the Chester form in either the 2023 or 2024 campaigns.

20/1

3rd

8

(4)

9th May 2025

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Zoffee

8st 11lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Hugo Palmer

led narrowly, headed after 1f, soon prominent on inner, no extra final 110yds

10/1

OUR TIP

Form: 674-33

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
1m6f Group 3 winner last May and best form when beaten 3l in the Ebor at York; while he was a bit below form on both starts this term, he shaped encouragingly when running on behind top stayer on latest; unraced both beyond 1m6f (may well stay) and on AW but one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

7

(16)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Yashin

9st 11lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Bell

Ex-Irish 7yo; won a slowly run, four-runner Group 3 over 2m here in April 2025 on his stable debut but failed to kick on and he needed to run a lot better than he did at Newmarket in early May (1m6f) to be seriously considered here; the hood and blinkers are new additions.

50/1

12th

3

(9)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Yashin

9st 7lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Michael Bell

Started 2025 with a bang for new connections when winning a slowly run, four-runner Group 3 at Ascot (2m, good to firm) in April; remote with ambitious targets on next three starts and although sixth of 11 in 2m handicap at Chester in September was an upturn, markedly better is required to win this..

12/1

Form: 114-11 D

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Can front-run; 6-9 in handicaps, well on top at Nottingham (2m) and Pontefract (2m2f) in his two starts this season; Hollie Doyle now rides him for the first time; his only two AW races came before he was handicapped and he has 5lb penalty as a result of last Sunday's win; a repeat of his slow start that day wouldn't be ideal in this large field but this progressive sort is very much one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(9)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Trooper Bisdee

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Typical of a Prescott handicapper to have graduated from a low level to where he is now, and he could have done with faster ground when beaten 12l in last season's Cesarewitch (soft); plenty to like about his reappearance run under a big weight at Goodwood (2m, good) and he gave the impression he'd stay all day when winning over Pontefract's stiff 2m2f last season (good to firm); one of the more appealing each-way options.

12/1

2

(10)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Trooper Bisdee

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Successful six times during a spell as a classic Prescott improver; limitations somewhat exposed in Class 2 events (including two major handicaps) subsequently; a possible danger back down in grade.

10/1

2

(10)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Trooper Bisdee

9st 12lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Sir Mark Prescott Bt

Successful six times during a spell as a classic Prescott improver; limitations somewhat exposed in Class 2 events (including two major handicaps) subsequently; a possible danger back down in grade.

10/1

13th
19 (3)
Rathgar

20/1

Form: 2-3132

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Close third on Chelmsford Polytrack (1m5f) in April on his only AW outing; won at Goodwood (1m6f, heavy) in May and good second at Thirsk (1m6f) 13 days ago; 2lb out of the handicap but worth this first crack at 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(10)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:22 Sandown

Rathgar

9st 12lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Jack Channon

Better than ever with 1m2f wins at Newbury and Epsom (made all) on good ground in April but a further 5lb rise proved enough to stop him at York last time; might be vulnerable again.

9/1

9th

3

(5)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Rathgar

9st 4lb

J: James Doyle

T: Jack Channon

Very close to his best when beating 13 others to land Newbury handicap in April and he made all at Epsom (also 1m2f, good) ten days later; may have been fortunate to beat a subsequently impressive winner on the latter occasion, however, and this career-high mark demands a fair bit more.

6/1

1st

5

(1)

28th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 17y

Class 2

15:15 Epsom

Rathgar

8st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Jack Channon

Beat 13 rivals to win at Newbury (1m2f, good) ten days ago on his second start back from some time off; back up 4lb but he's just 1lb higher than when second in this last year and he's a solid contender.

9/2

Form: 36025/

Last run: 612 days

W: 8st 3lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Won on AW in 2021; made most when well beaten in this race two years ago, his only outing here; raced mainly in major handicaps that season, to very little effect in most instances; this is his lowest mark since handicap debut (April 2021) but he has not raced since October 2022, having left Charlie Johnston's for 8,000gns last November.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(1)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 115y

Class 5

15:20 Doncaster

Golden Flame

9st 9lb

J: Zoe Lewis

T: Thomas Faulkner

Exposed 8yo but he was returning from 264 days off when winning by 3.5l at Ffos Las nine days ago (2m, good), despite pulling hard; Zoe Lewis rides again with a 4lb penalty; if as good again he'll be tough to beat.

5/4

1st

4

(7)

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 0y

Class 6

20:39 Ffos Las

Golden Flame

9st 6lb

J: Zoe Lewis

T: Thomas Faulkner

Missed a chunk of his career and has been steadily regressive since; hit and miss last backend and is entitled to need this at his age after nine months off; wouldn't want too much rain.

6/1

14/1

Form: 0-5414

Last run: 92 days

W: 8st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Wolverhampton AW (upped to 1m6f) in March saw his first win since he was a 2yo and he ran creditably off this 4lb higher mark when fourth over C&D on AW Championships day; absent three months and not entirely ruled out, as he had bits of better form in earlier seasons.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

18th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 2

14:10 Market Rasen

Howth

11st 5lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Tom Lacey

Record of 4-7 over hurdles but this is tougher than usual and he could have run a lot better back from a break at Newton Abbot; others appeal more.

40/1

3rd

1

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 3

16:30 Newton Abbot

Howth

12st 0lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Switched to hurdles for new yard last May-September and won four of his six starts (all on good ground), two of them over C&D (one a handicap); held in fourth of six at Plumpton last September when last seen but retains potential; yard among the winners and he could go well back from a break.

9/2

4th

1

21st Sep 2025

Good To Firm

1m 7f 195y

Class 3

15:50 Plumpton

Howth

12st 0lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Tom Lacey

Useful Flat stayer who has won a handicap over hurdles (off 8lb lower) and has since made it 4-5 in this discipline when defying penalties in a 2m1f good-ground novice at Newton Abbot; he was entitled to win that and probably with greater ease than he did, but he's a likeable type.

11/8

Form: 534373 C

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
A model of industry and consistency on the AW (denied a clear run on penultimate start) and showed he can serve up much the same on turf on latest outing; effective at this track and at 2m (though usually seen over shorter) but he is 3lb out of the handicap and looks vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 3

15:34 Ascot

Artisan Dancer

9st 12lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and usually dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f; turf strike-rate is 1-20, however, and he was tailed off at Thirsk (good) on penultimate start, before he failed to shine at Newcastle's Northumberland Plate meeting (AW) for the third year in a row; not the percentage call.

20/1

18th

5

(18)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Artisan Dancer

9st 10lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and usually dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f; turf strike-rate is 1-20 and he was tailed off at Thirsk last time; back to AW and he's 7-34 in this sphere, but he's not shone at this meeting (16th in the Plate, 12th in the Vase) in the last two years.

25/1

12th

5

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Artisan Dancer

9st 8lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f but turf strike-rate is 1-19; not discredited on latest start (1m5f) but others are preferred.

16/1

20/1

Form: 3-0002 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Often front-runs; third in this race in 2022; in career-best form elsewhere in 2023, which has not been repeated this term but he's come back down the weights and was still good enough for second at Haydock on latest start; case can be made.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

21st Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

17:50 Bangor-on-Dee

Solent Gateway

11st 9lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Four-time Flat winner; got off the mark over hurdles on his sixth attempt when making all over C&D (good) 15 days ago with first-time blinkers (retained) replacing cheekpieces; has solid claims to defy penalty.

8/13

1st

4

6th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

13:40 Bangor-on-Dee

Solent Gateway

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

Four-time Flat winner who was placed on the last four of his five hurdling starts, most recently when close second in Sedgefield maiden (2m4f, good) last month; should be fine over today's shorter trip and has another big role to play; swaps usual cheekpieces for first-time blinkers.

7/4

2nd

3

13th May 2025

Good

2m 3f 188y

Class 4

18:10 Sedgefield

Solent Gateway

11st 4lb

J: Brian Hughes

T: Donald McCain

led, joined when not fluent last, soon headed, kept on

5/4

66/1

Form: /2-048 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 6lb

10 yo Horse

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
10yo; latest of 12 wins was in September 2022; fourth in this in 2021 and eighth in 2022; missed nearly all of last season and has not provided a persuasive case this term, but he is now 5lb below his last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

18th

13

(5)

29th Jun 2024

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:10 Newcastle (AW)

Island Brave

8st 6lb

J: Ethan Jones

T: Heather Main

10yo; latest of 12 wins was in September 2022; fourth in this in 2021 and eighth in 2022; missed nearly all of last season and has not provided a persuasive case this term, but he is now 5lb below his last winning mark.

66/1

8th

4

(4)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 26y

Class 2

17:55 Ayr

Island Brave

9st 6lb

J: Dougie Costello

T: Heather Main

Exposed 12-time winner; second run back was a lot better than the first when a front-running fourth at Newmarket (1m6f, good to firm); down another 3lb and hard to rule out.

8/1

4th

3

(8)

19th May 2024

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Newmarket

Island Brave

9st 7lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Heather Main

Absent 295 days before his only race last season, when seemingly not discredited behind a 1-5 favourite in a two-finisher Listed race in September; normally reliable and fully effective on AW but no show when 40-1 in useful AW race six weeks ago and this 10yo has questions to answer despite subsequent 4lb drop; rarely seen on softer than good.

20/1

12/1

Form: 80133-

Last run: 244 days

W: 9st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Started his career when well beaten three times in 2020 on AW, unraced on it since; the ground was good to firm when fifth in the 2022 Ascot Gold Cup but he's been a far more potent force when the mud is flying; close third in the Cesarewitch off a 2lb lower mark on penultimate start; needs to be in peak form on this first run since October.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

2

(5)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Tashkhan

9st 7lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Brian Ellison

Off since a mixed hurdles campaign ended in March; formerly very smart on Flat but he's not scored in this sphere since 2023, had a disappointing 2025 and all wins have been on soft or heavy ground; tailed off in this race in 2024.

40/1

20/1

Form: 35-190 CD

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Kept on well for a narrow 2m win on New Year's Day on his only run at Newcastle; below form both starts since (February and May; never dangerous in Chester Cup last time) but he has a big shout on that January C&D form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(2)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 102y

Class 4

18:45 Southwell (AW)

Zealandia

9st 7lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

16lb below his last winning mark, but losing run now up to 15; might get more of a pace to run at than when fifth of nine over C&D last time, but others have more to recommend them; stable also runs Simiyann.

11/4

5th

9

(9)

28th Aug 2025

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

19:15 Southwell (AW)

Zealandia

8st 3lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Ian Williams

Handicapper has been relenting and he showed a lot more with third of 14 in a Racing League handicap at Newcastle (about 2m, Tapeta; 25-1) one week ago; a repeat of that puts him bang there; 2lb well in.

11/2

7

(3)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 4

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Zealandia

9st 6lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Ian Williams

Has got himself well handicapped for good reason and his recent thirds were none too threatening; doubts remain; another tweak on the headgear front.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £520.20
Straight Forecast £460.90
Tricast £5827.69
Trifecta £9911.70

Selections

The Times:

Duke Of Oxford

NEWMARKET:

Trooper Bisdee

TOPSPEED:

Howth

POSTDATA:

Zoffee

RP RATINGS:

Spartan Army

Daily Record:

Yashin

The Star:

Onesmoothoperator

The Sun:

Spirit Mixer

SPOTLIGHT:

Zealandia

D Express:

Duke Of Oxford

Daily Mirror:

Duke Of Oxford

Telegraph:

Trooper Bisdee

The Guardian:

Howth

Daily Mail:

Zoffee