October 28 / 17.45 Newcastle (AW)

17.45

Standard To Slow

Weekly £5 Free Bet With BetUK Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £5234
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Weekly £5 Free Bet With BetUK Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

8/1 (Won)

  • Win: £11.00
  • Place: £2.70

Form: 109043 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Often slowly away; back in better form this month, making the frame twice, and is favourably treated (won off this mark on AW in May); good chance if the cards drop right.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

29th May 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

20:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Dark Kestrel

9st 6lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Antony Brittain

C&D winner whose five AW wins include two this year; often slowly away; has been running respectably off his lower turf mark of late but probably needs a bit more for the adding of a visor.

16/1

6th

11

(9)

12th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Beverley

Dark Kestrel

8st 11lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Five-time AW winner who was unable to take advantage of his lower turf mark last time and it remains three years since his only success in this sphere; others preferred.

16/1

4th

10

(2)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 3y

Class 5

17:05 Pontefract

Dark Kestrel

8st 13lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Kept busy on the AW this winter and already a dual 5f winner at Newcastle; not out of things if translating that form but he's yet to show his best form on turf.

8/1

13/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 166965 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Registered his handicap wins at this course in January and Ripon in June; not disgraced in lower grade here this month returned to AW but likely needs to improve on that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(4)

28th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:20 Ripon

Herakles

9st 8lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

C&D winner; consistent in defeat on AW before making a successful return to turf at Nottingham (5f, good) 19 days ago, with reopposing Dc Cogent and Marajito behind in third and fifth; did that quite comfortably but a 6lb rise puts him 3lb above his highest win mark of 66; has also yet to score back-to-back in his 41-race career.

2/1

1st

7

(9)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

16:00 Nottingham

Herakles

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Has reached the frame on AW in his last six starts including when a close second at Newcastle (5f; tongue-tie added) last month; record of 1-21 on turf but conditions should be fine back in this sphere and he had a close call off 1lb higher at Beverley last summer; interesting contender for yard that has won this race in the last two years.

3/1

2nd

5

(2)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Herakles

9st 1lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Three of his four wins have come over C&D; not beaten far at Southwell on his last two starts; dropped another 1lb and he's a leading contender back at this track; stable runs three here.

4/1

10/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 780500 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Defied a 10lb higher mark over C&D in March; has failed to repeat that form since and was a disappointing favourite here on most recent AW attempt; needs to stage a revival.
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: 146686 CD

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Nicely treated, having gained last three wins off 2lb higher, the most recent on turf in July; failed to get home over 6f back on AW last time; return to 5f is ideal and has won over C&D.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(3)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

15:10 Carlisle

Dandy Dinmont

9st 8lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

He's inconsistent but he was back on song when winning at Beverley (5f, good to firm) this month; he's just 2lb higher today and is a leading player if backing up that latest performance.

11/4

1st

8

(4)

12th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Beverley

Dandy Dinmont

9st 1lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

Modest strike-rate since 2022 and his form thus far this term hasn't continued the broad consistency he showed in 2025; no certainty to take advantage of a reduced mark.

14/1

7th

7

(3)

25th Apr 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:55 Haydock

Dandy Dinmont

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Nigel Tinkler

Conditions shouldn't be an excuse and he didn't run badly at Bath (5f, good) three weeks ago after a short break; Tom Marquand a notable booking; each-way shout.

9/2

Form: 541931 C

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Held on narrowly at Ayr (5f) last month, taking record to 9-66; has crept back up the weights this year but is still well handicapped on peak form; won off 4lb higher here two years ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(5)

4th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 7y

Class 5

16:21 Hamilton

Water Of Leith

9st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Won at Wolverhampton (6f, Class 5; 6-4 favourite) in March but below that level in three subsequent starts, 2l fifth of eight at Musselburgh (5f; 15-2) latest; vulnerable on those performances.

7/1

Form: 219540 C

Last run: 43 days

W: 9st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Veteran who returns to AW off a stiff-looking mark, having been a stone lower when winning on turf in July; came up well short on most recent attempt in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(5)

25th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

17:30 Southwell (AW)

Brian The Snail

9st 8lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Patrick Morris

Veteran with 14 wins on his CV; kept on for third when dropped back to 5f at Newcastle 12 days ago but is inconsistent nowadays and younger rivals appeal more.

8/1

3rd

8

(7)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Brian The Snail

8st 13lb

J: William Pyle

T: Patrick Morris

Veteran who never featured in a 6f handicap at Wolverhampton nine days ago; drops back to 5f with a point to prove.

20/1

8th

6

(1)

4th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

18:55 Wolverhampton (AW)

Brian The Snail

9st 0lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Patrick Morris

Slow-starting veteran who is having his 100th outing this evening; he has won 14 times already and his latest Newcastle fourth was a solid effort; should go well again.

10/1

16/1

Form: 2-5066

Last run: 103 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Runner-up twice here last autumn for previous yard but not in the same form this term; had wind surgery (her second) since last run and now goes in new headgear; those tweaks need to help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

10

(5)

28th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Cool Run

8st 13lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Runner-up twice here last autumn for previous yard but not in the same form this term; had wind surgery (her second) since last run and now goes in new headgear; those tweaks need to help.

16/1

7th

10

(5)

28th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Cool Run

8st 13lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

Runner-up twice here last autumn for previous yard but not in the same form this term; had wind surgery (her second) since last run and now goes in new headgear; those tweaks need to help.

16/1

6th

6

(2)

17th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

14:52 Thirsk

Cool Run

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Sexton

T: Julie Camacho

in touch with leaders, brief headway 2f out, lost position over 1f out, hung left and weakened gradually inside final furlong

12/1

Form: -10104

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Similar type to Love Wars, being an AW debutante who has inconsistent turf form (all 6f); successful in spring/summer and latest effort suggests this new trip is worth exploring.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(10)

8th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

20:40 Newcastle (AW)

A Girl Named Ivy

9st 8lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

Two 6f wins last season; two good second placings on turf in midsummer; less good on her last three runs though and she has more to prove on AW (well held in one C&D run)

11/2

4

(5)

22nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 5f 7y

Class 6

20:05 Hamilton

A Girl Named Ivy

9st 13lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Michael Dods

A dual 6f winner in 2024 but she comes here out of sorts, last of ten in 6f Thirsk handicap 20 days ago; others appeal more.

14/1

2

(3)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:15 Thirsk

A Girl Named Ivy

10st 0lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Michael Dods

Twice runner-up (5.5f/5f) before below-par fourth of seven at Haydock two weeks ago; others appeal more for the win.

8/1

Form: 305526 CD

Last run: 58 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Has defied higher marks four times on AW, including over C&D; close second under Silvestre De Sousa at Wolverhampton (5f) on most recent attempt in this sphere; enters calculations.
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

OUR TIP

13/2

Form: -52760 D

Last run: 52 days

W: 9st 11lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Has inconsistent turf form (all 5f) but the pick of it, namely 2yo success and close second in June, gives her possibilities off current mark provided she takes well to AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(7)

28th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Love Wars

9st 11lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: John & Sean Quinn

Has inconsistent turf form (all 5f) but the pick of it, namely 2yo success and close second in June, gives her possibilities off current mark provided she takes well to AW.

13/2

10th

1

(7)

28th Oct 2024

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Love Wars

9st 11lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: John & Sean Quinn

Has inconsistent turf form (all 5f) but the pick of it, namely 2yo success and close second in June, gives her possibilities off current mark provided she takes well to AW.

13/2

12th

9

(10)

6th Sep 2024

Good To Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Haydock

Love Wars

9st 7lb

J: Jason Hart

T: John & Sean Quinn

3yo who was beaten just a head on handicap debut over C&D in June (good to firm; unraced on slow ground); below that level at Hamilton and Doncaster the next twice but perhaps the return here can trigger a bigger effort.

14/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £77.70
Straight Forecast £59.55
Tricast £242.03
Trifecta £464.80

Selections

The Times:

Love Wars

Daily Mail:

Herakles

POSTDATA:

Dark Kestrel

SPOTLIGHT:

Nelson Gay

Telegraph:

A Girl Named Ivy

The Star:

Castan

The Sun:

Dandy Dinmont

Daily Record:

Water Of Leith

D Express:

Love Wars

Daily Mirror:

Herakles

The Guardian:

Dark Kestrel

RP RATINGS:

Nelson Gay