November 16 / 15.15 Newcastle (AW)

15.15

Standard

BetUK Churchill Stakes (Listed Race)

  • Prize money: £28355
  • 1m 2f 42y
  • Class 1
  • 10 runners
ITV
View Course
BetUK Churchill Stakes (Listed Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Mostly cloudy

15/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 4-3095 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Won the Dante at 3; wasn't far off his best when third in 1m3f Southwell conditions race in February (AW debut) but comfortably held in Group races on turf since, albeit he might have needed his latest run at Newmarket after six months off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(1)

9th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

14:35 Chester

The Foxes

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

led, headed and prominent after 1f, ridden and edged right over 1f out, led final 110yds, won going away

11/8

1st

7

(1)

9th May 2025

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

14:35 Chester

The Foxes

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

led, headed and prominent after 1f, ridden and edged right over 1f out, led final 110yds, won going away

11/8

8

(10)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

The Foxes

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won the Dante at 3; wasn't far off his best when third in 1m3f Southwell conditions race in February (AW debut) but comfortably held in Group races on turf since, albeit he might have needed his latest run at Newmarket after six months off.

15/2

OUR TIP

2/1

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 173172 D BF

Last run: 76 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Started his campaign with a 1m2f Listed success on Kempton's Polytrack and struck for the third time at Group 1 level in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (1m4f) in June; another good effort in top company on the continent when second at Baden-Baden (1m4f) in September; Group 1 penalty to shoulder but a potential cut above.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(6)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Dubai Honour

9st 11lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

Started his campaign with a 1m2f Listed success on Kempton's Polytrack and struck for the third time at Group 1 level in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (1m4f) in June; another good effort in top company on the continent when second at Baden-Baden (1m4f) in September; Group 1 penalty to shoulder but a potential cut above.

2/1

2nd

1

(6)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Dubai Honour

9st 11lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

in touch with leaders

2/1

7th

2

(8)

27th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Dubai Honour

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Globetrotting middle-distance performer who is a Group 1 winner in Australia and France, most recently in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (good to soft) last month; likely set for a supporting role in this field, being 0-5 (form figures 24646) at the top level on British soil.

20/1

9/2

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 7021-3 C

Last run: 266 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Started his career with three wins over 1m here and has since developed into a really smart AW performer, beaten a head in this race (run at Lingfield) last year; went on to land a Listed success at Lingfield (1m2f) on New Year's Eve before finishing a fine third in the Winter Derby at Southwell (1m3f) in February; off since gone but has gone well fresh before and should be on the premises.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(14)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Tyrrhenian Sea

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

As reliable as they come on AW, winning five of his 16 starts in this sphere and second or third on a further nine occasions; has a rare handicap run today but he looks held by Chancellor on their Southwell clash in February (3lb better off for a length but the winner had a bit to spare).

7/1

2nd

6

(2)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 1

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Tyrrhenian Sea

9st 2lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Two Listed wins at Lingfield, including this race 12 months ago; may have needed the run when 3l behind Chancellor at Kempton in December and went desperately close over 1m2f later that month; shouldn't be too far away once more.

5/1

8

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 113y

Class 1

13:35 Epsom

Tyrrhenian Sea

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Better than ever in most recent AW attempt, winning 1m Listed event at Lingfield; finished behind two of today's opponents at Ascot since, taking turf record to 0-6; not the percentage call.

20/1

33/1

Form: 256765 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Winner of a Listed event at Sandown (1m2f) in July 2023; ran up to his best when second in this year's renewal of that Sandown race but below par since, including back on AW at Southwell in first-time cheekpieces (retained) a fortnight ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(11)

21st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 5y

Class 2

15:27 Pontefract

Savvy Victory

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: S Woods

His form deteriorated last year and he went 0-9; however, he's dropped down the weights and could improve for his recent comeback in a Listed race at Kempton (fourth); this C&D winner is not ruled out.

15/2

4th

5

(1)

6th Apr 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 1f 219y

Class 1

14:55 Kempton (AW)

Savvy Victory

9st 3lb

J: James Doyle

T: S Woods

Useful handicapper on his day including on AW, but unplaced in all nine starts since reappearing a year ago and would be receiving weight from all his rivals in a handicap.

20/1

Form: 111-32 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Has recorded two really good efforts at Newmarket since belatedly returning to the track this autumn, going down by only a nose in Listed race over 1m2f latterly; prominent showing assured if transferring that form to AW (debut when fourth on previous attempt).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(10)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Newmarket

Peace Man

9st 6lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Edged out by Bolster in this race on soft ground 12 months ago; below that level in three outings this year, although he might have needed it after a break when behind Bolster and Okeechobee at Goodwood latest; first-time cheekpieces go on.

14/1

5

(10)

1st Nov 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Newmarket

Peace Man

9st 6lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Edged out by Bolster in this race on soft ground 12 months ago; below that level in three outings this year, although he might have needed it after a break when behind Bolster and Okeechobee at Goodwood latest; first-time cheekpieces go on.

14/1

8th

6

(5)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Peace Man

9st 4lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Below par in last three appearances, latest over C&D four months ago; progressive previously and ties in closely with Bolster on Newmarket Listed running (1m2f, soft) last November; possibilities if back to that form.

10/1

Form: -64764 D

Last run: 176 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent since his Royal Ascot success (Group 3) in 2022; creditable 3l fourth in the Winter Derby at Southwell in February but below that level in three outings in the spring, including over C&D; gelded ahead of this first outing for six months.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(2)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Claymore

9st 6lb

J: Sorin Moldoveanu

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Campaigned in the UAE this winter, last seen finishing tailed off at Meydan; still 4lb higher than for his last win in Britain and probably best watched after three months off.

20/1

2

(2)

14th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

20:00 Windsor

Claymore

9st 11lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Career highlight was at Royal Ascot 2022 but he capitalised on a career-low mark to win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month; long list of possible excuses next time and not disgraced at Ascot last Saturday, so he needs a second look.

10/1

2

(5)

9th Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Claymore

10st 1lb

J: Suraj Narredu

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Career highlight was at Royal Ascot 2022 but he capitalised on a career-low mark to win at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) last month; long list of possible excuses at Yarmouth 12 days later, so he remains of interest.

6/1

Form: 1-1158 D

Last run: 231 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Took very well to the Dirt at Jebel Ali on joining this yard last winter, going 3-3 over 1m, including a Group 3; found life harder in Group races at Meydan in March and off since; the visor he wore last time is left off on return; 1m2f winner (turf) in France.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(1)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Swing Vote

9st 4lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Took very well to the Dirt at Jebel Ali on joining this yard last winter, going 3-3 over 1m, including a Group 3; found life harder in Group races at Meydan in March and off since; the visor he wore last time is left off on return; 1m2f winner (turf) in France.

9/1

7th

7

(1)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Swing Vote

9st 4lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

took keen hold, prominent

9/1

Form: 654140 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Now an 8yo but back to best to win a 1m2f York Ebor meeting handicap in August; respectable fourth in a Listed race at Ayr next time but never involved in the Balmoral at Ascot last month; placed in C&D handicaps last winter but his peak AW form is a little below the level of his best turf efforts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

2

(1)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Sir Busker

9st 12lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: William Knight

Good C&D record includes a win in this last year off 5lb higher; back on form when narrowly denied at Sandown (1m2f, good to firm) and things went wrong from the start (stumbled) when well behind Westridge at Goodwood since; could bounce back.

18/1

6

(16)

29th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

13:20 Goodwood

Sir Busker

9st 3lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Has a mixed 1-6 record at Goodwood, with the win in 2019, but he won a 17-runner race at the York Ebor meeting last August and went down by a neck at Sandown this month, both over 1m2f on good to firm but the ground was not an issue previously; now a 9yo but 4lb lower than for that York win; drawn wide but likely to be delivered late anyway.

20/1

2nd

4

(3)

5th Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:15 Sandown

Sir Busker

9st 11lb

J: Brandon Wilkie

T: William Knight

Resilient 9yo who can still give it plenty in competitive handicaps, as when beating 16 rivals at York (about 1m2f, good to firm; off 5lb higher) last August; however, he has less obvious claims on subsequent handicap runs, including back at York in June.

12/1

14/1

Form: -32410 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Had soft ground as a possible excuse for his no show in the Balmoral at Ascot last month and solid record in handicaps before that, including fourth in Hunt Cup and a defeat of subsequent Cambridgeshire winner Liberty Lane at Doncaster (1m2f) in September; has a 2-2 AW record; no surprise were he to make his presence felt in this higher grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

(3)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Daysofourlives

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Marco Botti

Had soft ground as a possible excuse for his no show in the Balmoral at Ascot last month and solid record in handicaps before that, including fourth in Hunt Cup and a defeat of subsequent Cambridgeshire winner Liberty Lane at Doncaster (1m2f) in September; has a 2-2 AW record; no surprise were he to make his presence felt in this higher grade.

14/1

9th

3

(3)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Daysofourlives

9st 4lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Marco Botti

in touch with leaders

14/1

8

(6)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:35 Ascot

Daysofourlives

9st 3lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Marco Botti

Fine fourth in Royal Hunt Cup over C&D (good to firm) in June then won at Doncaster (1m2f, good) last month, overhauling Liberty Lane who went one better in the Cambridgeshire next time; showed promise on soft in 2yo maiden; a 4lb rise isn't harsh and this progressive 4yo is a possible player.

7/1

50/1

Form: 13 BF

Last run: 50 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Quickly reached a useful level for Aidan O'Brien, winning a 1m Leopardstown maiden on debut in August then 1l third in a Dundalk Listed race over an extended 1m2f; looked capable of even better but allowed to leave Ballydoyle for only 18,000gns last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

2

(15)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

13:30 York

Platoon

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Stella Barclay

Made a promising start to his career for Aidan O'Brien last August and September, but down the field on stable debut in AW Listed race last November and tailed off at 50-1 on belated reappearance in a handicap at Haydock a fortnight ago; a transformation is needed in a first-time tongue-tie.

66/1

10th

1

(9)

27th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 212y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Platoon

10st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Stella Barclay

Quickly reached a useful level for Aidan O'Brien at the end of last summer, winning a 1m Leopardstown maiden then 1l third in a Dundalk Listed race over an extended 1m2f; subsequently allowed to leave Ballydoyle for only 18,000gns and last of ten in 1m2f Newcastle Listed event for new connections last November; off since and a watching brief is very much the call after gelding and wind operations.

40/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.70
Straight Forecast £11.94
Trifecta £123.60

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dubai Honour

The Times:

Tyrrhenian Sea

NEWMARKET:

Peace Man

POSTDATA:

Sir Busker

Daily Mirror:

Peace Man

The Guardian:

Tyrrhenian Sea

Daily Mail:

Tyrrhenian Sea

RP RATINGS:

Dubai Honour

TOPSPEED:

Dubai Honour

Telegraph:

Dubai Honour

D Express:

Dubai Honour

The Sun:

Dubai Honour

The Star:

Dubai Honour

Daily Record:

Dubai Honour