December 06 / 17.20 Newcastle (AW)

17.20

Standard

Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap

  • Prize money: £7955.68
  • 1m 0f 5y
  • Class 3
  • 12 runners
SKY
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Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Showers

1st
10 (4)
Apiarist

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.40
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 444394

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Raced only on turf; landed a valuable prize at York as a 2yo; 0-8 this term but is largely consistent, respectable fourth at Doncaster (1m) most recently; frame possibilities, provided he takes to AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(15)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Apiarist

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Three fine efforts on AW to start the year but his run of good form came to a halt when well behind Blue Rc at Newcastle over Easter; acts on turf but has a much better strike-rate on AW; drawn widest.

20/1

12th

6

(1)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Apiarist

9st 2lb

J: Kevin Stott

T: Kevin Ryan

Finished a good third in this race 12 months ago when rated 2lb lower; arrives in good form, having beaten Popmaster at Lingfield (1m) before a good third at Kempton (7f) 16 days ago; chance if stall 1 proves no hindrance.

10/1

3rd

4

(3)

18th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Apiarist

9st 4lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Beat very good yardstick in Popmaster for fourth AW win from just eight tries at Lingfield 19 days ago (1m; ridden by Jack Callan for the first time); up just 3lb, and no issue with this shorter trip, but he's never been to Kempton and trainer is just 1-14 here last five years.

3/1

10/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: -04998 D

Last run: 197 days

W: 9st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
0-6 since winning his first two races and isn't particularly solid on 2024 form; gelded since last run and returns from 197-day layoff, so the betting may offer further guidance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(1)

21st Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 13y

Class 4

15:07 Southwell (AW)

Dragon Icon

9st 10lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Roger Varian

0-13 since winning his first two career starts on Polytrack, but capable of useful form as when third of 14 in the London Mile Series Final at Kempton (1m, Polytrack; first-time cheekpieces) 15 days ago; has run well on Tapeta at Newcastle and a player off the same mark as last time.

9/2

12

(8)

6th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:05 Kempton (AW)

Dragon Icon

8st 10lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Career commenced with two wins; 0-12 since but close third in qualifier last time sets him up nicely for a crack at this final and first-time cheekpieces may have a boosting effect; in the mix.

8/1

4

(5)

20th Aug 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:20 Kempton (AW)

Dragon Icon

10st 1lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Roger Varian

On a long losing sequence and he arrives below par, having been tried in a hood (now discarded) when seventh of ten in 1m Ascot handicap last month; handily weighted if he gets back on song though.

11/2

25/1

  • Place: £13.10

Form: 049048 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Won this year's Carlisle Bell (off this mark) but has generally struggled to sustain his form since, latterly at this venue; now 0-7 on AW and doesn't look the percentage call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

2

(3)

27th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Orbaan

9st 12lb

J: Sean Levey

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who dipped into a seller for his latest win, at Beverley (8.4f, good to firm) in July; current handicap mark is workable but his AW strike-rate is 0-13 and he needs to rebound from two down-the-field runs.

16/1

6

(11)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 4

16:00 Lingfield (AW)

Orbaan

9st 9lb

J: J F Egan

T: David O’Meara

Veteran who won a Beverley seller in July; some fair handicap runs since but others may have his measure back on AW (0-12 in this sphere).

12/1

16/1

Form: 080900 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 10lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Veteran whose losing run goes back to his success in the 2022 Bunbury Cup; down the field in two races at Kempton since returned to AW but his Newcastle record (1213) offers hope for a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(3)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Bless Him

9st 10lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran whose losing run goes back to his success in the 2022 Bunbury Cup; down the field in two races at Kempton since returned to AW but his Newcastle record (1213) offers hope for a revival.

16/1

4th

7

(3)

6th Dec 2024

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 3

17:20 Newcastle (AW)

Bless Him

9st 10lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran whose losing run goes back to his success in the 2022 Bunbury Cup; down the field in two races at Kempton since returned to AW but his Newcastle record (1213) offers hope for a revival.

16/1

11th

10

(3)

20th Nov 2024

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:30 Kempton (AW)

Bless Him

9st 0lb

J: Hayley Turner

T: David Simcock

Veteran hold-up performer who is now 8lb lower than when third in the Victoria Cup in May; capable but he'll need everything to go his way to win.

33/1

5th
12 (6)
Billyb

7/1

Form: -51203 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Largely in good form this season for new stable, winning on turf in June; close third over 7f here (back from a break) most recently; solid chance off unaltered mark, with the return to 1m no issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(4)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 96y

Class 4

16:00 Beverley

Billyb

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: Craig Lidster

Signed off for 2025 with 1m win at Southwell; looked rusty after five months off when eighth of nine in 1m Pontefract handicap last month; took this prize in 2024 so not dismissed with usual cheekpieces refitted.

12/1

8th

1

(2)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

15:23 Pontefract

Billyb

9st 10lb

J: Sam James

T: Craig Lidster

Added another two 1m wins to his CV in 2025, including on AW when last seen in November; this 2lb higher mark shouldn't prove beyond him but his record fresh, allied to the absence of cheekpieces (worn on last seven starts), suggest this may not be his day.

8/1

5th

2

(13)

11th Oct 2025

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:05 York

Billyb

9st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Craig Lidster

4lb higher than when beating 18 rivals here (1m, good) in July and was having his first go over this sort of trip when third of seven at Redcar (1m2f, good) last time (winner has gone in again since); needs to prove his stamina in this much bigger field, though.

14/1

Form: 314652 CD

Last run: 63 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Productive this term for David O'Meara, winning three times (AW/turf); close second over C&D most recently; sold for 18,000gns since; fighting chance, provided he remains in similar form for new yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(2)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 31y

Class 3

17:00 Windsor

Nikovo

9st 7lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Michael Herrington

Not disgraced in the Victoria Cup last time but, generally speaking, is perhaps still on a difficult mark on turf; gained last three wins on Newcastle AW and has shown peak form there.

12/1

8th

24

(25)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Nikovo

8st 13lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Registered last three wins on Newcastle AW and ran respectably there on finals day; came up well short in the Spring Cup returned to turf last time and remains on a difficult mark in this sphere; sole handicap success on grass was off 13lb lower.

66/1

16th

18

(16)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Nikovo

9st 0lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Michael Herrington

Kept busy on AW during the winter, winning over 7f at Newcastle and far from disgraced in a valuable 1m event there on Good Friday; however, his turf form is at a lower level and he'll do well to regain the winning thread.

40/1

Form: 11-6 CD

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Produced form figures of 116 for the Gosdens, close sixth at Kempton (1m) on seasonal debut most recently; sold for 8,000gns since; new connections have acquired an interesting type who may do better still.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(1)

20th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:23 Redcar

Dolce Courage

9st 8lb

J: Sam James

T: James Horton

Lightly raced 5yo; ran well with blinkers added when close fourth at Doncaster (7f, good) in March but he's been disappointing in both subsequent runs; still unexposed on turf but his profile is patchy and others are more convincing; first-time visor replaces blinkers.

12/1

7th

5

(4)

16th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Dolce Courage

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Horton

Lightly raced 5yo who was a close fourth of 15 in first-time blinkers (retained since) at Doncaster (7f, good) in March; however, beaten a long way out at Newmarket (1m good) since, and hard to be confident after that.

25/1

5

(4)

16th May 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:30 York

Dolce Courage

9st 6lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: James Horton

Lightly raced 5yo who was a close fourth of 15 in first-time blinkers (retained since) at Doncaster (7f, good) in March; however, beaten a long way out at Newmarket (1m good) since, and hard to be confident after that.

25/1

Form: 772102 D

Last run: 52 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Hindered by a wide trip on penultimate outing; has shown steady progress otherwise of late and ran well over C&D most recently; now 3lb higher in a better grade but may continue to improve; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(6)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 197y

Class 6

16:50 Doncaster

Cavalry Call

10st 0lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Patrick Morris

Won at Chelmsford (1m2f, AW) last spring but he's struggled in his last eight starts including over hurdles in last two runs; now 10lb lower than for his last success but he needs a big turnaround for new yard (has changed hands and left Mike Smith); hood removed and cheekpieces return.

16/1

9th

3

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 4

14:40 Kelso

Cavalry Call

11st 3lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: R Mike Smith

Two Flat wins but form went the wrong way in that code from last August onwards and he was pulled up at 150-1 on hurdle debut four weeks ago.

100/1

4

6th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:20 Ayr

Cavalry Call

11st 6lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: R Mike Smith

Dual Flat winner; fairly useful at his best (1m-1m3f) but his form for Mike Smith since last summer has been disappointing, and the soft ground is a big worry on this hurdle debut; cheekpieces removed.

40/1

Form: 2-5171 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Success in small field at Musselburgh (1m) last month enhanced his good record when making the running; not sure to get an easy lead in this field on AW debut but is otherwise a steadily progressive contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19th

3

(2)

10th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:00 York

Silent Move

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Inconsistent and has failed to shine on last two starts but may have been unsuited by soft ground then Tapeta; runner-up at Carlisle (7f, good to firm) in August then fifth of 15 at Thirsk (7f, good) where he was denied a clear run, and it will be no surprise if he bounces back with a big effort.

20/1

5th

11

(5)

4th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 4

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Silent Move

9st 4lb

J: Harry Russell

T: Richard Fahey

Three turf wins to his name; patchy record in 2025 though and others are more appealing in today's field.

10/1

1

(3)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 50y

Class 4

17:15 Ayr

Silent Move

9st 12lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Looked unfortunate when beaten less than a length into second of seven at Carlisle (7f, good to firm) last month and didn't enjoy a clear run when fifth of 15 at Thirsk (7f, good) since; acts on ground ranging from good to firm to good to soft; still 2lb below last winning mark; a player.

5/1

10/1

Form: 170742

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Two turf wins at Meydan (7f) for previous yard; has form figures of 0742 for new stable, close second at Wolverhampton (7f) most recently; possibilities, provided he's as effective back over 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(4)

24th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:10 Kempton (AW)

Mcmanaman

10st 1lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Joe Tickle

Winner over this trip on turf at Meydan in 2021 and 2024; more miss than hit in second British spell and a recent change of scenery/break hasn't helped.

20/1

8th

5

(13)

30th Aug 2025

Good

0m 6f 17y

Class 3

17:00 Chester

Mcmanaman

9st 9lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Two-time 7f turf winner at Meydan who is on a competitive mark on 7f/1m AW form from late last year; the drop back in trip may not be an issue and he was returning from a break when down the field on last month's stable debut at Glorious Goodwood, but he may be best watched for now.

40/1

OUR TIP

Form: 13/108 CD

Last run: 208 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced; scored comfortably over C&D in February on return from long absence and debut for this yard; below form in the spring when last seen but is interesting given that he acts well fresh.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(5)

1st May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 4

16:25 Yarmouth

Noble Order

9st 8lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Christine Dunnett

Trainer on a lengthy losing run but has had a good few pop up at big prices here down the years; this gelding, whose best work for Archie Watson came on the AW, will need to improve a lot upon his two starts for current connections if he's to follow suit.

66/1

9th

2

(5)

1st May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 3y

Class 4

16:25 Yarmouth

Noble Order

9st 8lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Christine Dunnett

Trainer on a lengthy losing run but has had a good few pop up at big prices here down the years; this gelding, whose best work for Archie Watson came on the AW, will need to improve a lot upon his two starts for current connections if he's to follow suit.

66/1

12th

5

(5)

7th Apr 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:30 Kempton (AW)

Noble Order

9st 8lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Christine Dunnett

awkward start, in rear

50/1

Form: 950512 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful handicapper whose recent 9.5f form at Wolverhampton puts him in the picture and who remains well treated on historical data; should cope with the drop back to 1m on this stiff track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

(10)

31st Jul 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 3

20:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Koy Koy

9st 2lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: George Boughey

Both AW wins came here, including over C&D in 2023, but form tailed off sharply at the end of last year, after which he had wind surgery; not much to shout about in four runs this term and he's developed a habit of starting slowly; others preferred.

33/1

8th

7

(1)

3rd Jul 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

18:23 Kempton (AW)

Koy Koy

9st 6lb

J: Tommie Jakes

T: George Boughey

Formerly quite useful but he was ending a losing run when dead-heating at Wolverhampton (9.4f; best AW form on that track) in November and he hasn't recaptured last year's best efforts in three runs this time round.

20/1

6th

4

(6)

19th Jun 2025

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 4

16:35 Chelmsford (AW)

Koy Koy

9st 8lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: George Boughey

Regressed last year, mainly over shorter, and seems happier on Tapeta; well held in two runs back from wind surgery and the cheekpieces come off again as he steps back up from 7f.

16/1

Non-runners

Christian David, Dingle

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £27.70
Straight Forecast £22.64
Tricast £718.19
Trifecta £1046.50

Selections

TOPSPEED:

Koy Koy

Daily Mail:

Dolce Courage

SPOTLIGHT:

Cavalry Call

RP RATINGS:

Bless Him

The Star:

Apiarist

Telegraph:

Dragon Icon

Daily Mirror:

Mcmanaman

D Express:

Orbaan

The Sun:

Dolce Courage

POSTDATA:

Cavalry Call

NEWMARKET:

Koy Koy

Daily Record:

Koy Koy

The Times:

Bless Him