December 28 / 15.00 Newcastle (AW)

15.00

Standard

BetUK: It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap (Div I)

  • Prize money: £3716.14
  • 1m 2f 42y
  • Class 5
  • 9 runners
SKY
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BetUK: It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap (Div I)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.00
  • Place: £3.10

Form: 836672 C

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Without a since since September 2022 but quite lightly raced in the meantime and suggested he might be ready to exploit some help from the handicapper when a keeping-on second here (1m) at start of this month; today's move back up in trip ought to suit; might be the answer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(1)

29th Jun 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 5

14:30 Pontefract

Sandret

10st 13lb

J: Miss Rebecca Hitchen

T: Sam England

Veteran who has been ridden by Rebecca Hitchen since joining current yard, posting form figures of 31216; hindered by wide trip in AW contest on reappearance most recently; could go well with that outing under his belt.

12/1

6th

4

(12)

16th Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

17:15 Wolverhampton (AW)

Sandret

10st 11lb

J: Miss Rebecca Hitchen

T: Sam England

Two wins for Rebecca Hitchen last summer; fine on Tapeta but returns from ten months off looking high enough in the weights and he's entitled to need the run at his age.

12/1

2

(5)

29th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 6

14:05 Thirsk

Sandret

11st 2lb

J: Miss Rebecca Hitchen

T: Sam England

In good form for new yard this summer, recording a comfortable win at Redcar (1m, good) in July and just as good when second at Musselburgh (7f, good) three weeks ago (both under Rebecca Hitchen); another prominent showing is on the cards with the return to 1m in his favour.

7/2

7/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 746362 C

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Better known for his exploits on turf but ran well in defeat behind Alpine Sierra over C&D when back on Tapeta this month and remains on a workable mark; one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(2)

22nd May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

20:52 Pontefract

Powerful Response

8st 11lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Geoffrey Harker

Back to winning ways with a front-running C&D success 23 days ago (visored first time); up 2lb but should give it another good go.

5/1

1st

5

(3)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 6

17:08 Pontefract

Powerful Response

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: Geoffrey Harker

Two soft-ground turf wins, including one for this yard, but he acts on better ground and made the most of a good draw when close third of 15 at Nottingham (8.5f, good; Token Love seventh) in cheekpieces three weeks ago; that is just about the best recent form on offer and he's nicely berthed again; visor goes on and he's respected.

5/2

3rd

10

(1)

8th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 75y

Class 6

16:07 Nottingham

Powerful Response

9st 4lb

J: Sam James

T: Geoffrey Harker

First win was on AW but last two have come on turf (8.3f/1m2f, soft); had some close calls on Tapeta during the winter and he was a creditable fourth in big field at Doncaster (1m2f, good to soft) 11 days ago; could be in the mix again but he wouldn't want the ground to dry out.

8/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.40

Form: 008894 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Took good step back in right direction when fourth over 7f here 11 days ago and will also be suited by today's longer trip but others appeal more all the same.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

(12)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Cusack

8st 12lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: David Thompson

10-47 on AW, with all bar one of those wins coming at Newcastle (7f-1m2f); now sits 3lb below his last winning mark, and Tom Kiely-Marshall's 5lb claim is a bonus, but seems to have lost his way; may strip fitter for 7f course comeback run.

40/1

11

(2)

19th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle (AW)

Cusack

8st 12lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: David Thompson

Nine course wins to his name, mainly in the early months of the year; 50-1 for his C&D return a month ago, when well behind a few of these, and needs a big step forward.

25/1

12th

12

(11)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Cusack

9st 0lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: David Thompson

Nine of his ten wins have come at this track (7f-1m2f) but last success was 13 months ago and he finished down the field here in his final two runs last year; looks opposable back from a break.

16/1

6/1

Form: 553514 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Tends to race too freely and is usually ridden patiently; led close home to score over C&D this month and was continuously denied a clear run when fourth off new mark two weeks ago; will be dangerous if this race pans out favourably for him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

(1)

6th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:09 Ripon

Urban Road

9st 9lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Alan Brown

Posted duck eggs at York the last twice but this is a drop back in class and he's on last winning mark; however, still has a much better strike-rate on AW than on turf and his losing run is mounting up.

12/1

11th

9

(9)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:50 York

Urban Road

10st 8lb

J: Mr David Dunsdon

T: Alan Brown

He's 8-50 on the AW and only 1-13 on turf; he was bang there over this far and off this mark at Redcar in April but he's another in here on a recovery mission after two lesser efforts.

40/1

15th

13

(1)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

17:18 York

Urban Road

9st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Alan Brown

Eight of his nine wins have been on the AW, including a hat-trick in February last year; pulled too hard when well beaten last time but had run two sound races ar Redcar prior to that (1m2f, good to firm); worth considering from his inside draw.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 236651 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Evidently suited by the move back up in trip when coming from off the pace to beat Powerful Response over C&D 16 days ago; not yet fully exposed over 1m2f and recent 4lb rise does not look excessive; major player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(4)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 3f 39y

Class 5

19:39 Carlisle

Alpine Sierra

10st 8lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Had only won once since the autumn of 2023 until he fired off a hat-trick under Lauren Young up in trip this May, culminating with C&D success (good; made all) off 4lb lower five weeks ago; the Cumberland Plate proved a bridge too far here ten days ago but this is easier.

5/4

9th

11

(12)

24th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 4

17:05 Carlisle

Alpine Sierra

8st 12lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Seemingly exposed gelding who has suddenly got on a roll since going back up in trip, scoring on good ground at Hamilton (1m3f), Musselburgh (12.5f) and over C&D last month; has to defy a further 4lb rise in a better race from the widest stall but he can't be ignored attempting a four-timer.

13/2

1st

3

(2)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 6

16:10 Carlisle

Alpine Sierra

9st 7lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Won at Hamilton (1m3f, good) on May 3 and again had plenty in hand when following up at Musselburgh (1m4f, good) last week, when switched to front-running tactics; this thriving 8yo has strong claims under 4lb penalty.

6/5

5/2

Form: 87-753 BF

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Unable to justify strong market support when third over C&D this month, having made the running, but that was his first start since March and he still ran well; will be a tough nut to crack if he comes on for the run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(4)

16th Jun 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 5

20:54 Wolverhampton (AW)

Kaaranah

9st 8lb

J: Jack Callan

T: John Butler

Currently 2-2 over C&D and 2-2 in cheekpieces (again off tonight) following wins here in April; excuses off his revised mark since and he is one to consider back on Tapeta.

8/1

5th

5

(1)

6th Jun 2026

Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 5

17:35 Lingfield

Kaaranah

9st 2lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: John Butler

Seemingly boosted by cheekpieces when winning twice at Wolverhampton (9.4f, AW) in April and endured a wide trip before keeping on steadily for sixth at Kempton (1m, AW; no headgear, as today) last month; versatile ground-wise on turf; can't be ignored.

9/1

Form: 27669

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Still unexposed after only six runs (one in a bumper) but was unable to land a telling blow when upped to 1m3f (from 1m) for this month's AW debut and needs to have taken significant benefit from that outing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

(1)

7th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

20:00 Southwell (AW)

Shamardal Star

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

Opened his account in Newcastle handicap (1m2f; third run for new yard) most recently and looked value for more than the half-length winning margin; may have more to offer over middle distances; respected back up 5lb.

6/4

1st

2

(5)

29th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

18:00 Newcastle (AW)

Shamardal Star

9st 11lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard Fahey

0-10 and hasn't built on early promise, including in two starts for this yard; drops again in grade but enough to prove back from 74 days off.

6/1

Form: 782744

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
15-race maiden; didn't get the best of runs before keeping on well for fourth behind Urban Road over C&D this month and remains unexposed over today's trip but is becoming rather frustrating and probably needs the first-time cheekpieces to make a difference.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(5)

20th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:30 Ayr

Falcon Nine

9st 12lb

J: Sam James

T: Iain Jardine

Ran well at Pontefract (1m2f, good) last month; not so good in either run since, the latest over C&D two weeks ago; not ruled out but not the most solid option either.

10/1

9th

3

(12)

6th Jul 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

15:00 Ayr

Falcon Nine

10st 0lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Iain Jardine

Belatedly came good with two 1m1f wins last summer and looked back in prime form when close second at Pontefract (1m2f, good) last month but his latest run was slightly disappointing and others in the field have more persuasive profiles.

10/1

4th

2

(1)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 6

14:15 Hamilton

Falcon Nine

10st 1lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Iain Jardine

Dual 1m1f winner last August (good); improved markedly on reappearance run when neck second at Pontefract last week (1m2f, good); a possible on that form.

7/4

Form: 360636 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 8st 10lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Eight-time winner on turf but has modest AW strike-rate (1-32); didn't run badly when sixth of nine over C&D this month, after a break, but is not the percentage call today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(5)

29th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 6

17:20 Hamilton

Hot Team

9st 0lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Patrick Morris

Has won eight races, including four over 1m1f here; third to Dandy's Angel in this race last term, but not been in the best of form this season; others appeal more.

33/1

5

(5)

2nd Aug 2025

Good

1m 1f 35y

Class 6

21:00 Hamilton

Hot Team

9st 3lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Patrick Morris

Has won plenty during his career but a 9yo now and he's been out of form for a while.

20/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £115.30
Straight Forecast £142.24
Tricast £1949.59
Trifecta £839.60

Selections

The Times:

Powerful Response

Telegraph:

Kaaranah

SPOTLIGHT:

Sandret

Daily Mirror:

Alpine Sierra

The Guardian:

Urban Road

Daily Record:

Powerful Response

The Star:

Alpine Sierra

Daily Mail:

Kaaranah

D Express:

Kaaranah

RP RATINGS:

Sandret

POSTDATA:

Sandret