December 28 / 17.00 Newcastle (AW)

17.00

Standard

Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap

  • Prize money: £4710.6
  • 1m 0f 5y
  • Class 6
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.70
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 730535

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Very well treated now and has done well to get as close as he has in two runs here back from a break after slow starts; the step back up from 7f is much in his favour and this will largely come down to how he gets away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(4)

23rd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 5

17:30 Redcar

Paris Lights

10st 1lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Both wins on AW and 0-18 on turf; a couple of Pontefract runs this spring that bring him into the reckoning and this is effectively his first run at this level since winning at Newcastle in December; should run his race.

7/2

6th

7

(2)

6th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 4

15:30 Pontefract

Paris Lights

8st 11lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Two wins on AW but 0-17 on turf; second and third over C&D in the spring off slightly higher marks than this, before lesser efforts elsewhere on last two outings; well treated if back on song.

8/1

6th

2

(7)

10th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 213y

Class 5

17:30 Doncaster

Paris Lights

10st 0lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Two wins on AW but 0-16 on turf; twice placed at Pontefract this season but he needs to rebound from a lacklustre effort at Ripon (1m2f, good) three weeks ago.

16/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 834146 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Found a weak C&D handicap when winning off 2lb lower last month and has run to a similar level in stronger company since; needs to find more in a warm race for the grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(1)

11th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Wyvern

9st 6lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Patrick Morris

Does most racing now at Newcastle, the scene of his last three wins; off for six weeks since finishing well held behind Captain Pickles over C&D.

20/1

16/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 621177 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Dual C&D winner for Ryan Kavanagh last month, latterly off a 6lb lower mark; been inclined to pull hard in better company since and only holds similar claims to stablemate Wyvern, namely each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

10

(10)

25th Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Tasever

9st 3lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Patrick Morris

Multiple course winner, the latest in February (1m) off a 1lb higher mark; second run back from a break was better than the first but he still finished behind a couple of today's rivals.

20/1

4th

9

(3)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Tasever

9st 4lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Patrick Morris

All six wins have been at this track (7f/1m) but he's been below his best here on his last three starts; may have needed the run here in July but others have stronger claims.

33/1

8/1

Form: 868282 BF

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Been fine with this trip of late and pulled well clear of the rest as favourite here a week ago; on the negative side that was a much less-competitive handicap against her own sex, she's 3lb higher today and remains a maiden after 19 starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(1)

12th Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 5

17:50 Musselburgh

Callianassa

10st 2lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Brian Ellison

She produced a positive performance at Royal Ascot and is now 7lb lower but three lesser runs have followed and she needs to raise her game; 4-29 on AW as opposed to 0-13 on turf.

9/1

8th

13

(10)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Callianassa

8st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Brian Ellison

She's 5lb lower than when winning at Newcastle (1m, AW) in February and when running well at Royal Ascot (1m, good to firm) in June; she's 0-12 on turf and unproven at this trip, and she's been below par at favourite course Newcastle on her last two starts (1m).

50/1

6th

6

(12)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

16:00 Newcastle (AW)

Callianassa

9st 10lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Brian Ellison

Took this in 2025 and also scored over C&D in February; not at her best when 11th over C&D last time but she's the sort to bounce back.

14/1

Form: 558988 CD

Last run: 82 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Has lost his way this year and returns from another break tonight; the handicapper has been quick to ease off but would want to see some support back down in trip before considering him in a competitive affair.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(4)

25th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Parish Councillor

9st 9lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

C&D novice winner in 2023 and he made a winning start for this stable at Lingfield (1m, AW) 12 days ago; respected following a 3lb rise with the visor now replacing cheekpieces.

5/4

7

(3)

13th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 6

16:30 Lingfield (AW)

Parish Councillor

9st 6lb

J: Pat Cosgrave

T: James Owen

Winless since landing a 1m novice on Newcastle AW in 2023 but the pick of his Tapeta handicap form since shows he's well treated on yard debut; left the Barrons for £11,000 since last seen; likely to be dangerous if taking to Polytrack.

7/4

4/1

Form: 321211 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Revelation since running here of late, winning three of his last four over C&D and chasing home Trais Fluors on the other occasion; is 5lb worse off with his old rival and this is a deeper race off his revised mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

(2)

25th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

Volenti

8st 11lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Sam England

Four-time C&D winner; behind a couple of tonight's rivals last Saturday (second run for new yard) but remains very well treated on peak form and can't be ruled out.

7/1

5th

9

(6)

19th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Volenti

9st 2lb

J: Olivia Haines

T: Sam England

Multiple C&D winner who has reached the frame on numerous occasions this season but he was a remote third on recent stable debut at Ripon (1m2f); cheekpieces now return but his last win was 20 months ago and he needs to find more back on Tapeta.

6/1

3rd

6

(1)

31st Aug 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 6

16:45 Ripon

Volenti

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Sam England

Losing run is mounting up but he's currently in a consistent vein of form; moved out of Ben Haslam's yard since last run; again has frame possibilities.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 460151 CD

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Veteran who won twice here last winter and has already matched that tally this time; found his stamina coming into play in a 7f handicap run to suit last time and a 4lb rise demands more but this mark may be within range in current form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(8)

16th Oct 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

Trais Fluors

9st 6lb

J: Tom Kiely-Marshall

T: Linda Perratt

Veteran who is often slowly away but registered a sixth win at Newcastle when seeing off 12 rivals in a classified race over this trip in July; however, he was always behind in a 1m course handicap since and has been beaten in his last 11 handicap attempts.

14/1

8th

8

(9)

25th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:15 Newcastle (AW)

Trais Fluors

9st 1lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Linda Perratt

Veteran who is often slowly away but prevailed in classified event when last seen two months ago, registering a sixth win at Newcastle; beaten in last ten handicap attempts.

16/1

1st

7

(2)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:45 Newcastle (AW)

Trais Fluors

9st 9lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Linda Perratt

Veteran who gained the last five of his 13 wins here (7f-1m); not firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, though, and needs to up his game.

16/1

Form: 743222 BF

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Has found his level again but been turned over at 11-4 or shorter four times since returning to the AW; the cheekpieces have helped and he has to be considered but the string of near-misses may have happened for a reason.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(7)

12th Sep 2026

Good

1m 0f 2y

Class 6

16:07 Musselburgh

Book Of Life

9st 10lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Patrick Morris

Has a record of 0-16 on turf and it's a long time between his AW drinks; however, he arrives in form having been placed in that sphere the last twice; may remain competitive.

2/1

2nd

1

(5)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Book Of Life

9st 9lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Patrick Morris

On a long losing run but he signalled he is ready to strike again when an unlucky-in-running third of 12 in 8.5f Wolverhampton handicap a week ago, twice hampered in the straight; big shout off an unchanged mark.

11/4

5/1

Form: 448572

Last run: 11 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Finished a clear second to the perfectly delivered Trais Fluors here last time and is 3lb better off tonight; the step back up in trip is the question, with him a powerful traveller who's clearly well suited by a strongly run 7f.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(4)

11th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Lahab

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Wigham

reared start and slowly away, took keen hold, in rear, pulled up over 3f out

9/2

8

(4)

11th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

15:45 Newcastle (AW)

Lahab

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Wigham

reared start and lost many lengths start, always behind

9/2

20/1

Form: 355397 D

Last run: 61 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far in a busy Southwell finish on his Tapeta debut two months ago; has essentially performed below market expectations all year, though, and is some way down the pecking order.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

12

(3)

5th Oct 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:21 Pontefract

Mount King

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Scored off today's mark over C&D (good to firm) in July, having swapped usual cheekpieces for first-time blinkers, and has largely held his form since; not disgraced in competitive series final at Redcar on Saturday; probably won't be far away if he makes a quick reappearance.

12/1

9th

14

(12)

3rd Oct 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 2

16:35 Redcar

Mount King

8st 2lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Tim Easterby

Back to winning ways at Pontefract (1m) in July and has remained in reasonable form, but no obvious excuses here last time and he's now 3lb out of the weights.

25/1

5th

9

(4)

15th Sep 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 5

14:53 Redcar

Mount King

9st 7lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Back to winning ways at Pontefract (1m) in July and has continued in decent form, sixth of ten in 8.5f Beverley handicap 17 days ago; possibilities off an easing mark.

8/1

Form: 419432 CD

Last run: 51 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Dual course winner who boasts a consistent record over this trip on Tapeta; another solid effort over C&D last time, when best of those to race on the pace, and enters calculations back from a short break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

12

(11)

24th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

16:22 Southwell (AW)

Mercurius Power

9st 3lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Winless since his C&D success from 10lb higher in August 2024; runner-up at Newcastle (1m) in July, but took a step backwards over that C&D three weeks ago.

10/1

5th

2

(3)

2nd Sep 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Mercurius Power

9st 8lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Jessica Macey

Winless since August 2024 but he comes here on the back of a good second of 12 over C&D in July; this C&D scorer must enter calculations nudged up 1lb.

4/1

Non-runners

Grovely Belle

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £53.90
Straight Forecast £35.69
Tricast £212.63
Trifecta £451.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Trais Fluors

Telegraph:

Volenti

The Times:

Book Of Life

D Express:

Wyvern

Daily Mirror:

Mercurius Power

The Guardian:

Book Of Life

The Sun:

Volenti

Daily Record:

Volenti

RP RATINGS:

Trais Fluors

POSTDATA:

Trais Fluors

Daily Mail:

Trais Fluors

The Star:

Trais Fluors