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
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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

7th

2

(8)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

16:25 Newcastle (AW)

Tasever

9st 8lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Patrick Morris

Six-time course winner, including twice from the front over C&D this winter; 4lb higher than for his last win and he's never defied a mark this lofty, but the promising Harry Vigors takes off 7lb and he may make a bold bid.

6/1

8th

7

(1)

21st Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Tasever

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Patrick Morris

Six-time course winner who scored over C&D last month but that was a narrow success and he's been vulnerable in both runs since; looks weighted near his best and others are more persuasive.

12/1

3rd

5

(8)

6th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Tasever

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: Patrick Morris

Two 1m wins here this winter but more to prove at this trip; 3.5l behind Flowstate here 19 days ago and others look better treated.

11/2

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

11th

1

(13)

26th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

18:18 Newcastle (AW)

Callianassa

10st 2lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Brian Ellison

Three-time C&D winner, including this race last year, who ran well when seventh of 24 in the Kensington Palace at Royal Ascot last week; she's below her last winning mark and has strong claims back down in grade.

4/1

7th

21

(15)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:35 Ascot

Callianassa

8st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Brian Ellison

All four wins have come over 7f/1m on the AW, the latest in February; now 2lb lower than for that success, but she took her turf record to 0-11 when only sixth of 11 at Chester (extended 1m2f) last time; this is more her trip but she's still hard to make a case for.

80/1

6th

12

(10)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 2

13:30 Chester

Callianassa

8st 5lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Brian Ellison

All four wins have come over 7f/1m on the AW, the latest in February; back off the same mark as for that success, but she is 0-10 on turf and has never attempted this far before.

18/1

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

3rd

5

(1)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 0y

Class 6

17:17 Redcar

Volenti

9st 3lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Arrives in decent nick without winning, fourth of nine in 1m handicap at Ripon 13 days ago; it's now 20 runs since his last victory however.

13/2

4th

9

(4)

6th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:09 Ripon

Volenti

8st 4lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Ben Haslam

In reasonably good form having made the frame in last three starts; however, still has a better strike-rate on Newcastle AW than on turf and this is a step back up in grade; 2lb out of weights.

10/1

3rd

13

(13)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 6

17:18 Redcar

Volenti

9st 0lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Ben Haslam

Back in better form with fourth-place finishes the last twice; still has a better strike-rate on Newcastle AW than on turf but he's on an attractive mark and Conor Whiteley takes off a bonus 7lb; shortlisted.

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

6th

8

(12)

5th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

15:50 Ayr

Trais Fluors

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Linda Perratt

Oldest contender in this field; gained last five wins on Newcastle AW and hasn't scored on turf for three years; brings mixed recent handicap form to classified debut.

8/1

7th

6

(8)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

18:07 Newcastle (AW)

Trais Fluors

9st 7lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Linda Perratt

Veteran (13-103), latest win C&D (from 5lb higher) on New Year's Day; out of sorts lately, so perhaps age is beginning to catch up with him.

20/1

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

2nd

2

(5)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 173y

Class 6

18:39 Carlisle

Book Of Life

10st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Patrick Morris

0-14 for this yard but he went very close at Wolverhampton (8.6f, AW) in February and again in April; last month's return to turf at Hamilton (1m1f, good to soft) wasn't up with those efforts though.

8/1

5th

3

(3)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 1f 35y

Class 6

14:15 Hamilton

Book Of Life

9st 13lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Patrick Morris

Yet to win in 14 runs on turf (below-par both outings last season); has been in fair form without winning in a busy AW campaign this year; change of surface not sure to suit.

10/1

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

1st

3

(8)

17th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 6

20:52 Pontefract

Mount King

9st 11lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

A dual C&D winner in 2025; yet to hit top form this season but took a step back in the right direction with fifth of nine over C&D ten days ago; blinkers replace usual cheekpieces here and not out of things.

7/1

5th

9

(8)

7th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:18 Pontefract

Mount King

9st 3lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Three of his four wins have come over C&D and is 5lb lower than for the latest a year ago; well beaten in his last two visits, though, so has something to prove.

16/1

6th

4

(5)

21st Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 5

16:35 Pontefract

Mount King

9st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Three of his four wins have come over C&D (from 11 visits to Pontefract) and latest was off 3lb higher last July; he therefore cannot be comfortably dismissed despite being well held on all three starts (two here) this term.

12/1

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

5th

13

(11)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 213y

Class 6

17:15 Doncaster

Mercurius Power

9st 2lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Usually races on AW these days and he never figured in most recent turf attempt; losing run is mounting up.

20/1

8th

3

(9)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:45 Newcastle (AW)

Mercurius Power

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Jessica Macey

Difficult to win with in recent years, now 7lb lower than when last successful at Southwell (1m) in August 2024; met trouble when sixth (beaten over 4l) here on penultimate start, but latest Leicester effort was less encouraging.

12/1

7th

9

(7)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 53y

Class 6

20:25 Leicester

Mercurius Power

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Jessica Macey

It's now 17 outings since his last success but he arrives on the back of a respectable sixth of 11 in 1m Newcastle handicap last month; easing in the weights and no forlorn hope.

14/1

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