December 28 / 17.30 Newcastle (AW)

17.30

Standard

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  • Prize money: £4972.3
  • 0m 7f 14y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
SKY
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Best Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £12.90
  • Place: £3.20

Form: 222241 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Endured a number of near misses before finally off the mark with a half-length success over C&D last week; up just 2lb and he had a bit in hand.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(9)

19th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

17:35 Newcastle (AW)

Kings School

9st 7lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Gemma Tutty

Three-time C&D winner, latterly after a five-month break off 4lb lower last August; another solid effort fresh when not far behind Lord Capulet and The Green Man four weeks ago and is 7lb better off with the winner; can miss the break but is considered.

6/1

3rd

7

(6)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 5

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Kings School

9st 7lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Gemma Tutty

Has a fine record over C&D including three wins, four seconds and four thirds; didn't fire here in his final run last year but he remains feasibly treated on his best form and his last win was after a break; needs watching in the market back from 139 days off.

12/1

3rd

7

(10)

4th Nov 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

13:25 Redcar

Kings School

9st 10lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Gemma Tutty

Unplaced in his three turf runs but a three-time winner on the AW and returns to grass in a good run of form; hard to dismiss.

6/1

10/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 424-10 D

Last run: 196 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
First run after being gelded when winning a Newmarket handicap in April and that after a similar break; off since June when down the field in a deep York handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(7)

24th Oct 2025

Heavy

0m 7f 6y

Class 2

15:18 Doncaster

Our Havana

8st 10lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Richard Fahey

Recorded useful wins on AW and turf in the spring but hasn't been in quite the same form since; doesn't look as if he's about to add to his tally.

25/1

9th

9

(1)

27th Sep 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

17:55 Newmarket

Our Havana

9st 1lb

J: Joe Fanning

T: Richard Fahey

Recorded useful wins on AW and turf in the spring but hasn't been in quite the same form since, midfield at Thirsk most recently; goes back up in grade and needs to raise his game.

33/1

3

(10)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:05 Thirsk

Our Havana

9st 9lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard Fahey

Has developed into a useful 7f handicapper, including a Musselburgh win (good) in May; hasn't managed to reproduce that in three outings since but this is a bit easier than the Bunbury Cup he contested last time and Warren Fentiman takes 5lb off; not discounted.

20/1

OUR TIP

4/1

  • Place: £2.30

Form: 737111 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 8lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Last three wins have all been over C&D, all of them by narrow margins; up only 2lb for the latest and should go close again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(4)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:00 Newcastle (AW)

Red Maids

8st 4lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Mark Rimell

Record of 11137 since switched to this C&D, latest effort best forgiven (race wasn't run to suit); this hold-up mare could prove dangerous, provided the pace fractions are back in her favour.

13/2

20/1

Form: 277495 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Last three defeats have come here in races won by Starliner and Red Maids; again looks vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

11

(6)

17th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

17:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Swiss Ace

8st 11lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Fairly useful on his day but is on a long losing sequence and current mark reflects a general decline in his form; a regular at Newcastle and rarely seen at Wolverhampton.

16/1

6th

6

(2)

19th Feb 2026

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Swiss Ace

9st 1lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Ruth Carr

Losing run stretches back to December 2023; ran okay over C&D in November off a 7lb higher mark but he hasn't built on it since.

16/1

7th

9

(10)

30th Jan 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

14:02 Southwell (AW)

Swiss Ace

9st 3lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Ruth Carr

Losing run stretches back to December 2023; not beaten far at Newcastle in November (7f) but that is flanked by lesser efforts; blinkers back on today but others appeal more.

18/1

Form: 231235 D

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 8lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Ran right up to her best when a close third over 6f at Wolverhampton but fared less well back there last week over 7f, a trip she does stay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(3)

4th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

20:25 Haydock

Byzantine Empress

9st 5lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Caught the eye when third of 12 over C&D on her return to action in May; hasn't built on it since but she's well handicapped if this sets up for her.

14/1

5

(10)

24th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 5

20:15 Newbury

Byzantine Empress

9st 8lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

Soundly beaten in competitive York sprint two starts ago but ran well over 7f on other two outings this season; comes here on a workable mark and can be dangerous if the new cheekpieces have any positive effect.

12/1

5th

3

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

13:55 Musselburgh

Byzantine Empress

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jedd O’Keeffe

1-18 strike-rate and down the field at York last Saturday (6f, good; reportedly never travelling); however, prior to that she was a close third on reappearance at Haydock (7f, good to soft) and a good case can be made on that form; effective on good to soft; could bounce back with big run.

9/2

Form: 500611 D

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten in two runs for this yard and in the blinkers; had the run of things at Southwell (7f) but that head success has seen him go up just 3lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(7)

2nd Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

15:48 Pontefract

Bravo Zulu

9st 6lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

Multiple 7f-8.5f winner who fared better than seemed likely when dropped to 6f at Redcar (good to firm; half-length second) last week; fighting chance off same mark.

7/2

2nd

8

(4)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 4

16:43 Redcar

Bravo Zulu

9st 0lb

J: Laura Pearson

T: David Loughnane

His fine 2025 season was always going to be a tough act to follow and he has generally struggled since his return to action in December; should be well treated but drops to 6f for the first time in his career.

14/1

5th

10

(8)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 212y

Class 4

16:15 Haydock

Bravo Zulu

9st 0lb

J: Alexandra Egan

T: David Loughnane

Did well last year but this winter's AW campaign was up and down; returns to turf in a competitive race and may come up short again.

12/1

Form: 2-2018 BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Won a maiden at Leicester in July (good) and didn't get the breaks back in a handicap at Wolverhampton when made favourite; tongue-tie now added and can be given another chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(3)

21st Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 12y

Class 4

19:10 Windsor

Harry Did

9st 11lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Harry Eustace

Can lead; won his maiden on turf but he's topped that form on the AW since, winning at Newcastle in March, and was left behind back on grass at Yarmouth (6f, good) when last seen in April; work to do off just 1lb lower.

10/1

Form: -80879 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Won twice last year at Wolverhampton (7f) for Marco Botti but has failed to convince this year; down the field in two runs for current yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

13

(4)

25th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 5

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Eden Storm

9st 3lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Patrick Morris

Hard to fault on the score of consistency this year but it's nearly two years since his last success and others appeal as likelier winners.

8/1

2nd

3

(7)

2nd Sep 2025

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 6

17:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Eden Storm

9st 5lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Patrick Morris

Both wins came over C&D in 2023, but losing run now up to 17 despite a slipping mark; beaten only 3l into fifth of 13 at Southwell (1m, Tapeta) eight days ago and could play a part if building on that in the returning cheekpieces.

5/1

12

(7)

25th Aug 2025

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

14:50 Southwell (AW)

Eden Storm

9st 5lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Patrick Morris

Both wins over 7f at Wolverhampton; has form at 1m, too, but he hasn't excelled himself in two C&D starts and others have stronger claims.

12/1

8/1

Form: 906712 CD

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 6lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Had the run of things from the front here last month and a 5lb rise found him out next time, though again he ran well; should be thereabouts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(5)

27th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 68y

Class 5

17:05 Hamilton

Starliner

9st 3lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Linda Perratt

Took advantage of his career-low mark when beating Donna Nook at Ayr (1m, good to firm) three weeks ago; not so good at Thirsk last time and he is not the easiest to predict.

9/1

9th

11

(5)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 5

16:12 Thirsk

Starliner

8st 12lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Linda Perratt

He'd taken a healthy drop in the weights during an AW spell since December and was able to take advantage at Ayr (1m, good to firm) last week; ought to have another handicap in him off this 2lb higher mark but perhaps in a less competitive race than this.

7/1

14/1

Form: 1007-0

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 5lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
6f novice winner at two; finished last in a C&D handicap in November following a long absence and now goes in a visor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(5)

30th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 216y

Class 6

18:55 Brighton

Thats For Sure

9st 4lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Michael Keady

took keen hold, in touch with leaders

11/2

3rd

6

(5)

30th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 216y

Class 6

18:55 Brighton

Thats For Sure

9st 4lb

J: Nicola Currie

T: Michael Keady

took keen hold, in touch with leaders

11/2

5th

3

(11)

4th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:50 Bath

Thats For Sure

9st 9lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Michael Keady

slowly into stride, midfield

10/1

Form: 151137 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
His good run of form ended over C&D 19 days ago and returns off an untouched mark; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(3)

10th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:45 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 13lb

J: William Pyle

T: David & Nicola Barron

Revived by the drop to 0-50 classified events, runner-up over 7f at Wolverhampton and then C&D before seeing off six rivals in a 1m event here last week; that was a notably weak race, even for the grade, and he has a bit more on his plate as he bids to defy a penalty.

5/2

1st

3

(7)

4th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

15:02 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: David & Nicola Barron

No win since 2024 and all his succes has come over 7f; that said, he is effective at this trip and arrives on the back of a pair of runner-up finishes at this level; unlikely to be found a better opportunity to register a first 1m success.

5/4

2nd

3

(2)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

17:00 Southwell (AW)

Homer Stokes

9st 9lb

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: David & Nicola Barron

Has won three times over C&D; clear of the remainder when runner-up in a Wolverhampton handicap last time; sound chance down in grade.

11/4

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £73.70
Straight Forecast £44.02
Tricast £259.63
Trifecta £452.10

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Harry Did

POSTDATA:

King's School

The Guardian:

Red Maids

RP RATINGS:

Swiss Ace

TOPSPEED:

Harry Did

The Times:

Harry Did

Telegraph:

Harry Did

D Express:

King's School

The Star:

King's School

Daily Record:

King's School

Daily Mail:

Red Maids

Daily Mirror:

Red Maids

The Sun:

Swiss Ace