January 17 / 14.45 Newcastle (AW)

14.45

Standard

Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Handicap (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 1m 2f 42y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
SKY
View Course
Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Handicap (GBB Race)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Mostly cloudy

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £3.25
  • Place: £1.30

Form: 0073-2

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo; registered his two AW novice wins (in 2023) by an aggregate of 14l, looking a useful sort; placed in two 1m3f handicaps since returned to this sphere, close second at Southwell latest; threatening to regain the winning thread.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(13)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:07 Newcastle (AW)

Old Harrovian

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

towards rear, good headway over 1f out, pressed winner final strides, did well in the circumstances

7/2

2nd

5

(13)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:07 Newcastle (AW)

Old Harrovian

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Cruised into contention and breezed clear for an easy win over C&D in January when last seen, taking AW record to 3-6 and looking a suitable type for this prize; could well defy a 9lb rise.

7/2

1st

6

(5)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

14:45 Newcastle (AW)

Old Harrovian

9st 1lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Andrew Balding

travelled strongly, held up in rear, steady headway when short of room from 2f out, switched right and led final 110yds, soon niggled along briefly and went clear, readily

7/2

8/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 74/83-

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who is a 7f winner; ran well at Kempton (1m) last month on second run back from lengthy absence, shaping as if this new trip is worth exploring; possibilities off same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(9)

29th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

20:15 Kempton (AW)

Metallo

9st 2lb

J: Jack Callan

T: John Butler

0-11 on the AW and 1-18 overall; down another 2lb and cheekpieces are given a go this time, but he still has stamina to prove over this far.

12/1

4th

1

(2)

12th May 2026

Standard

1m 0f 1y

Class 4

19:20 Lingfield (AW)

Metallo

9st 9lb

J: Luke Morris

T: John Butler

0-13 in handicaps and usually seen over further than this, but he did run well when fourth of nine over 7f here in March; with a couple in here that like to go forward, he may have the race run to suit and drops into a 0-80 for the first time; hood removed; interesting.

13/2

4th

6

(4)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

17:20 Lingfield (AW)

Metallo

9st 6lb

J: David Probert

T: John Butler

On a long losing run but he comes here in decent form for his current yard, sixth of 14 in 1m2f handicap here 24 days ago; possibilities on his first go at this trip.

8/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 33012-

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Couple of good performances in this grade since returned to AW, winning at Southwell (1m4f; strong form) then going very close over C&D; may have more to offer this winter and still looks attractively handicapped (peak mark was 10lb higher); major contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(9)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 4

16:30 York

Dark Moon Rising

9st 12lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

His 19 course starts have yielded five places and a win over 1m4f back in 2023 but he hasn't been at his best on turf here the last twice; back on a good mark but need to see more.

20/1

12th

14

(2)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 8lb

J: Jack Nicholls

T: Kevin Ryan

18 starts here have yielded five places and a win over 1m4f back in 2023, although he wasn't at his best when beating one home in this race last year; in fair form over this trip on AW in the spring but his return to turf, when beaten 8l over 1m4f here one month ago, will need improving on.

20/1

5th

11

(2)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

14:20 York

Dark Moon Rising

8st 9lb

J: Josephine Gordon

T: Kevin Ryan

C&D winner in 2023; no joy anywhere last season (mostly at this track) but the closest he came was a neck defeat here (1m2f; 4lb higher today) on final start; not far away on AW last three starts this year and the same may be possible on today's return to turf.

16/1

7/1

Form: 651-11 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Front-runner whose Class 4 success last Saturday took his record for new stable to 3-3 and C&D score to 4-5; faces a tougher task under 5lb penalty upped further in grade but brings impressive stats.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

14

(16)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

16:10 Newcastle (AW)

Midnight Lion

8st 8lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

24 visits to Newcastle have yielded nine wins, seven over C&D; the latest came on New Year's Day when beating five rivals; fifth of 12 at Southwell since and could better that performance now back here, but there's a suspicion today's contest will prove too competitive.

25/1

5th

6

(2)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 3

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Midnight Lion

9st 6lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Enhanced his outstanding Newcastle record (all nine AW wins there) on New Year's Day when fending off five rivals; only 2lb higher and he'll probably be ridden positively as usual; has only raced twice here (unplaced).

13/2

OUR TIP

Form: 90334- D

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Takes a drop back in grade (from Listed level) but the 8yo remains on a difficult mark and others look better treated; has never won above Class 3.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

14

(22)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:45 York

Fantasy Believer

9st 0lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Ed Walker

Did well to finish fifth of 16 over C&D (good) on reappearance four weeks ago having been hampered soon after the start and raced wide; however, he goes well fresh so may not improve for that outing, and it's likely this 9yo will be vulnerable against numerous unexposed contenders.

50/1

5th

4

(10)

12th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Fantasy Believer

9st 3lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

Ten-time winner who was close to a lifetime best when bagging Doncaster handicap (1m2f, soft) at the Leger meeting in September; still marooned on this career-high mark despite two subsequent defeats but his form figures after a 50-day break or more read 32112913 and he won't mind if the rains come.

25/1

6

(4)

25th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 2f 43y

Class 2

16:25 Doncaster

Fantasy Believer

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Ed Walker

8yo who has been in and out this year and was soundly beaten at Epsom (1m2f, good to soft) last time but prior to that he won over today's C&D (soft) and can't be ruled out off this 4lb higher mark.

10/1

Form: 62662- CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Bagged runner-up honours at Wolverhampton (1m4f) on Boxing Day, albeit proving no match for a rival who was beaten by Dark Moon Rising the time before; losing run is mounting up.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(7)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 5

17:00 Chester

Dream Harder

9st 9lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Mark Loughnane

Finished last of six at Ripon on stable/seasonal debut but is interesting assuming he's back in better form with the outing under his belt; dual winner off higher marks at Chester; check the betting,

14/1

6th

5

(5)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 10y

Class 4

19:00 Ripon

Dream Harder

9st 5lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Mark Loughnane

Well handicapped on his Chester win (1m4f, good) last May but he's 0-10 since and was well held in his final five runs for Ian Williams; returns after 200 days off and he needs to get back on track for new yard.

14/1

2

(7)

28th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:30 Epsom

Dream Harder

10st 2lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Good second off this mark in better race over C&D on Derby day, having scored at Chester the time before; not in the same form since and suffered a heavy defeat last Sunday.

16/1

Form: 45971- D

Last run: 36 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Registered a Class 4 success at Chelmsford last month on third start for new yard, taking his 1m2f form figures to 421; upped a couple of grades but may have more to offer at this distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(2)

13th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

19:15 Chelmsford (AW)

Mighty Nebula

8st 11lb

J: David Egan

T: Stuart Williams

Twice well held at Newcastle (1m2f, Tapeta) since winning from 1lb lower over C&D (well behind Metallo on the first occasion); needs to bounce back in the first-time cheekpieces.

14/1

7th

3

(3)

1st Mar 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

17:15 Newcastle (AW)

Mighty Nebula

9st 8lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Stuart Williams

mounted in chute, in touch with leaders, weakened inside final furlong

8/1

7th

9

(8)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 2

14:45 Newcastle (AW)

Mighty Nebula

8st 10lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Registered a Class 4 success at Chelmsford last month on third start for new yard, taking his 1m2f form figures to 421; upped a couple of grades but may have more to offer at this distance.

10/1

Form: 223-1 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Nicely bred colt whose turf form (1m/1m2f) has worked out well; comfortably justified favouritism in 12.5f novice event here last week on debut for new stable and second attempt on AW; incurs 5lb penalty but should build on that success; respected handicap debutant.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

10th Jul 2026

Good

2m 1f 60y

18:15 Cork

Northern Ruler

11st 8lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: M D O’Callaghan

Has regressed sharply since winning on the Flat for Karl Burke and nothing positive to report so far over hurdles, including last week's handicap debut (33-1).

33/1

10th

11

2nd Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

16:45 Limerick

Northern Ruler

10st 12lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: M D O’Callaghan

AW winner for Karl Burke early last year; regressive in turf handicaps; hinted at handicap potential at Naas in March on his third maiden hurdle start, beaten 28l in sixth behind a Willie Mullins-trained odds-on chance in a 20-runner contest.

10/1

6th

10

4th Mar 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 0y

14:20 Naas

Northern Ruler

11st 12lb

J: Conor Smithers

T: M D O’Callaghan

AW winner for Karl Burke early last year; regressive in turf handicaps; has struggled in two maiden hurdle starts.

100/1

10/1

Form: 64636- D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Respectable third over C&D in most recent 1m2f attempt but is still badly out of the winning habit and may struggle to defy top weight in this field; losing spell goes back to Royal Ascot win in 2022.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(1)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Claymore

9st 8lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Often front-runner; won well over C&D on good to firm last July; somewhat back down the weights and in class when winning another Class 3 in seven-runner race at Windsor (11.4f, good to firm; made all) last Saturday in good style; back up 5lb for this Class 2 but each-way claims.

12/1

1st

1

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 3

19:45 Windsor

Claymore

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

A two-time 1m4f scorer in 2025; returned from a spell in Meydan with a solid fifth of 12 in 1m3f handicap at Carlisle four weeks ago; not out of things with Billy Loughnane now up.

9/4

5th

4

(2)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Claymore

9st 6lb

J: Sorin Moldoveanu

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Campaigned in the UAE this winter, last seen finishing tailed off at Meydan; still 4lb higher than for his last win in Britain and probably best watched after three months off.

20/1

Non-runners

Kings Code

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £14.40
Straight Forecast £13.96
Tricast £42.83
Trifecta £59.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Northern Ruler

RP RATINGS:

Dark Moon Rising

The Times:

King's Code

The Guardian:

Midnight Lion

NEWMARKET:

Claymore

D Express:

Old Harrovian

TOPSPEED:

Northern Ruler

Daily Mail:

Northern Ruler

The Star:

Northern Ruler

Daily Record:

Northern Ruler

Daily Mirror:

King's Code

POSTDATA:

Dark Moon Rising

Telegraph:

Dark Moon Rising

The Sun:

Dark Moon Rising