February 20 / 19.00 Newcastle (AW)

19.00

Standard

Win £1M With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap (Rider Restricted Race)

  • Prize money: £3140.4
  • 1m 0f 5y
  • Class 6
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Win £1M With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap (Rider Restricted Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Showers

Form: 03000- CD

Last run: 54 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Not won since 2023 and mainly out of sorts since returning from a break in October; has had wind done and now gets tongue-tie/refitted cheekpieces; trainer has won with four of last five runners and interesting down in grade with 5lb claimer enlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(6)

30th Apr 2025

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 6

17:10 Pontefract

Likeashadow

9st 0lb

J: Sam James

T: Alan Brown

Saddle slipped when pulled up last time; best form on the AW and hasn't been running well enough before that to suggest he can take this.

14/1

11th

7

(6)

30th Apr 2025

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 6

17:10 Pontefract

Likeashadow

9st 0lb

J: Sam James

T: Alan Brown

Saddle slipped when pulled up last time; best form on the AW and hasn't been running well enough before that to suggest he can take this.

14/1

10

(6)

24th Apr 2025

Good

1m 0f 100y

Class 6

16:20 Beverley

Likeashadow

8st 9lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Alan Brown

Ran well on AW as recently as last November and he's tumbled down the weights since, but for good reason; needs to get back on track.

33/1

Form: -51212 CD

Last run: 5 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Dual course winner this year and another solid effort over 7f here last time; won't mind the return to this trip and rider claims full allowance this time; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(8)

27th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Concert Boy

9st 1lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Katie Scott

All five wins have come here, the latest over C&D in December, and he was short-headed over 7f here on March 12; this hold-up horse was on the wrong end of a pace bias when 2l sixth over C&D last Saturday and could play a leading role if this pans out more favourably.

7/1

6th

10

(9)

21st Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Concert Boy

8st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Katie Scott

All of his five wins have been at Newcastle and he produced a strong finish to go close over 7f here last Thursday; only 1lb higher on this step back up in trip and he's an interesting contender.

5/1

2nd

9

(6)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:15 Newcastle (AW)

Concert Boy

9st 4lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Katie Scott

Two Class 6 wins here (including this trip) in late 2025 but recent efforts no more than respectable, including at Wolverhampton on Monday.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 8768-4 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Multiple winner at this venue and shaped as though coming to hand in a race that threw up winners last time; another to consider in an open event back at 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(8)

10th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Leicester

Odd Socks Havana

9st 6lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

Six of his seven wins have been on AW and yet to win beyond 8.5f; second of 11 at Pontefract (1m, good) ten days ago where he stayed on to suggest this longer trip should suit.

11/2

4th

6

(8)

10th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Leicester

Odd Socks Havana

9st 6lb

J: Dale Swift

T: Seb Spencer

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway and pressed leader from over 1f out, weakened final 110yds

11/2

2nd

3

(7)

30th Apr 2025

Good

1m 0f 6y

Class 6

17:10 Pontefract

Odd Socks Havana

9st 5lb

J: David Allan

T: Seb Spencer

Probably better on the AW but won on turf for David O'Meara in July 2021 (6f, good); good second over 1m at Newcastle two runs back and not beaten far when seventh of 13 at Thirsk last week (7f, good to firm).

9/1

Form: 746-97

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Posted best effort over similar trip on handicap debut at Wolverhampton last March but below that level since and makes little appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

(2)

13th Mar 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

16:50 Newcastle (AW)

Pilgrim Of Culture

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Liam Bailey

Still a maiden and she came in last of 11 in 1m handicap here three weeks ago; cheekpieces are reached for now.

8/1

4

(7)

20th Feb 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

Pilgrim Of Culture

9st 7lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Liam Bailey

Posted best effort over similar trip on handicap debut at Wolverhampton last March but below that level since and makes little appeal.

33/1

7th

2

(6)

31st Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 6

13:58 Newcastle (AW)

Pilgrim Of Culture

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Liam Bailey

ducked right start, took keen hold, prominent early, led after 2f

33/1

6/1

Form: 434-35 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
C&D winner in September who is now lower in the weights and bit better than she's been able to show on last two starts at Southwell; John Egan an interesting booking and the market should guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(2)

17th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 6

16:50 Ripon

Balqaa

9st 7lb

J: Zak Wheatley

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

All five wins have came on AW; usually ridden with hold-up tactics and will need plenty of luck in running to get her head in front here.

10/1

5th

5

(4)

17th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 6

17:35 Wolverhampton (AW)

Balqaa

9st 6lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

It was a classified race she won over C&D last month but this mark isn't beyond her and a slow start was no help at Southwell.

10/1

5th

4

(9)

28th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Balqaa

9st 6lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Tony Culhane & Stella Barclay

Regained the winning thread in Wolverhampton classified race (9.5f) last week and may remain competitive despite a 6lb rise in her mark; well treated on best handicap form at up to 1m2f.

9/2

Form: 01256- CD

Last run: 73 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Both AW wins have been at this venue but hasn't been at best on last two starts; returns following a short break but will have to fare better if she's to return to winning ways.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

(10)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 6

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Wheres The Crumpet

9st 9lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: David Thompson

Scored at Carlisle (1m) last May but her more recent form is much less encouraging, beating just one in 1m2f Redcar handicap eight days ago; this C&D scorer needs to take a major step forward.

25/1

11th

9

(2)

25th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 1y

Class 6

17:18 Redcar

Wheres The Crumpet

9st 0lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: David Thompson

Creditable third at Southwell in January (1m) but not so good since; seems to stay 1m2f and wouldn't rule out.

16/1

10th

11

(8)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Wheres The Crumpet

9st 1lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: David Thompson

Both AW wins have been at Newcastle (1m/1m2f) but her last success was 11 months ago and she's been out of sorts in two runs this spring; down the list.

12/1

Form: 45-215 C BF

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 52

Form & Verdict
Free-going sort but back to winning ways in classified event at Southwell on penultimate start; not far off that back in handicap last time, albeit held by Concert Boy.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

(6)

14th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 53y

Class 5

16:14 Leicester

Just Typical

9st 5lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Ian Williams

Five-time AW scorer who opened his turf account in Redcar contest (1m, good) on penultimate start; respectable third, despite not getting the clearest of runs, at Newmarket latest; remains in form.

7/2

3rd

11

(2)

25th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:18 Newmarket

Just Typical

9st 6lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Four 1m AW wins earlier this year and he's run really well in this headgear combination on turf on his last two starts, coming from the rear to win with authority at Redcar (1m, good) last Tuesday; unexposed on grass and he's ahead of the handicapper under a 5lb penalty; key player.

7/2

9

(12)

16th Sep 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 219y

Class 5

16:35 Redcar

Just Typical

9st 7lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Ian Williams

Has done most of his racing on the AW, winning five times at 7f/1m; was having only his third turf run when a good second at Newmarket on latest start last month (1m, good to firm; wore today's combination of headgear for first time), keeping on well after starting slowly when his blindfold came off late; interesting.

13/2

Form: 81700- D

Last run: 115 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 51

Form & Verdict
Flat and hurdle winner for Ben Haslam but well beaten under both codes prior to falling at Hexham in November; not seen since and bit to prove after break for new trainer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

7

(2)

21st May 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 6

15:50 Musselburgh

On The Bubble

8st 9lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Gary Rutherford

Still seeking her first win for this yard but she has often run well, including over C&D, and her second here three weeks ago was on the back of a 190-day layoff; that form has been franked and she should make another bold bid.

9/2

2nd

9

(7)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 6

16:25 Musselburgh

On The Bubble

8st 9lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Gary Rutherford

1-27 on the Flat; some of last year's best efforts came here but she's still opposable for win purposes after 190 days off.

14/1

6th

8

(7)

21st Oct 2025

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 5

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

On The Bubble

8st 9lb

J: Greg Fairley

T: Gary Rutherford

1-26 on the Flat and unplaced in all six starts on the AW; takes on better company from 5lb out of the weights; up against it.

16/1

Form: 2-5942 C

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 48

Form & Verdict
Has had plenty of chances since last win nearly two years ago but went close in classified event over C&D last time; more needed to win this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(6)

30th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Urban Dandy

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

In consistent form in the spring when finishing a close second five times, including over C&D, as well as winning a 1m classified event at Newcastle; however, he hasn't been in the same form since back from a break, drastically so last time out; others are much preferred.

16/1

6

(6)

30th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Urban Dandy

9st 6lb

J: David Nolan

T: Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood

In consistent form in the spring when finishing a close second five times, including over C&D, as well as winning a 1m classified event at Newcastle; however, he hasn't been in the same form since back from a break, drastically so last time out; others are much preferred.

16/1

Form: 8-2535 CD

Last run: 6 days

W: 9st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 46

Form & Verdict
Dual C&D winner last year who has been running respectably in classified company, although held by Urban Dandy on most recent run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

(5)

25th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

14:57 Redcar

Martins Brig

8st 9lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: David Thompson

Winner at Wetherby in April 2025 (7f, good to firm) and some fair runs since; hasn't been in much form on the AW this year and perhaps best watched for now.

33/1

7th

13

(7)

20th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Martins Brig

9st 0lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: David Thompson

Triple C&D winner but he's finished in rear in his last three runs and and his last win was 12 months ago; one of three runners for the yard and he needs to turn things around.

16/1

8th

4

(2)

5th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 6

20:00 Newcastle (AW)

Martins Brig

9st 9lb

J: Mark Winn

T: David Thompson

A three-time C&D scorer but he arrives out of sorts, beating only one in classified event over C&D 40 days ago; he needs this change of headgear to spark a resurgence.

16/1

Form: 05-476 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 45

Form & Verdict
Multiple C&D winner but whose form has been patchy since last win in October; below best in classified events the last twice and others appeal more now back in a handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(6)

29th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

17:15 Southwell (AW)

Pop Favorite

9st 0lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Hasn't troubled the judge since returning in December from a short break and finished well behind Spirit Of Bowland over C&D last time.

33/1

9th

8

(5)

26th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

15:07 Southwell (AW)

Pop Favorite

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Last win away from Newcastle was in 2021; slow starts have been holding him back so both classified fourths over C&D this month can arguably be upgraded; chance rests largely on the start.

20/1

4th

5

(7)

14th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 6

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Pop Favorite

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

It has been a long time since he won away from Newcastle and he has run to just a modest level in two Southwell runs this year; others appeal more for win purposes.

10/1

Selections

THE NORTH:

Concert Boy

Telegraph:

Odd Socks Havana

POSTDATA:

Just Typical

SPOTLIGHT:

Likeashadow

RP RATINGS:

Urban Dandy

The Times:

Just Typical

The Guardian:

Likeashadow

Daily Mirror:

Urban Dandy

Daily Mail:

Concert Boy

The Sun:

Concert Boy

Daily Record:

Concert Boy

D Express:

Odd Socks Havana

The Star:

Odd Socks Havana