April 18 / 16.42 Newcastle (AW)

16.42

Standard

BetUK All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £90195
  • 2m 0f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV
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BetUK All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Partly cloudy

4/1 (Won)

Form: 231-21

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Record of 4-12; admirably consistent on the AW and made it 3-4 on Tapeta when winning unchallenged from Plage De Havre over 1m6f at Wolverhampton last month; fair to say he got the run of things that day under a positive ride but, off just 4lb higher, he's not easily knocked; stays 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

1

(1)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

13:55 Goodwood

Wonder Legend

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Has raced only four times on turf, with a soft-ground win on first occasion but lesser shows since, already dropping out when he was hampered in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot last time (50-1; pulled up); reliable and progressive on AW, surging to new heights with his two handicap wins (1m6f/2m) this March/April, but he's now 8lb higher than for latest win.

12/1

5

(3)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 1

16:20 Ascot

Wonder Legend

9st 4lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: James Ferguson

Has raced only three times on turf, with a soft-ground win on first occasion but lesser shows since, including at this meeting on good ground two years ago; on the other hand he's been reliable and progressive on AW, surging to new heights with his two handicap wins this March/April; latest was for a big prize at Newcastle (2m) and he did it in good style, so he's not miles away on ratings today but still has a lot to prove.

25/1

16/1 (Won)

Form: 4-2312 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
His first run over 2m when making heavy weather of beating two rivals at Southwell and probably achieved more back there in defeat three weeks ago; should have more to offer as a stayer but he's 4lb wrong here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(8)

14th Oct 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 2f 219y

Class 4

20:00 Kempton (AW)

Wonder

9st 6lb

J: George Wood

T: James Fanshawe

Three AW wins; stays further than this but the trip shouldn't be an issue; ran as well as he ever has at Southwell in August last time (after a layoff) but this race will demand more.

6/1

5th

1

(7)

16th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 4

13:30 Southwell (AW)

Wonder

10st 4lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: James Fanshawe

3-15 on AW (last two wins were at this track) compared to 0-4 on turf; in good form at 1m4f on AW initially this year, including a second under Taryn Langley; there was a dip in April when last seen but it's easy to see him returning in a major role for his in-form yard.

5/1

Form: 4312-2

Last run: 28 days

W: 8st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Ex-Godolphin horse and paying his way for current connections; however, can look as though he lacks concentration in a finish and he's unraced beyond 1m4f; this race demands his best form yet.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(4)

21st Sep 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

16:05 Listowel

Tribal Star

9st 1lb

J: Conor Cusack

T: Adrian McGuinness

Dual AW winner who is 0-11 on turf but again ran well to be 4l off the winner last week at Chester, a track he likes; shouldn't be far away.

10/1

4th

7

(2)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Tribal Star

8st 10lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Adrian McGuinness

Both career wins (from 25 races) have come on Dundalk AW, but he finished on the heels of winner Spirit Mixer in this race last year (good to soft) and was also bang there in the Chester Plate this May; backward steps on last two outings but he's not ruled out.

11/1

12th

7

(11)

15th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

16:35 Dundalk (AW)

Tribal Star

9st 6lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Both career wins have come here, the latest in this race last year off 1lb higher; has run well in defeat over much further on turf a couple of times this term and soft ground wouldn't have suited at Galway latest; should be doing his best work at the finish.

11/1

14/1

Form: 8014-1 C

Last run: 66 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Has only won on Tapeta and had the best turn of foot in a steadily-run race last time at Wolverhampton (1m6f); just a worry that he's not excelled over 2m in the past.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

(3)

17th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 4

17:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Heathen

9st 10lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Jennie Candlish

Of his five AW wins, two have come at this track, one over today's distance; respectable third at Chester (2m, good) on his reappearance in May but needs to be at the top of his game here as he is 5lb above his last winning mark.

6/1

Form: 38311- D

Last run: 128 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
6lb lower when runner-up in this 12 months ago but was still improving late last year, winning two 2m handicaps at Kempton; did well in the latest from off the pace and he's only 3lb higher; expected to be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

1

(16)

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Duke Of Oxford

9st 12lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Michael Bell

Eight AW wins, two last winter in 2m handicaps; however, he has tons to prove on turf record (0-7) and even best AW form does not look good enough; reportedly lame after losing right-hind shoe when tailed off 19 days ago.

66/1

15th

2

(7)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Duke Of Oxford

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Michael Bell

Eight AW wins, two last winter in 2m handicaps; however, he has tons to prove on turf record (0-6) and even best AW form does not look good enough.

20/1

6th

2

(1)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

16:55 York

Duke Of Oxford

9st 0lb

J: Rob Hornby

T: Michael Bell

Eight AW wins, two last winter in 2m handicaps; however, he failed to beat a rival in Group 3 at Sandown (2m, good) on turf return, has tons to prove on turf record (0-5) and even best AW form does not look good enough.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 21/111 CD

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Dual winning hurdler but an improving Flat performer having gone 3-3 since joining Hugo Palmer and it was all very straightforward in a trial for this at Lingfield; could easily deal with the 8lb rise and has winning form here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(4)

19th Sep 2026

Good

1m 5f 61y

Class 2

13:37 Newbury

Roaring Legend

9st 12lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Olly Murphy

Hasn't won since completing an AW hat-trick in early 2025 but went close in 1m6f handicap at the Newmarket July festival when last seen; place possibilities, provided he remains in same form.

7/1

2nd

1

(10)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Roaring Legend

9st 12lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Olly Murphy

Fourth in this race last year off the same mark; fine efforts when runner-up in February on first two starts (2m, AW) since rejoining this yard, but reportedly made a respiratory noise next time and, following his third wind operation, he was a soundly beaten outsider in Listed race four weeks ago; others seem more solid.

40/1

5th

5

(4)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:00 York

Roaring Legend

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Olly Murphy

Fine efforts when runner-up in 2m AW handicaps in February on first two starts since rejoining this yard; reportedly made a respiratory noise at Musselburgh in April and he's had a third wind operation since; however, even if returning to form, a career-best if needed from this 6yo today.

25/1

Form: 22-212 C

Last run: 34 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Well-bred 4yo in top hands and still lightly raced; went up 9lb for winning over 1m4f here on penultimate start but still ran well behind Wonder Legend at Wolverhampton (1m6f) in a race that panned out none too favourably (winner got first run); remains capable of better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(1)

12th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 63y

Class 1

13:30 Chester

Plage De Havre

9st 5lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Andrew Balding

AW winner who made it 2-6 on turf when coming from off the pace to edge home in a typically deep 1m4f handicap at York's Ebor meeting where he reportedly appreciated getting back on softer ground (good to soft); this 5yo is still on the upgrade by the looks and could give Dubai Honour something to think about.

4/1

1st

1

(7)

21st Aug 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 2

16:10 York

Plage De Havre

9st 12lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Won in great style at Haydock (1m4f, good; unraced on softer) last July and put up a bold show over C&D this May; having been a non-runner at Royal Ascot where the good to firm ground was deemed unsuitable, he ran on it at Newmarket seven weeks ago and disappointed; can go well if back to peak form.

12/1

16/1

Form: 6320-5

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 12lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Fine servant to his team but hasn't got his head in front since winning a four-runner chase in late 2023; 33-1 and never dangerous back on the Flat three weeks ago at Kempton (2m).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(2)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Tritonic

9st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Capable of useful form on Flat and over jumps; however, hasn't scored under this code since 2022 and needs to improve on his 2025 AW efforts; admittedly this 8yo may benefit from today's drop back in class.

20/1

4

(2)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Tritonic

9st 10lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Alan King

Capable of useful form on Flat and over jumps; however, hasn't scored under this code since 2022 and needs to improve on his 2025 AW efforts; admittedly this 8yo may benefit from today's drop back in class.

20/1

5

(12)

18th Apr 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Tritonic

8st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Fine servant to his team but hasn't got his head in front since winning a four-runner chase in late 2023; 33-1 and never dangerous back on the Flat three weeks ago at Kempton (2m).

16/1

Form: 221614 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Had a good winter on the AW but from 1m2f to 1m4f and didn't appear to stay 1m6f at Southwell last time; entered in the 4.07 on this card.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(5)

30th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 208y

Class 4

14:13 Musselburgh

Humble Spark

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Jim Goldie

Campaigned mainly over further and has done most of his winning on AW; form has dipped of late and his losing run continues to mount up; wears new headgear.

12/1

9th

1

(7)

21st Sep 2026

Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 5

14:47 Hamilton

Humble Spark

10st 1lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Six of his seven wins have been on AW; may just have needed the run after a break when fifth at Ayr on Thursday (1m5f, soft) and has an each-way chance.

8/1

5th

12

(1)

17th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 3

17:01 Ayr

Humble Spark

8st 11lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Went close to snapping long losing run in Queen Mother's Cup at York (1m4f, good) in June; a danger to all if in that form but three lesser runs have followed.

10/1

Form: 432311 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Enhanced his excellent record here with an all-the-way 2l success over 1m2f 20 days ago, under Lauren Young claiming the 7lb; his form at 2m leaves a bit to be desired but from fairly limited evidence, and horses from this yard are renowned for their versatility trip-wise.
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

Form: 36-356 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Failed to kick on over hurdles and has finished behind some of today's opposition in his last two races; up against it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(7)

25th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:23 Haydock

Circuit Breaker

9st 7lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Some creditable efforts this year, including when fourth at Carlisle (1m6f, good) in June, but he's without a Flat win since 2023 and was disappointing when favourite at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) last month; cheekpieces added.

8/1

4th

1

(4)

18th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

14:30 Lingfield (AW)

Circuit Breaker

11st 2lb

J: Mr Simon Walker

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Without a Flat win since September 2023, but is now 4lb lower than when third of 14 in a stronger race over C&D in April and drops into 0-70 company for the first time; much respected, especially if allowed his own way in front.

2/1

4th

6

(1)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 6f 32y

Class 5

15:20 Carlisle

Circuit Breaker

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Without a Flat win since 2023 but was placed in valuable 2m AW handicap in April and didn't run badly when sixth of 12 at Ascot (2m, good) last month; eased in grade here; can go well from the front.

6/1

Form: 3331-5 BF

Last run: 8 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced ex-Karl Burke horse; odds-on when winning a 1m3f novice on the Southwell AW and performed below market expectations on handicap debut here (1m2f); has stamina to prove over this far and being 2lb out of the weights won't help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(7)

10th Aug 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:15 Ayr

King Chaos

10st 1lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Scored over extended 1m4f on Tapeta in January and probably found 8.6f too sharp on that surface last month, after a break; should be fine back on turf but others have more persuasive profiles all the same.

16/1

8th

3

(5)

30th Jul 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 6

17:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

King Chaos

9st 10lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Ended a lengthy losing run at Newcastle (1m4f, Tapeta) in January but disappointed when favourite back there (1m2f) later in month; no headgear on this return from 191 days off and this trip looks on the sharp side.

9/1

7th

11

(9)

20th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 5

12:43 Newcastle (AW)

King Chaos

9st 2lb

J: Kaiya Fraser

T: Rebecca Menzies

Runner-up to Golspie over C&D and then did well (fourth) from a poor track position at Southwell, before things slotted neatly into place for a cosy 12.5f win here (7-4 favourite; from 3lb lower) 11 days ago; given a decent gallop to aim at, should be there or thereabouts.

7/2

Form: 525-11 CD

Last run: 37 days

W: 8st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Took a while to win on the Flat but now seeks a hat-trick after narrow wins in two Class 5s over C&D; he's in a lot deeper here and 8lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

(1)

19th Feb 2026

2m 0f 57y

Class 3

17:00 Newcastle (AW)

Weddell Sea

8st 12lb

J: Aiden Brookes

T: Mike Sowersby

Three Class 5 C&D wins, the latest by a nose on penultimate start; ran respectably in a Class 2 C&D contest (fourth, 16-1) latest; likely to give his best, although others make more appeal.

12/1

4th

11

(7)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:15 Newcastle (AW)

Weddell Sea

8st 2lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Mike Sowersby

Behind New York Minute at Southwell before edging home in a Class 5 over C&D; will do well to follow up in this higher grade.

20/1

50/1

Form: 057-60 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Has been struggling for a while under both codes and he's 15lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(5)

12th Sep 2026

Good

2m 1f 24y

Class 6

15:45 Bath

Chillhi

9st 12lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Barry John Murphy

Won on the Flat (2m, good to firm) and over hurdles (2m2f, good) last summer but he's been tailed off in all completed starts under both codes this year; has a lot to prove and he needs a major revival back on the Flat.

25/1

7th

7

5th Sep 2026

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

16:05 Stratford

Chillhi

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: Barry John Murphy

Won this 12 months ago but has never been straightforward and has done nothing this year under either code.

33/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £87.95
Tricast £1806.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Plage De Havre

Daily Mirror:

Wonder Legend

POSTDATA:

Roaring Legend

Telegraph:

King Chaos

The Times:

Wonder

NEWMARKET:

Duke Of Oxford

WEST COUNTRY:

Circuit Breaker

TOPSPEED:

Humble Spark

RP RATINGS:

Plage De Havre

LAMBOURN:

Plage De Havre

The Guardian:

Plage De Havre

Daily Mail:

Plage De Havre

D Express:

Plage De Havre

The Sun:

Wonder Legend

Daily Record:

Wonder Legend

The Star:

Roaring Legend