June 27 / 20.10 Newcastle (AW)

20.10

Standard

Take The Lead With X3 Consulting Handicap

  • Prize money: £4187.2
  • 0m 6f 0y
  • Class 6
  • 13 runners
SKY
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Take The Lead With X3 Consulting Handicap

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 382-97 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Expensive to follow for Clive Cox last year before being picked up for 16,000gns in the autumn; failed to beat a rival in two turf runs (5f/5.5f) for new yard this season and he needs a major revival back on AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

(9)

27th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:00 Carlisle

Crafty Spirit

9st 3lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: John Wainwright

In good form across his four starts this year, scoring twice (5.5f/5f) and being placed on the other two occasions, latterly when third back at Beverley (not clear run) one month ago; all those runs came on good to firm so he probably doesn't want too much of the forecast rain; otherwise hard to knock.

13/2

3rd

8

(1)

28th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:30 Beverley

Crafty Spirit

9st 0lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: John Wainwright

Three sound runs this term, winning his last two, at Wetherby in June (5.5f, good to firm) and over C&D two weeks ago (good to firm); this looks a stronger race, but he could go well again.

7/2

1st

7

(8)

14th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:23 Beverley

Crafty Spirit

9st 2lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: John Wainwright

Has run two good races this season, last time getting off the mark on turf at Wetherby (5.5f, good to firm); each-way chance.

5/1

Form: 5237-8 D

Last run: 79 days

W: 9st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Defied this mark at Catterick (6f, good) last April but that is his sole win since 2021; may have needed his reappearance run at Catterick in April but he's had another break since then and his AW record stands at 0-12; looks opposable back in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

(6)

9th Sep 2025

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

16:10 Catterick

Highjacked

9st 4lb

J: David Nolan

T: John Davies

C&D scorer who got back on track when fourth of nine over C&D in July; one to consider off the same mark after a break.

11/2

4th

4

(2)

23rd Jul 2025

Soft

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

17:00 Catterick

Highjacked

9st 8lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: John Davies

In the frame on eight of his 12 course visits but only two of the last five, and about 3l behind Quercus when fifth in this race last year (good to firm; beaten favourite); can't fight the rider as much as he did behind Miss Rainbow on last month's return from a small break.

6/1

2

(11)

27th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:10 Newcastle (AW)

Highjacked

9st 9lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: John Davies

Defied this mark at Catterick (6f, good) last April but that is his sole win since 2021; may have needed his reappearance run at Catterick in April but he's had another break since then and his AW record stands at 0-12; looks opposable back in this sphere.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 109-06

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Won off 4lb higher at Redcar (5f, good to firm) last May but he's had only four runs since and has struggled in all of them; overall record is now 1-10 and has lots to prove back on AW; first-time blinkers.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(2)

7th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:05 Ayr

Cuban Storm

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Michael Dods

Record is just 1-11 but he ran encouragingly in first-time blinkers at Newcastle (AW) most recently; interesting in the retained headgear.

10/1

Form: 447546 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Two 6f wins on AW for Ivan Furtado last spring; now 6lb lower than for last success but she's not threatened in five runs for new yard this season; had some traffic issues at Wolverhampton on her penultimate run but she can miss the break and others are more convincing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(10)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Kempton (AW)

The Real McKay

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Michael Herrington

One of her three wins came over C&D; off the mark for this stable when comfortably seeing off eight rivals at Newcastle two weeks ago (6f); drawn wide but a 3lb rise looks manageable.

4/1

7th

3

(10)

29th Oct 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:30 Kempton (AW)

The Real McKay

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Michael Herrington

One of her three wins came over C&D; off the mark for this stable when comfortably seeing off eight rivals at Newcastle two weeks ago (6f); drawn wide but a 3lb rise looks manageable.

4/1

1st

3

(1)

14th Oct 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:00 Newcastle (AW)

The Real McKay

9st 9lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Michael Herrington

Has won off higher marks when trained by Ivan Furtado in 2024; 0-8 for current yard but was close second at Yarmouth (6f, soft) two runs back; on a career-low mark and cannot be discounted.

5/1

Form: -79460 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 8lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 57

Form & Verdict
His last win was over C&D but that was in a novice in December 2022; very well treated on old form but he's faded in his five runs this year and was beaten 15l at Chepstow (7-2) last time; had a difficult track position in that race but he needs a big turnaround back in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(8)

18th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 6

17:07 Yarmouth

Clipsham La Habana

9st 4lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Alice Haynes

Both wins were in late 2022 and he has been looking regressive this year; wouldn't be the obvious answer after nearly three months off.

8/1

6

(13)

27th Jun 2025

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:10 Newcastle (AW)

Clipsham La Habana

9st 8lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Alice Haynes

His last win was over C&D but that was in a novice in December 2022; very well treated on old form but he's faded in his five runs this year and was beaten 15l at Chepstow (7-2) last time; had a difficult track position in that race but he needs a big turnaround back in trip.

9/1

12th

2

(2)

30th May 2025

Good To Soft

0m 7f 16y

Class 6

17:00 Chepstow

Clipsham La Habana

9st 8lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Alice Haynes

No win since late 2022; has dropped in the weights and his reappearance effort at Doncaster wasn't a bad run but he failed to build on it at Salisbury a fortnight ago; others appeal more.

6/1

Form: 353436 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 56

Form & Verdict
Plenty of good runs this year, including a near-miss here (5f) in January and a third at Ayr (6f, good to firm) last month; didn't fire at Musselburgh last time but the application of a visor may have backfired; the headgear is now removed and he could bounce back on this return AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

3

(4)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 6

20:15 Hamilton

King Of The Jungle

9st 13lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Michael & David Easterby

Bids for a hat-trick after wins at Beverley in May (5f, good to firm) and Ayr in June (5f, soft); up 11lb (5lb rise for last win); each-way chance.

11/2

1st

2

(2)

20th Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

14:18 Ayr

King Of The Jungle

9st 11lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Ran out the easy winner of a handicap at Beverley (5f, good to firm) last month; up 6lb but slower ground won't faze him and he can't be ruled out.

100/30

Form: 124657 CD

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 55

Form & Verdict
Course specialist who won three times here in February/March, including over C&D; finished down the field back on turf in last three runs but he wasn't beaten far after a slow start at Wetherby last time; now only 2lb higher than for his last success and he looks interesting back on Tapeta.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(8)

21st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

18:30 Newcastle (AW)

Pockley

9st 4lb

J: David Allan

T: Linda Perratt

Three course wins early in the year and he is now 3lb lower than for the latest of them; dropped down the weights on the back of some disappointing turf runs and he should be a more potent force back under these conditions.

20/1

Form: 7-6911

Last run: 17 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 54

Form & Verdict
Much improved since the visor went on and she bids for a hat-trick following wins at Thirsk (5f) and Catterick (7f) recently; up another 4lb but she battled well to beat a subsequent winner last time and this return to AW should be fine; big player back in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(9)

17th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

15:15 Catterick

Miss Rainbow

9st 10lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Tracy Waggott

Two wins this summer, the latest over C&D 13 days ago when having a bit to spare; a 4lb higher mark may prove less of a hindrance than the widest stall.

9/2

1st

2

(1)

4th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 212y

Class 6

15:45 Catterick

Miss Rainbow

9st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Tracy Waggott

Often front-runner; course winner over 7f last June and gained her fifth success when winning at Thirsk (6f, good to firm) five starts ago; behind Barmyblade when third over this C&D before a lesser effort at Thirsk 11 days ago; could bounce back in this lower grade.

5/1

4th

7

(7)

24th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:18 Thirsk

Miss Rainbow

9st 5lb

J: William Pyle

T: Tracy Waggott

Won this race last year and she scored over 5f here (good) last month; can be a bit up and down but she's finished a creditable third in last two runs, including at Catterick (6f, good to firm) on Wednesday; shortlisted.

9/1

Form: 7-3096 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Record is just 2-35, the wins in 2021 and 2024; started this season with a close third at Wolverhampton (6f, Tapeta) but he's been well held in last three runs; on very dangerous mark but he's hard to predict and is not a solid option.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

(6)

8th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

19:40 Newcastle (AW)

Gis A Sub

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

On a losing run but he wasn't best drawn when seventh of 11 in 6f Pontefract handicap 43 days ago; he needs considering off a handy-looking mark.

11/2

7th

1

(13)

27th Jul 2025

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

16:55 Pontefract

Gis A Sub

9st 11lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Has a poor strike-rate but went close at Ripon last weekend and holds a fighting chance in this grade; gained sole handicap win off 5lb higher.

7/2

2nd

6

(3)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Soft

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:38 Ripon

Gis A Sub

9st 5lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

Runner-up in the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes as a 2yo; nothing like so good now but that wasn't a barrier to success in the corresponding event 12 months ago; 7lb lower this time around and he didn't run badly at Thirsk 17 days ago; headgear left off today.

7/1

Form: 925673 C

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Nine-time winner, including four on Tapeta (5f/6f); has a patchy record this year but he bounced back with a near-miss at Wetherby (5.5f, good to firm) last week; well treated off 2lb lower here and he's a big player if he can repeat that latest form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

(4)

3rd Sep 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:10 Newcastle (AW)

Newyorkstateofmind

9st 1lb

J: William Pyle

T: Ruth Carr

Regressive veteran; finished second at Catterick (5f, good) in May but little to celebrate since; vulnerable once more.

20/1

9th

14

(8)

20th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

20:54 Newcastle (AW)

Newyorkstateofmind

8st 9lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Regressive veteran; finished second at Catterick (5f, good) in May but little to celebrate since; vulnerable once more.

33/1

6th

6

(9)

7th Aug 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:10 Thirsk

Newyorkstateofmind

9st 9lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: Ruth Carr

Has a better strike-rate on the AW and his last turf win was over two years ago; finished well when runner-up at Catterick (5f, good) in May but he's been quiet since and reared at the start when down the field at Ayr last time; others preferred.

20/1

Form: 7607

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Struggled at big prices in her qualifying runs and same story on handicap debut at Nottingham (5f, good) two weeks ago; still unexposed but she needs a transformation back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(3)

11th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 13y

Class 6

16:30 Catterick

Free Pic

9st 9lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won over C&D (good) last month when back on turf and back down in trip and she followed up over 1m6f here; clearly thriving and has strong claims.

9/4

1st

4

(6)

22nd Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 192y

Class 6

17:00 Catterick

Free Pic

8st 10lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won at Newcastle in October and solid fourth there (also 1m4f, AW) in February; didn't stay 2m back at that track last month but a return to 1m4f did the trick when taking a course handicap (good) a fortnight ago; big player if her stamina lasts out.

9/4

1st

7

(3)

8th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 13y

Class 6

15:58 Catterick

Free Pic

8st 6lb

J: Barry McHugh

T: Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith

Won at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) last October and close fourth there (1m4f, AW) in February; didn't see out 2m there last month; also effective on turf and she's one to consider now back down in trip.

6/1

Form: 447516 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 50

Form & Verdict
Made it sixth-time lucky for Jamie Osborne when winning narrowly at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) in April; changed hands for 10,000gns the following month but he made a low-key start for new yard at Hamilton (last of six); now returns to Tapeta but he has a patchy profile and needs to bounce back again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(4)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

17:10 Newcastle (AW)

Black Cab

9st 8lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Alison Hamilton

The form of his 5f win at Wolverhampton in May has been franked since; a 5lb higher mark should be in range and the booking of Billy Loughnane suggests he will be ready to go after 81 days off.

11/4

1st

5

(3)

5th May 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Black Cab

9st 3lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Alison Hamilton

Placed in two 6f 0-50 classified events here in March; slowly away last time, however, and won't be able to get away with that back at 5f.

8/1

3rd

4

(5)

24th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 6

19:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Black Cab

9st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Alison Hamilton

C&D win for Jamie Osborne last April; slow start for current stable but he returned to form after a four-month break when second in a similar C&D event two weeks ago; solid claims if in the same form this time.

4/1

14 (10)
Poet

16/1

Form: 7-5187 CD

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 49

Form & Verdict
Poor on turf last twice but his last AW run resulted in a win over C&D early last month; only 3lb higher than for strong-finishing success and has claims if he can recapture that form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

7

(5)

22nd Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 6

20:40 Lingfield

Poet

9st 9lb

J: Christian Howarth

T: Scott Dixon

Very moderate form this year and others have much stronger claims.

100/1

9th

14

(14)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 16y

Class 6

16:25 Chepstow

Poet

9st 0lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Scott Dixon

Ended a run of finishing last when seventh of 11 at Brighton nine days ago; easy enough to swerve.

66/1

7th

10

(11)

7th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 215y

Class 6

18:20 Brighton

Poet

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Scott Dixon

Has finished stone last on his last nine starts; impossible to recommend.

100/1

Non-runners

Nazca

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £28.10
Straight Forecast £34.69
Tricast £331.71
Trifecta £417.90

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Miss Rainbow

The Times:

Newyorkstateofmind

D Express:

Pockley

POSTDATA:

King Of The Jungle

Telegraph:

Gis A Sub

RP RATINGS:

Miss Rainbow

The Star:

Miss Rainbow

Daily Record:

Miss Rainbow

The Sun:

Pockley

The Guardian:

Newyorkstateofmind

Daily Mail:

Newyorkstateofmind

Daily Mirror:

Newyorkstateofmind