August 21 / 18.15 Newcastle (AW)

18.15

Standard

Racing League Race 30 Handicap (Horses In The Care Of Trainers Registered To Racing League)(GBBPlus)

  • Prize money: £25770
  • 1m 4f 98y
  • Class 3
  • 13 runners
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Racing League Race 30 Handicap (Horses In The Care Of Trainers Registered To Racing League)(GBBPlus)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Light rain

Form: 189564 C

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Mixed form since his 1m4f win at York in May but he was a close fourth at Ascot (1m4f) recently and he won a maiden here in 2023 on his sole previous visit to Newcastle; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(4)

14th Sep 2026

Good

1m 3f 99y

Class 4

16:12 Windsor

Great Bedwyn

10st 0lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Has run several good races in defeat this year and perhaps found good to soft ground troublesome when well behind at Epsom two weeks ago; should be on the scene granted suitable conditions.

8/1

7th

3

(10)

31st Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 4

15:35 Epsom

Great Bedwyn

11st 7lb

J: Mr Lucas Murphy

T: Richard Hannon

Yet to win this year but he has run several good races in defeat at this trip; the bulk of his racing has been on good ground or quicker so underfoot conditions could be troublesome.

12/1

3rd

4

(5)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Newbury

Great Bedwyn

9st 11lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Beaten on his last 15 starts but placed over 1m4f/1m2f in three of his five races this term; has the form for another prominent finish and is claimer ridden for the first time.

7/2

Form: 2-1165 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Kicked off campaign with two wins (1m4f/1m5f, including on Tapeta) but merely mid-division on his last two starts on slow ground he should have been fine with; needs to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

5th Sep 2026

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

16:40 Stratford

Kings Scholar

11st 12lb

J: Tom Hutsby

T: Olly Murphy

Useful three-time Flat winner (1m4f/1m5f) who has taken well to this discipline, winning two of his three starts since the tongue-tie went on, the latest in gritty fashion when penalised; has a double penalty but Tom Hutsby claims 10lb.

5/2

1st

1

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

15:30 Worcester

Kings Scholar

11st 10lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Useful three-time Flat winner (1m4f/1m5f) and was consistent until getting too high in the weights; his Ludlow run from off the pace was encouraging and he then won comfortably under a more forward ride at Southwell (2m, good; first-time tongue-tie); carries a penalty but has clear claims.

4/9

Form: 335236 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Beaten on last 11 starts and merely sixth at Chepstow latest, but he has an each-way shout on this year's best turf form and his career-best RPR came on his sole previous AW run, when winning on the Wolverhampton Tapeta.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(4)

24th Sep 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 3

15:52 Pontefract

Per Contra

9st 1lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Landed the third turf win of his career when seeing off ten rivals at Redcar (1m2f, good) a fortnight ago; raised 4lb but his AW success last September was attained off 1lb higher.

9/2

1st

7

(6)

9th Sep 2026

Good

1m 2f 1y

Class 4

14:51 Redcar

Per Contra

9st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Dual turf winner who last scored when bagging a 1m2f AW handicap just under a year ago; now 5lb lower but that's still the same mark he was beaten just over 4l at Beverley 10 days ago; likely needs to find a bit extra.

7/1

Form: 65-532

Last run: 13 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced, ex-French 4yo who has run fairly encouraging races on his last two starts (including C&D); however, he's been unable to threaten the winner either time and needs something extra this evening.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

(1)

6th Feb 2026

Standard

2m 0f 120y

Class 2

16:22 Wolverhampton (AW)

Ribble Vibe

8st 13lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: David O’Meara

Sometimes hangs left but is moving in the right direction and comfortably justified favouritism over C&D in December, recording a first win since joining shrewd current connections; good second on trials day at Newcastle (kept to 2m) since; may improve further at this trip; respected.

2/1

2nd

7

(6)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:15 Newcastle (AW)

Ribble Vibe

8st 13lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Had been running well in defeat before outclassing his five rivals in a Class 4 at Wolverhampton (2m); 5lb higher this time in a stronger contest but looks a good bet to give his running.

6/1

Form: 110400 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Front-runner who hasn't shone at Haydock and Wolverhampton on his last two starts; however, he won four times over 1m2f here earlier this year and is 2lb lower than when a close fourth of 19 in the Northumberland Vase here (2m) in June; could have a part to play now back here.
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: 911

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Made debut in June and won at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm) on second start before following up in Lingfield novice (11.6f, good); this well-bred Frankel colt has potential off his opening mark; player on AW debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(4)

28th Sep 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 3

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Gran Descans

9st 4lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Harry Charlton

Dual novice winner who was second (no match for the winner) in a C&D Racing League handicap before not appearing to stay 1m6f at Haydock (Class 2); remains of interest.

4/1

4

(3)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

14:25 Haydock

Gran Descans

8st 12lb

J: William Buick

T: Harry Charlton

Won at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm) in July on second start and followed up in Lingfield novice (11.6f, good); no match for Circus Of Rome on handicap debut at Newcastle (12.4f, AW) recently but did well to beat the remainder and is 9lb better off with the winner this afternoon; could be suited by the step up to 1m6f and he's one to consider.

11/2

7

(9)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 3

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Gran Descans

9st 3lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Harry Charlton

Made debut in June and won at Doncaster (1m4f, good to firm) on second start before following up in Lingfield novice (11.6f, good); this well-bred Frankel colt has potential off his opening mark; player on AW debut.

3/1

Form: 2-1671 D

Last run: 70 days

W: 9st 1lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Won Wolverhampton novice (9.4f, Tapeta) in March and suited by the step up to 1m4f when winning at Newbury in June on his third handicap start; could continue to progress for trainer who won this with a 3yo last year.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(2)

24th Sep 2026

Good

1m 2f 5y

Class 3

15:52 Pontefract

Circus Of Rome

9st 13lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

On the up with a pair of 1m4f wins last summer but has unconvincing form figures this term, albeit met trouble in the Ebor latest; takes a marked drop back in trip now and still needs to prove he can defy a mark in the 90s.

16/1

16th

21

(8)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Circus Of Rome

8st 12lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Richard Hughes

Ran creditably twice over 1m6f last autumn, including on good to soft; this campaign is not that hard to forgive - over 1m2f/1m on first two occasions and with 2m for the Northumberland Plate (just 8-1) perhaps a stretch last time - although he has raced a bit freely; well treated judged on peak form and could be about to come good again.

40/1

Form: 714249 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Two wins in the spring (1m3f/1m6f, including Tapeta) and close second at Chester in June; however, well beaten on his last two starts and needs to get back on track in first-time cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

(8)

19th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 6f 87y

Class 5

17:25 Chester

Bulldog Spirit

8st 13lb

J: Isobelle Chalmers

T: Bernard Llewellyn & Robert Williams

It's now 14 runs since his last success and he came in a well-held fourth over 2m here eight days ago; others appeal more.

33/1

4th

6

(2)

11th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 5

17:03 Chester

Bulldog Spirit

9st 7lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Bernard Llewellyn & Robert Williams

All three turf wins have been on good to firm (1m4f/1m6f), the most recent coming last May when trained by Brian Ellison; 0-7 since joining this stable and others are more persuasive.

25/1

5th

4

(5)

1st Sep 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bulldog Spirit

9st 6lb

J: William Cox

T: Bernard Llewellyn & Robert Williams

Regressive 6yo who is now 0-6 since joining this yard; others look more likely.

8/1

Form: 614672 C

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Won here (1m2f) in May and returned to form when second at Thirsk (1m4f) latest; needs to back up that performance in this higher grade and he's seemingly exposed on turf, but that's not the case on AW; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

(10)

17th Oct 2025

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 4

16:55 Newcastle (AW)

Flickering Halo

9st 3lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Tim Easterby

Recent form has been patchy, but he's now 5lb lower than when winning over C&D in May; each-way claims if he can reproduce that sort of form; stable also runs Hosanna Power.

16/1

2

(10)

19th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:20 Ayr

Flickering Halo

10st 2lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Both wins at 1m2f, on good to firm and the AW; third at Beverley last month before struggling in a Class 4; could go well, though has mostly steered clear of slow ground.

14/1

Form: 633

Last run: 43 days

W: 8st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Left his first two runs behind when third at 50-1 at Kempton (1m3f, Polytrack) last month in first-time cheekpieces (retained); in excellent hands to continue to progress and one to be interested in on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 2

14:53 Ayr

Peaky Blinder

9st 5lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Andrew Balding

Won at Redcar (1m6f, good to soft) last October on second handicap start and followed up on reappearance at Southwell (2m, AW) in April; tailed off in the Chester Cup (2m2f, good) since but showed signs of post-race ataxia; retains potential and could bounce back with a bold show.

13/2

14th

17

(2)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Peaky Blinder

8st 8lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

4yo who has had just six races, on last two occasions winning well in handicaps at Redcar (1m6f, good to soft) in October and Southwell (slowly run 2m, AW; gelded) four weeks ago; raised another 6lb and substantially in class, but he's probably going places and is one for the shortlist.

8/1

Form: 2-352

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 8lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Best run yet when 1l second of six to improved Godolphin winner on handicap debut at Kempton (1m4f, Polytrack; 9-4) ten days ago; he should be suited by the likely strong pace in this big field and his trainer won this with a 3yo in 2022; firmly in calculations off the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

2nd Oct 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 80y

13:21 Gowran Park

Ivatt

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

80-rated Flat maiden has shaped respectably in two maiden hurdles, at Tramore and when didn't quite get home in a much stronger Navan contest last month; can be keen and tried hooded here.

9/4

5th

13

19th Sep 2026

Good

1m 7f 165y

13:07 Navan

Ivatt

11st 10lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Ran well on the Flat at Galway; around 4l off 108-rated winner on hurdles debut at Tramore.

10/1

Form: 423238

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
6yo who has been consistent in the main this season but he finished down the field in the Racing League at Chepstow a fortnight ago and is probably vulnerable once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

5

(7)

24th Sep 2026

Standard

1m 3f 23y

Class 5

20:30 Southwell (AW)

Freddy Robinson

9st 4lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Brian Ellison

Triple hurdle winner who is 1-36 on the Flat but he returned after a break with an eye-catching fourth at Beverley (1m2f, good) last week; should benefit from that run and he could get involved back up in trip.

15/2

4th

9

(10)

16th Sep 2026

Good

1m 1f 207y

Class 5

14:08 Beverley

Freddy Robinson

8st 11lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: Brian Ellison

Runner-up on his last three Flat starts over 1m4f here in early summer; not discredited over hurdles at Hexham since so this C&D winner is in the mix.

8/1

5th

2

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 48y

Class 4

18:43 Hexham

Freddy Robinson

12st 0lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Brian Ellison

Dug in to score on his last spin over hurdles at Market Rasen (2m, good to soft; from 3lb lower) in December; runner-up three times in succession on the Flat at Beverley recently, beaten 2l there (1m4f; 13-8 favourite) just ten days ago.

11/4

33/1

Form: 003432

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Close third over C&D in June and second of five at Musselburgh a fortnight ago; however, he's 0-15 and it will be tough for him to get off the mark today from 4lb out of the handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(9)

18th Sep 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 26y

Class 5

17:20 Ayr

Cascade Hall

9st 10lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Front-runner who was a clear runner-up behind a rejuvenated winner at Haydock (1m6f, heavy) a fortnight ago before a remarkable 21l win at Chester (2m, good to soft) last Friday; that latest race was an apprentice handicap so he escapes a penalty today; this course winner could be tough to beat.

6/4

1st

5

(9)

11th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 5

17:03 Chester

Cascade Hall

9st 9lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Front-runner who won at Ayr (1m7f, good to firm) in May and at Musselburgh (2m, good) the following month; down the field at the latter track last month but bounced back to form with a good second of eight at Haydock (1m6f, heavy) a week ago, pulling clear of the rest with the winner who was since won again; may not have his own way in front but has to be respected; due to be 2lb higher.

3/1

2nd

7

(4)

4th Sep 2026

Soft

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

13:30 Haydock

Cascade Hall

9st 5lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Jim Goldie

Registered two unchallenged wins from the front (around 2m, good to firm/good) on his first and third starts of the year; can probably be forgiven his latest effort over 2m2f ten days ago and he remains feasibly treated; considered.

8/1

Non-runners

Barenboim

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £17.40
Straight Forecast £11.50
Tricast £55.98
Trifecta £80.20

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Ivatt

TOPSPEED:

Circus Of Rome

SPOTLIGHT:

Gran Descans

POSTDATA:

Ribble Vibe

Daily Record:

Peaky Blinder

RP RATINGS:

Flickering Halo

Daily Mirror:

Gran Descans

The Times:

Circus Of Rome

The Guardian:

Circus Of Rome

Telegraph:

Ivatt

Daily Mail:

Ivatt

D Express:

Ivatt

The Star:

Ivatt

The Sun:

Ribble Vibe