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

8th

2

(7)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 8y

Class 4

17:15 Thirsk

Great Bedwyn

9st 10lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Beaten on his last 13 starts going back to last May but he's been a good second on two of his last three starts, most recently in a big field at York (1m4f, good) this month; every chance he'll again be bang there.

4/1

2nd

4

(7)

13th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:15 York

Great Bedwyn

9st 7lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Won this (good to firm) on return last year by a neck off 4lb higher than today; subsequent efforts have never quite lived up to that, albeit runner-up on Kempton AW last September and this March; first 1m2f run for ages when disappointing on latest start; could bounce back with each-way claims.

15/2

8th

10

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

15:15 Lingfield (AW)

Great Bedwyn

9st 5lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Had dropped 3lb below his last winning mark when second of nine behind course-specialist Whitcombe Rockstar at Kempton (1m4f, Polytrack) last month, his first start in 75 days; races off the same mark, but he hasn't tackled a trip this short in three years; stable runs three.

12/1

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

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

1st

1

11th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

17:17 Southwell

Kings Scholar

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Three Flat wins for Ed Walker (1m4f/1m5f) and was consistent until getting too high in the weights; never got seriously involved under a patient ride at Ludlow but that run was promising; now tongue tied.

7/2

4th

6

30th Mar 2026

Good

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:27 Ludlow

Kings Scholar

11st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Three Flat wins for Ed Walker (1m4f/1m5f) and was consistent until getting too high in the weights; should enjoy good ground on hurdle/stable debut and he's of clear interest.

11/2

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

12

(9)

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 39y

Class 2

13:30 Carlisle

Per Contra

8st 10lb

J: Sean Kirrane

T: Tim Easterby

Won off 2lb lower at Newcastle last autumn but hasn't repeated the form and slow starts are becoming a habit; needs to get back on track.

22/1

13th

10

(13)

15th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

14:55 York

Per Contra

8st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Neck second of 15 over C&D (good to firm) last August and his seventh of 12 at Musselburgh (1m1f, good) last month can be upgraded as he was slowly away in a race which favoured those ridden more prominently; he's one to consider back up in trip.

20/1

7th

6

(4)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 3

17:15 Musselburgh

Per Contra

9st 2lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Won three of his first four starts for Ollie Sangster between July 2023 and April 2024, but has only been successful in one of his last 17 starts and that was on the AW; needs to step up from his Doncaster return (1m2f, good to soft) a fortnight ago.

20/1

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

5th

2

(3)

2nd May 2026

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 2

16:00 Goodwood

Circus Of Rome

9st 7lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Enjoyed a very good 2025 (three-time 9.5f to 1m4f winner) and he signed off with a good sixth in 1m6f Ascot listed race in October when set a lot to do; hood goes on and can't be ruled out on his seasonal return.

6/1

2

(6)

3rd Oct 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

16:05 Ascot

Circus Of Rome

9st 3lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Moving up to 1m4f brought handicap wins at Newbury (1m4f, good; unraced on softer) and Newcastle (AW; impressive) this summer; creditable third in hat-trick bid in a strong handicap at Haydock (1m6f) four weeks ago; needs to resume his improvement but has a place chance.

14/1

2

(4)

6th Sep 2025

Good

1m 6f 1y

Class 2

14:25 Haydock

Circus Of Rome

9st 5lb

J: Finley Marsh

T: Richard Hughes

Improved for the step up to 1m4f to win at Newbury in June (1m4f, good; unraced on softer) and subsequently demolished what looked a competitive Racing League handicap at Newcastle (12.4f, AW); hit with 11lb rise for last time but could take it in his stride over a trip that promises to suit.

4/1

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

7th

3

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

16:25 Nottingham

Bulldog Spirit

9st 6lb

J: Harry Vigors

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Scored over C&D last May for Brian Ellison; yet to fire for his new yard in handicaps at Wolverhampton (1m4f) and Lingfield (2m) this spring though.

14/1

5th

4

(1)

12th May 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

17:15 Lingfield (AW)

Bulldog Spirit

9st 10lb

J: Shay Farmer

T: Bernard Llewellyn

A fair 1m6f scorer for Brian Ellison in 2025; beat only one for his new handler after seven months off in 1m4f handicap at Wolverhampton last month; needs to take a big step forward.

16/1

6th

7

(3)

4th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 4f 51y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Bulldog Spirit

8st 10lb

J: Sean D Bowen

T: Bernard Llewellyn

Debuts for a fourth yard having been picked up from Brian Ellison last autumn for 7,500gns; won first time out as a 2yo and on his comeback last spring, which gives hope, but there's not much room for manoeuvre off this mark.

20/1

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

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

1st

5

(5)

9th Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 4

16:25 Southwell (AW)

Peaky Blinder

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Low-mileage son of Soldier Hollow who advanced his form when landing 1m6f handicap at Redcar in October; off since (gelded) but this longer trip promises to suit and yard continues to go very well.

11/4

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

8th

6

(4)

10th Oct 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:30 Newmarket

Ivatt

8st 11lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charlie Fellowes

A pretty useful maiden after six races, good fourth of 14 to Munsif from off the pace in handicap at Doncaster (1m4f, good to soft) on latest; this is a better race and he needs to find extra.

10/1

4th

14

(13)

11th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 3f 197y

Class 3

17:15 Doncaster

Ivatt

8st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Charlie Fellowes

Two minor honours on softer than good to start career; second of six on handicap debut at Kempton (1m4f, AW) last month is his best form and he faded into sixth of 13 at Newcastle (1m4f, AW) ten days later; lightly raced, with something to prove.

12/1

12

(2)

21st Aug 2025

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 3

18:15 Newcastle (AW)

Ivatt

8st 8lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Charlie Fellowes

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.

6/1

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

2nd

2

(1)

27th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 23y

Class 6

16:50 Beverley

Freddy Robinson

9st 9lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Sole win on the Flat came here over 1m2f in June 2024 and he's finished runner-up over this C&D on his last two outings; no reason why he can't go well again.

2/1

2nd

3

(3)

4th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 23y

Class 6

16:50 Beverley

Freddy Robinson

9st 8lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Course winner who comes here on the back of a good second over C&D 11 days ago; can go well again eased 1lb.

11/4

2nd

7

(2)

23rd Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 23y

Class 5

15:52 Beverley

Freddy Robinson

8st 11lb

J: Ben Robinson

T: Brian Ellison

Gained most recent win in handicap hurdle in December; beaten only 2l over C&D last week, taking Beverley record to 1423234; hasn't scored on Flat since June 2024 but looks a solid contender kept to this venue.

6/1

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

9

(4)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 32y

Class 5

15:30 Carlisle

Cascade Hall

8st 4lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Soon in a clear lead and perhaps stole a four-runner race at Ayr (1m7f, good to firm) on seasonal debut, belatedly opening his account; however, the 10l runner-up has franked the form by scoring since; double looks possible, provided everything again goes his way.

5/1

1st

6

(6)

5th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Ayr

Cascade Hall

8st 8lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

20-race maiden on the Flat; ran a couple of fair races over 1m4f/2m at Musselburgh last summer, but his form tailed off after that; lacks a recent run.

12/1

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