October 21 / 19.30 Newcastle (AW)

19.30

Standard

Midnite Ain’t Your Grandad’s Bookie Handicap

  • Prize money: £3716.14
  • 0m 5f 0y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
SKY
View Course
Midnite Ain’t Your Grandad’s Bookie Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Showers

2nd
14 (6)
Cash In

16/1

  • Place: £5.00

Form: 478690 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Punished for his win in a weak C&D maiden last November and the handicapper has been in command this year; more realistically treated again now but this won't be an easy race in which to try and dominate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

14

(6)

21st Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Cash In

8st 13lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Punished for his win in a weak C&D maiden last November and the handicapper has been in command this year; more realistically treated again now but this won't be an easy race in which to try and dominate.

16/1

9

(10)

2nd Oct 2025

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

19:30 Newcastle (AW)

Cash In

9st 5lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Tim Easterby

Limited impact in handicaps since winning a four-runner C&D maiden in November and he let his many supporters down when flopping on return visit here last time; continues to fall down the weights so interesting to see if his backers return.

20/1

136

19th Sep 2025

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:40 Ayr

Cash In

8st 3lb

T: Tim Easterby

10/1

  • Place: £3.50

Form: 061254 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Capitalised on a drop in the weights when readily accounting for nine rivals at Beverley in August; two respectable turf efforts followed but he wasn't in the same form over C&D 12 days ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(7)

31st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

16:10 Ripon

Rock Of England

10st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Paul Midgley

6yo who has won three times this season, including over C&D in June and at Hamilton last month; remains well handicapped on his old form but he didn't shine at Thirsk last time and it would be a worry if the forecast rain arrives (all turf wins have been on good/good to firm).

9/2

4th

5

(1)

14th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

18:43 Thirsk

Rock Of England

9st 5lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Paul Midgley

Prominent racer and another of these having a good season; close up behind Accrual and Moulin Booj here last time and he's better off at the weights with both.

10/1

4th

6

(6)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:17 Thirsk

Rock Of England

9st 10lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Paul Midgley

Prominent racer; thriving this season, winning three of his last five starts with the latest a cosy success at Hamilton (5f, good to firm) two weeks ago; up 4lb but he needs serious consideration; stable also runs American Bay.

7/2

5/1

Form: 172762 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 9st 4lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
C&D win in June and back at that level when second over C&D 19 days ago; one to consider for a yard with three representatives.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

(4)

28th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

17:20 Ripon

Herakles

9st 8lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

C&D winner; consistent in defeat on AW before making a successful return to turf at Nottingham (5f, good) 19 days ago, with reopposing Dc Cogent and Marajito behind in third and fifth; did that quite comfortably but a 6lb rise puts him 3lb above his highest win mark of 66; has also yet to score back-to-back in his 41-race career.

2/1

1st

7

(9)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 5f 8y

Class 5

16:00 Nottingham

Herakles

9st 2lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Paul Midgley

Has reached the frame on AW in his last six starts including when a close second at Newcastle (5f; tongue-tie added) last month; record of 1-21 on turf but conditions should be fine back in this sphere and he had a close call off 1lb higher at Beverley last summer; interesting contender for yard that has won this race in the last two years.

3/1

2nd

5

(2)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Herakles

9st 1lb

J: Mark Winn

T: Paul Midgley

Three of his four wins have come over C&D; not beaten far at Southwell on his last two starts; dropped another 1lb and he's a leading contender back at this track; stable runs three here.

4/1

14/1

Form: 000576 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Over two years since the last of his three wins; the odd promising effort this year and he is down to the lowest mark of his career; not sure quite what to expect now switched to AW for the first time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(2)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:12 Ripon

Wen Moon

9st 9lb

J: Andrew Mullen

T: Ben Haslam

Poorly drawn and well beaten on seasonal reappearance here (6f) in April, but much more competitive when third at Carlisle (5f, good; 9-2) 16 days ago; bypassed an option at Catterick on Saturday (unsuitable ground) in favour of this; rain - three wins on soft - would aid his cause.

7/4

Form: 2-8864 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Not the easiest to predict and no banker to follow up last month's good run at Southwell; on a dangerous mark if he does though.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(5)

15th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 5f 182y

Class 6

14:10 Carlisle

Rambuso Creek

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Michael Herrington

Drew nicely clear to end lengthy losing run in basement-grade classified race on turf return at Nottingham (6f, soft) on Thursday; faces tougher task here but remains well handicapped on older form (even under 4lb penalty) and will be fine on the faster ground.

11/4

1st

5

(3)

11th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 18y

Class 6

17:22 Nottingham

Rambuso Creek

9st 9lb

J: Conor Whiteley

T: Michael Herrington

Poor strike-rate for one of his ability; drops into first 0-50 classified event and has good 7lb claimer booked; should give a good account.

4/1

5th

5

(5)

7th May 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Rambuso Creek

9st 6lb

J: William Pyle

T: Michael Herrington

Both of his wins from 41 starts have been on turf, the most recent in October 2023, but he was unlucky not to finish closer at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) 31 days ago; each-way claims if things drop right for this hold-up performer.

7/1

Form: 353444 D

Last run: 8 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 66

Form & Verdict
Back to back turf wins in May, the second off 3lb lower, and he has run several good races in defeat since; has run well at this track in the past and he shouldn't be too far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

(1)

3rd Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 8y

Class 6

16:10 Nottingham

Sergeant Mayer

9st 5lb

J: Faye McManoman

T: Nigel Tinkler

A win and a near-miss to his name in two runs here; now 7lb lower than when winning last spring but he's struggled this season, including without the trademark cheekpieces last time; needs a revival but the drop back from 6f should help.

5/1

6th

1

(11)

18th Jul 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:35 Ripon

Sergeant Mayer

9st 12lb

J: Alex Jary

T: Nigel Tinkler

Course winner who is well handicapped on last season's form and is one to watch in the betting; however, he finished down the field on his three starts this spring and needs to turn things around.

16/1

10/1

Form: 1-1084 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Three 5f wins on Tapeta, two of them here; ran well at Southwell last month (hooded first time), his second run back from a summer break, and he has the ability to feature off the same mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

10

(7)

17th Aug 2026

Standard

0m 6f 20y

Class 5

19:10 Wolverhampton (AW)

Blue Force

9st 1lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

All four wins have been over 5f on AW, including one here; hasn't been at his best this year and returns following a break; best watched.

25/1

9th

10

29th May 2026

Standard

0m 5f 21y

Class 5

20:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Blue Force

8st 11lb

J: Ethan Tindall

T: Antony Brittain

Has won on all three Tapeta tracks, most recently over C&D in December, not as good since and although he ran better back here in April, he found little at Newcastle next time; others more likely.

16/1

6th

3

(1)

13th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

20:30 Newcastle (AW)

Blue Force

9st 3lb

J: Cam Hardie

T: Antony Brittain

Four 5f wins on Tapeta, two of them at this track; attracted support and returned to form with a closing third at Wolverhampton nine days ago; 1lb lower today; considered.

11/2

10th
9 (11)
Ganesha

6/1

Form: 585433 CD

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 4lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Back to winning ways over C&D in March when rated 3lb higher; fair placed efforts on turf on his last two starts and he should appreciate the return to this surface.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(6)

21st May 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

17:35 Musselburgh

Ganesha

9st 8lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Phillip Makin

Latest 6f run not the one to judge him on and his earlier 5f runs this year were both encouraging enough; on a dangerous mark if the new headgear has the desired effect.

5/1

13th

3

(14)

16th May 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 6

17:57 Thirsk

Ganesha

9st 8lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

Just one win since October 2023 and that came on AW; operating off a reduced mark now though and he has been keeping on late in 5f handicaps this spring; has his first 6f start in nearly two years but a tongue-tie is now added and he's not discounted.

8/1

6th

5

(10)

3rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 6

17:00 Hamilton

Ganesha

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: Phillip Makin

Four wins divided between turf and the AW; some sign of returning to form from off the pace at Newcastle 20 days ago (5f); possible.

6/1

11th
12 (9)
Zuffolo

12/1

Form: 325157 CD BF

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Slow start to the campaign but he returned to winning ways over C&D last month (visored first time); not so good twice since and now steps back up in class.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(1)

25th Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 1y

Class 6

16:45 Musselburgh

Zuffolo

9st 1lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Back on song when third at Catterick (5f, good to firm) last month and he built on that to win at Ripon (5f, good to firm); he's gone up just 2lb for last time and could be a contender once more.

7/2

1st

2

(6)

27th Jul 2026

Good

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

20:40 Ripon

Zuffolo

9st 9lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Has won six races and didn't shape too badly when third of nine at Catterick (5f, good to firm) 12 days ago; not out of this.

4/1

3rd

8

(1)

15th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

16:40 Catterick

Zuffolo

9st 5lb

J: Rhys Elliott

T: Michael Dods

Back on track with second at Redcar (5f) in April but has finished down the field twice since; bounce back needed.

16/1

12th
13 (14)
Digital

20/1

Form: 097446 D

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 61

Form & Verdict
Dropped 16lb this year but few signs he was ready to capitalise; others have more obvious claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(1)

29th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

15:10 Carlisle

Digital

9st 6lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Four-time turf winner who won off today's mark at Newcastle (5f, AW) in February; however, he's finished down the field on his last four starts and a major turnaround is necessary.

12/1

11th

3

(13)

3rd May 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 6

17:00 Hamilton

Digital

9st 9lb

J: James Sullivan

T: Ruth Carr

Won three 5f AW handicaps through the winter but his last three efforts were nothing to shout about; capable on turf but needs to turn a corner.

14/1

9th

10

(6)

2nd Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 4

17:48 Southwell (AW)

Digital

8st 9lb

J: Joanna Mason

T: Ruth Carr

In good form for much of the winter, winning three 5f handicaps, but his form has cooled on his last two starts; others look stronger in this grade.

25/1

33/1

Form: 090080 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Won a 5f handicap at Chelmsford in March off an 8lb higher mark; he has barely beaten a rival in seven subsequent runs, including four for Paul Midgley, but he has undergone wind surgery since the latest and a revival could be imminent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(10)

18th Jun 2026

Standard

0m 4f 214y

Class 6

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Desert Champion

9st 9lb

J: David Nolan

T: Paul Midgley

On a losing run but he shaped better than his placing suggests in 5f handicaps at Redcar and Lingfield on his first two runs this term; went without headgear when only sixth of eight in 5f Newcastle handicap last time but no surprise to see him play a prominent role here in refitted blinkers.

7/2

6th

2

(7)

2nd Jun 2026

Standard

0m 5f 0y

Class 6

19:45 Newcastle (AW)

Desert Champion

9st 8lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Paul Midgley

Only win was a 5f handicap at Chelmsford in March 2025 when visored for the first time; would have a chance on his C&D second off 8lb higher last November, but below-par recently; no visor this time.

6/1

8th

8

(2)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 4f 217y

Class 5

16:25 Lingfield

Desert Champion

8st 8lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Paul Midgley

Had a BHA mark 26lb higher than today when starting out for this yard last summer but he's struggled to make much of an impact; did finish second at Newcastle in November (well backed) but that form hasn't worked out at all; recent Redcar reappearance is easy to excuse (went off hard and raced in a group of two, finishing sixth and seventh, on the far side); stable looks to hold stronger claims with Birkenhead.

16/1

16/1

Form: 838698

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 7lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 67

Form & Verdict
Never in the hunt on recent stable debut (C&D); should be well treated but 5f not obviously his trip; market should guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

10

(2)

28th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 7f 14y

Class 6

14:20 Southwell (AW)

Kamekist

9st 3lb

J: David Nolan

T: Ivan Furtado

Unable to land a telling blow when favourite here (6f) this month but was close third off much-reduced mark here two starts ago and ought to be suited by today's return to 7f; tongue-tie removed after one use; it might pay to give him another chance.

9/1

7th

2

(5)

11th Apr 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

20:15 Southwell (AW)

Kamekist

9st 9lb

J: Stevie Donohoe

T: Ivan Furtado

Lost his way last year after a spring win for Eve Johnson Houghton off 13lb higher; well supported ahead of his C&D comeback in February, when faring much better off this mark, and is one to consider in a first-time tongue-tie for a yard going well of late.

4/1

3rd

1

(9)

24th Feb 2026

Standard

0m 6f 16y

Class 6

18:00 Southwell (AW)

Kamekist

9st 9lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: Ivan Furtado

Quite impressive when winning over 6f at Wolverhampton last spring; mixed efforts since but he's been running over an inadequate 5f for this yard, dropping 15lb in the process; might do much better back at 6f.

20/1

Form: 943674

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 9lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
0-13 but he retains plenty of the ability that saw him earn a mark of 80 after his first three starts; both C&D runs have been encouraging and he's high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(4)

22nd Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 217y

Class 5

19:30 Redcar

Bonnies Boy

9st 11lb

J: Warren Fentiman

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

A fair 5f winner in 2025; lightly raced this season and he wasn't discredited when fourth of 21 in 6f York handicap 29 days ago; in the picture eased 1lb.

5/1

4th

13

(9)

24th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

19:15 York

Bonnies Boy

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Ready winner of a 5f Class 5 handicap at Newcastle last October; low-key return to action over C&D six weeks ago; others bring more pressing claims.

25/1

14th

22

(7)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:25 York

Bonnies Boy

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Orr

T: Richard & Peter Fahey

Just one win (5f AW at Newcastle) from 17 goes; not seen since respectable fourth over same C&D on New Year's Day; others have stronger claims.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: 234145 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 8lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 68

Form & Verdict
Enigmatic sprinter; made a winning stable debut at Ayr in August (5f, good) and he has run well in defeat twice since; should remain competitive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

15

(8)

30th Aug 2026

Soft

0m 5f 0y

Class 5

15:55 Beverley

Harb

9st 0lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Tristan Davidson

Successful off 1lb higher at Carlisle in May; went close at Hamilton (5f, good to soft) nine days ago; shouldn't be too far away with a repeat.

7/1

2nd

5

(5)

21st Aug 2026

Good

0m 5f 7y

Class 6

20:15 Hamilton

Harb

9st 9lb

J: Jack Garritty

T: Tristan Davidson

Exposed sort; 2lb lower than when winning at Carlisle in March (5f, good) but wasn't at his best at Ayr last time.

10/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £61.40
Straight Forecast £68.40
Tricast £498.65
Trifecta £1236.80

Selections

Telegraph:

Herakles

POSTDATA:

Blue Force

The Times:

Ganesha

SPOTLIGHT:

Bonnie's Boy

RP RATINGS:

Sergeant Mayer

The Guardian:

Rambuso Creek

D Express:

Blue Force

The Sun:

Ganesha

Daily Mail:

Herakles

Daily Mirror:

Herakles

The Star:

Herakles

Daily Record:

Herakles