January 16 / 14.15 Newcastle (AW)

14.15

Standard

Midnite AWC Marathon Trial Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 2m 0f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 11 runners
SKY
View Course
Midnite AWC Marathon Trial Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

OUR TIP

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 30051- D

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Ran on well to seal the deal over 2m at Kempton last month, taking his record there to 5-7; only 3lb higher and has plenty of form here, including a placing in the Northumberland Plate; player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

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

7th

4

(8)

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

18:12 Sandown

Duke Of Oxford

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: Michael Bell

Progressive on AW in the winter with 2m handicap wins at Kempton and Newcastle; however, only fifth of 12 at Newcastle (2m) last month and the suitability of turf is questionable.

40/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.70

Form: 54231- D

Last run: 46 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
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.
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

8/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 31311-

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
On a roll having won three of his last four but unraced beyond 1m4f, so will be into unknown territory a long way from home; could be vulnerable to stronger stayers on this stiff track.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

(2)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 1f 209y

Class 2

17:22 Sandown

Brasil Power

9st 11lb

J: Megan Smith

T: George Boughey

Back on the mark he defied over 1m6f at Wolverhampton in March but recent efforts haven't been obviously encouraging, for all the 7f trip of the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot is almost certainly too short for him these days.

33/1

19th

27

(27)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Brasil Power

9st 1lb

J: Grace McEntee

T: George Boughey

Effective at 7f earlier in career but seems to need much further now and gained last three wins over 1m4f/1m6f (stays 2m); still has a much better strike-rate on AW than on turf in any case and looks unlikely to figure in this hot prize, back down sharply in distance.

66/1

9th

6

(11)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Brasil Power

9st 1lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: George Boughey

Moving up to 1m4f worked well in December and comparable form at 1m6f/2m since, including another win three starts back; he's come up a bit short in warmer races this year, though, including behind Align The Stars at Kempton, and none of his turf form (admittedly at up to 1m2f) is close to this mark.

25/1

20/1

Form: 82261- CD

Last run: 31 days

W: 8st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
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.
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

25/1

Form: 2083-4 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 8st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Multiple Tapeta winner and back on his last winning mark; however, he's had mixed fortunes over 2m and probably ideally suited by shorter.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 4

17:40 York

Humble Spark

9st 13lb

J: Lauren Young

T: Jim Goldie

Slow starter whose losing run goes back 17 races to March 2025; however, he went down by only a nose over C&D (good) last month and was caught too far back in a Class 2 at Ayr since; bold show likely with his sights lowered.

6/1

9th

11

(11)

20th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 26y

Class 2

14:53 Ayr

Humble Spark

8st 8lb

J: Amie Waugh

T: Jim Goldie

Slow starter whose losing run goes back 16 races to March 2025; however, he's been second on three of his last four starts, most recently at York (1m4f, good) last Saturday; slow ground is probably fine; each-way chance.

12/1

2nd

5

(4)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 3f 188y

Class 3

13:50 York

Humble Spark

9st 11lb

J: Miss Natasha Cookson

T: Jim Goldie

Often a slow starter; couldn't get into it at Carlisle (1m3f, good to firm) a fortnight ago but runner-up twice in a row at Hamilton (1m5f/1m3f, good) before that; could be involved if today's race pans out favourably.

5/1

13/2

Form: 74111- D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 5lb

8 yo Filly

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Excellent overall strike-rate and she's won her last three, finding plenty for pressure each time (latest on the Tapeta at Southwell); only 3lb higher and will give it her best shot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(3)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Blazeon Five

9st 1lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Alan King

Ended last year in storming form with a 1m6f/2m hat-trick, the final leg on Southwell Tapeta; not disgraced when never dangerous here in January and made a satisfactory return to turf (second at Newbury) in April, but this 8yo needs to hit another new high.

20/1

2nd

2

(4)

17th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

16:20 Newbury

Blazeon Five

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Alan King

Ended last year in storming form for 1m6f/2m hat-trick and not disgraced when never dangerous in January when last seen; peak efforts on softer than good but she's not dismissed.

7/1

20/1

Form: /2407- CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
3lb lower than when going close in this 12 months ago and it wasn't too bad a run over hurdles two weeks ago; has a big effort in him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

24th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

15:03 Kelso

Wise Eagle

11st 1lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Looked better than ever when third in the Morebattle Hurdle here in February and posted a good third on the Flat at Musselburgh last month; must enter calculations in refitted cheekpieces.

3/1

3rd

1

(11)

4th Apr 2026

Good

1m 5f 216y

Class 3

15:05 Musselburgh

Wise Eagle

9st 9lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Adam Nicol

Won this prize in 2023 and had a fruitful Flat/hurdles campaign last winter before his close fourth in this; while he did not make an impact in either of his Flat runs this winter, latest hurdles form was his best in that sphere; 8lb lower than the 2025 renewal and a case can certainly be made.

13/2

3rd

10

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 51y

Class 2

14:55 Kelso

Wise Eagle

11st 3lb

J: Ryan Mania

T: Adam Nicol

Runner-up here (2m, soft) last February and back on song when third at Musselburgh (1m7f, good to soft) four weeks ago; he's lightly raced over hurdles and is on an attractive mark judged on his very useful Flat form, but he needs to raise his game if he's to take this.

12/1

Form: 61112- D BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 8st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Failed in his bid for a four-timer but ran Berkshire Sundance close at Kempton (2m) and a truer pace would have helped him; that was only his second run in a visor; remains of interest off 2lb higher.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(5)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

17:55 Southwell (AW)

New York Minute

9st 4lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Joey Ramsden

Ran poorly last time, taking turf record to 0-6; broadly consistent on AW otherwise for current yard and he is 2-2 over C&D, the wins gained last autumn; 3-8 overall in this sphere; likely to be played late by Jamie Spencer (up for first time) and has possibilities back here.

9/2

9th

8

(1)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

New York Minute

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Joey Ramsden

Headgear helped on AW last September-December, including for 1m6f/2m hat-trick; peak form was not repeated this year, including in two small fields this spring but they were at 1m3f/1m4f; returning to 2m should be a big help but none of his turf form (five races) approaches this mark.

12/1

2nd

2

(4)

1st May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 98y

Class 4

17:53 Newcastle (AW)

New York Minute

9st 9lb

J: Paul Mulrennan

T: Joey Ramsden

Headgear helped last autumn, with him landing a hat-trick, including two over 2m round Southwell, latterly off a 4lb lower mark; solid effort there last Thursday, back from a few months off (1m3f), but he'll want a similarly strong pace this evening.

3/1

8/1

Form: 29913- C

Last run: 49 days

W: 8st 13lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Second of 19 over C&D last summer and has since won comfortably at Southwell (1m6f; 6lb lower); another respectable show back there in November when outpaced by speedier rivals over 1m4f; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

16:12 Ascot

Tryfan

8st 11lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Harry Charlton

Better on AW but he did win on good to firm last May; placed in two of his AW starts last winter but tailed off in a hot 2m race at Easter (hooded) and well beaten when returned to turf at Salisbury in May; now tries cheekpieces and a lower turf mark is largely negated by being 4lb out of the handicap.

10/1

7th

5

14th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 44y

Class 3

14:40 Salisbury

Tryfan

9st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Harry Charlton

Three-time winner whose sole success on turf came over C&D (good to firm) just under one year ago; also scored off this mark on AW (1m6f) in September but has been very in and out on last four starts, including when tried in a hood (removed) and beaten 32l in valuable AW event last time; drops back down in grade from lower turf mark and can make presence felt if on a going day.

12/1

Form: 2/181- D

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
All five career wins have come in his last eight races so something has clicked and dug deep to gain his revenge on New York Minute at Kempton a month ago (2m); has another career-high mark to deal with (up 4lb) but sure to be popular.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(9)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Berkshire Sundance

9st 4lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Good strike-rate of 7-17 and he should have brighter prospects than some of staying this extreme trip given he wasn't stopping at the end of the Chester Cup over an extended 2m2f last time; has raised his game in cheekpieces (fitted in only his last two races) and he could outrun his odds if coping okay with fast ground.

16/1

6th

6

(15)

8th May 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 2

15:05 Chester

Berkshire Sundance

9st 1lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Missed most of last season but won on good/AW in four of his six starts since, the latest in clearcut fashion with first-time cheekpieces at Newcastle on AW Championships day; raised another 7lb, drawn wide and lacks any race experience at this track, but he's going from strength to strength.

10/1

1st

9

(12)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Berkshire Sundance

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

In and out on his five runs since returning from an absence in October but he's won three of them, most recently at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) in January; has also won on Tapeta; this steadily progressive 6yo has gone up just 2lb for last time and could again be involved; cheekpieces go on.

9/1

12/1

Form: 01810- D

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Had Duke Of Oxford behind when winning over Kempton's 2m in October but was nearly 7l off that rival when only tenth back there in early December; did find some trouble late on but looked held at the time; has to bounce back.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

(6)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Sheradann

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Ian Williams

Not the most consistent but won off this mark over C&D in October and ran well at Lingfield on penultimate outing; a bit below form when hooded first time 15 days ago in a small field; player if it's one of his good days.

25/1

4th

3

(4)

13th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 3

16:25 Wolverhampton (AW)

Sheradann

9st 7lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Not the most consistent but won off 1lb lower mark at Kempton (2m) in October; returned to form when third of eight at Lingfield (2m) two weeks ago; first-time hood now goes on and another to consider.

9/4

3rd

6

(9)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 7f 169y

Class 2

15:45 Lingfield (AW)

Sheradann

8st 13lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ian Williams

Saw off reopposing stablemate Enemy when successful over 2m at Kempton in October but down the field in a series final there at the beginning of December and eased off after hanging left under pressure at Newcastle last month; hard to know what to expect.

18/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £39.10
Straight Forecast £31.20
Tricast £202.16
Trifecta £197.30

Selections

The Times:

New York Minute

SPOTLIGHT:

Duke Of Oxford

POSTDATA:

Berkshire Sundance

RP RATINGS:

Wise Eagle

Daily Mirror:

Ribble Vibe

TOPSPEED:

Humble Spark

Telegraph:

New York Minute

The Guardian:

New York Minute

D Express:

New York Minute

The Star:

New York Minute

NEWMARKET:

Duke Of Oxford

The Sun:

Duke Of Oxford

LAMBOURN:

Berkshire Sundance

Daily Record:

Berkshire Sundance

Daily Mail:

Wise Eagle