January 16 / 16.30 Newcastle (AW)

16.30

Standard

BetMGM AWC Mile Trial Handicap

  • Prize money: £23193
  • 1m 0f 5y
  • Class 2
  • 9 runners
SKY
View Course
BetMGM AWC Mile Trial Handicap

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 6103-5 C

Last run: 9 days

W: 9st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Group 2 winner in 2023; ended a losing run when seeing off 11 rivals in a 7f handicap here last September off a 4lb lower mark; better than the bare result in 7f handicaps on his last two starts; stays 1m but a strongly-run 7f probably ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(14)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Witch Hunter

9st 7lb

J: John Fahy

T: Richard Hannon

Now 5lb lower than for his 1m win here in January and there have been excuses for several of his defeats since; plausible outsider.

20/1

19th

30

(3)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Witch Hunter

9st 0lb

J: Joe Leavy

T: Richard Hannon

Defied a 5lb higher mark in the 7f handicap at this meeting three years ago and scored over 1m on AW in January; has lost his form, most recently finishing last in the Newbury event won by Classic; further Royal Ascot glory looks unlikely.

50/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 4205-1 CD

Last run: 13 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won the big 1m handicap here on Good Friday in 2024; failed to win last year but he dropped in the weights as a result and took full advantage at Southwell 13 days ago; up 3lb and stepped back up in class but he's capable of another prominent showing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

(6)

18th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 3

18:45 Doncaster

Talis Evolvere

9st 10lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Won a maiden on turf (1m, good to soft) in 2023, but his other wins have been on the AW; beaten only 2l when seventh of 11 over C&D last time; each-way chance.

6/1

7th

3

(6)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 6y

Class 4

19:30 Doncaster

Talis Evolvere

9st 9lb

J: Alec Voikhansky

T: Richard Hannon

Started 2026 with victory at Southwell (1m) and right back to form of late, runner-up in 1m Goodwood handicap eight days ago; he's weighted to go very well off the same mark.

9/2

2nd

2

(2)

12th Jun 2026

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

20:24 Goodwood

Talis Evolvere

11st 2lb

J: Mr Lucas Murphy

T: Richard Hannon

Five AW wins at 1m and 7f; modest strike-rate of 1-20 on turf but he's often run well in difficult races, including in one run here (hampered); well treated now but he hasn't looked in great form back on turf of late; most of best form on good or quicker, acts on good to soft.

13/2

3rd
8 (6)
Dosman

16/1

  • Place: £5.70

Form: 00038-

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Strong form when second over 7f here last June, his final run for Roger Varian; form plummeted in four runs for Jamie Osborne, but he caught the eye with some late headway on last month's stable debut at Kempton; 11lb lower than for that good course effort and he's an interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(6)

25th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:47 Newcastle (AW)

Dosman

8st 11lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Both wins have been on AW and he went close in his bid for a double at Wolverhampton (8.6f) in March; never involved back on turf at Ascot in May but he started slowly and was hampered at a crucial stage; now goes back up in grade but he has possibilities back on Tapeta.

15/2

5th

4

(8)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Ascot

Dosman

9st 11lb

J: Jack Dace

T: Oli Rix

Only 2-16 but his third trainer has him in career-best form and didn't get the breaks when a closing fourth at Newcastle last time (1m); hold-up performer who needs a good pace to chase and if getting one he'll be dangerous.

4/1

4th

12

(12)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Dosman

8st 9lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Coaxed back to form by his new trainer, twice placed over C&D before winning at Southwell in February; good second behind First Principle two weeks ago; another 2lb rise tempers enthusiasm slightly.

16/1

OUR TIP
4th
3 (3)
Apiarist

6/1

Form: 84003- CD

Last run: 104 days

W: 9st 7lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Finished behind Storm Star in three C&D handicaps in the first half of 2025 but weighted to get closer today; good third (met trouble) in a hot Ascot handicap (7f, soft) when last seen in October; one to keep an eye on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(10)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

Apiarist

9st 8lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

Inconsistent sort who made it 1-20 on turf (that grass win came here in 2yo campaign) when well beaten at Royal Ascot last month; however, two starts ago he was a close sixth in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) when he was denied a clear run, and he's not ruled out.

7/1

18th

12

(18)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Apiarist

9st 5lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Eye-catcher, amid traffic issues, in the Thirsk Hunt Cup last time; form over C&D comprises a respectable eighth (off current mark) in this contest last year and creditable third (did well having been hampered) later in 2025; still has a much better strike-rate on AW than on turf, however.

22/1

6th

4

(15)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Apiarist

9st 7lb

J: Jack Callan

T: Kevin Ryan

Three fine efforts on AW to start the year but his run of good form came to a halt when well behind Blue Rc at Newcastle over Easter; acts on turf but has a much better strike-rate on AW; drawn widest.

20/1

Form: 03271- CD

Last run: 110 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Five of his six top RPRs, as well as all three wins, have come at this track, the latest a narrow win in Class 4 company when last seen in September; may have more to offer but improvement is required at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

(3)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Rogue Encore

8st 2lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

Won a Class 4 over C&D in September; unplaced in three runs this year, the latest here last week, and this looks a tough race in which to try to rebound.

40/1

15/8

Form: /1113- CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 11lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won C&D handicaps on his first three starts in 2025, including this race off 10lb lower and the handicap on Good Friday off 5lb lower; promising return to action over 7f here five weeks ago since when he has been gelded; big player back up in trip and with Oisin Murphy booked.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

17

(25)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Storm Star

9st 3lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Andrew Balding

Has gained all wins on Newcastle AW, the most recent on finals day last year; however, ran well at Ascot (1m, good to firm) returned to turf last time, taking form figures in this sphere to 3232; seems effective over 7f and may remain competitive.

33/1

2nd

1

(2)

1st May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:30 Ascot

Storm Star

10st 0lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Andrew Balding

All four wins have been on the AW at Newcastle, including a hat-trick early last year; back on his last winning mark and he did chase a strong pace last time (in a race he won 12 months earlier) before folding late on; lightly raced on turf.

8/1

10th

7

(6)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Storm Star

9st 1lb

J: Jason Watson

T: Andrew Balding

He was completing a C&D hat-trick when winning the corresponding race 12 months ago off a 3lb lower mark; not at his best in two runs this year (following a gelding operation) and he needs to raise his game.

12/1

9/1

Form: 03113- CD BF

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Won twice in nine days in November, the latter win coming over C&D; good third in a stronger race at Kempton 30 days ago, but he faces another class rise today and connections now turn to cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(1)

7th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 2

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Uniting

9st 5lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Ian Williams

Won twice over this trip at Kempton (Polytrack) and Newcastle (Tapeta) in November; fair third of seven behind two of these at Chelmsford (1m, Polytrack) last month; each-way claims down another 1lb if taking to this track at the first time of asking.

8/1

3rd

5

(7)

12th Mar 2026

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Uniting

9st 5lb

J: Ryan Kavanagh

T: Ian Williams

Game effort to win at Kempton in November (1m) and followed up off the same mark at Newcastle eight days later; his form has dipped on his last two starts but he forms part of a strong hand for Ian Williams.

8/1

9th

9

(2)

30th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 142y

Class 4

19:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Uniting

9st 3lb

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Ian Williams

Won over 1m at Kempton and Newcastle in November; good third back at Kempton last month and not disgraced in Newcastle Class 2 with cheekpieces added (left off now) a fortnight ago; handily drawn for a prominent racer and needs considering back in a lower grade.

5/1

10/1

Form: 73156- CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won a Racing League handicap over C&D last summer off 2lb lower; not so good twice since and a personal best is required to maintain his unbeaten record over C&D.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(8)

20th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 3

19:00 Southwell (AW)

Crack On Boys

9st 5lb

J: David Egan

T: Tom Clover

A well-treated dual Tapeta winner at Newcastle who ran in a Class 2 there last time but that was his third below-par performance in succession; has to bounce back.

12/1

8th

5

(4)

16th Jan 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

16:30 Newcastle (AW)

Crack On Boys

9st 0lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Tom Clover

Won a Racing League handicap over C&D last summer off 2lb lower; not so good twice since and a personal best is required to maintain his unbeaten record over C&D.

10/1

5th

6

(9)

3rd Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

17:15 Ascot

Crack On Boys

9st 4lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Tom Clover

Encouraging third at Sandown (1m, good) in July on second handicap start then beat 13 rivals to win in the Racing League at Newcastle (1m, AW), where he reverted to hold-up tactics; he's a leading candidate today.

9/2

Form: 242/0- D BF

Last run: 279 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Finished second in the 2024 Cambridgeshire (1m1f, soft) when rated 2lb lower; only seen once since then, finishing down the field a Newbury 279 days ago; promise on AW, but returns in a good race.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(6)

28th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:40 Ripon

James McHenry

9st 8lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Course winner who was runner-up in the 2024 Cambridgeshire but has been lightly raced since; his keeping-on fifth of 12 over 1m1f at Musselburgh in April suggests most of that ability remains but he failed to build on it tackling 1m2f for the first time when fourth at Redcar (good to firm) four weeks ago; first-time cheekpieces worn at Redcar are retained.

13/2

4th

1

(8)

30th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 1y

Class 3

16:30 Redcar

James McHenry

9st 9lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Runner-up in the Cambridgeshire (1m1f) in September 2024 and he's raced just four times since; denied clear run when keeping on for fifth of 12 at Musselburgh (1m1f, good) recently and the return to 1m2f is worth a go; could have a part to play in first-time cheekpieces.

13/2

5th

4

(6)

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 208y

Class 3

17:15 Musselburgh

James McHenry

9st 6lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Edward Bethell

Three wins at about 1m and finished runner-up in the 2024 Cambridgeshire, but lightly raced since; not beaten far into fourth of ten at Kempton (1m, AW) last time, but still 5lb above his last winning mark and doesn't look solid back from another short break; stable also runs Noche Clasica.

7/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £38.70
Straight Forecast £42.04
Tricast £608.25
Trifecta £504.00

Selections

POSTDATA:

Storm Star

TOPSPEED:

Apiarist

SPOTLIGHT:

Dosman

NEWMARKET:

Rogue Encore

Daily Mirror:

Witch Hunter

Telegraph:

Storm Star

Daily Mail:

Storm Star

The Sun:

Storm Star

Daily Record:

Storm Star

RP RATINGS:

Dosman

The Times:

Dosman

The Guardian:

Apiarist

D Express:

Apiarist

The Star:

Apiarist