April 03 / 15.00 Newcastle (AW)

15.00

Standard

BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap

  • Prize money: £77310
  • 1m 0f 5y
  • Class 2
  • 14 runners
ITV4
View Course
BetMGM All-Weather Championships Mile Handicap

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Light rain

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.10
  • Place: £3.20

Form: 7832-2 CD

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
As reliable as they come on AW, winning five of his 16 starts in this sphere and second or third on a further nine occasions; has a rare handicap run today but he looks held by Chancellor on their Southwell clash in February (3lb better off for a length but the winner had a bit to spare).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(14)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Tyrrhenian Sea

9st 9lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

As reliable as they come on AW, winning five of his 16 starts in this sphere and second or third on a further nine occasions; has a rare handicap run today but he looks held by Chancellor on their Southwell clash in February (3lb better off for a length but the winner had a bit to spare).

7/1

2nd

6

(2)

7th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 0f 13y

Class 1

19:30 Southwell (AW)

Tyrrhenian Sea

9st 2lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Two Listed wins at Lingfield, including this race 12 months ago; may have needed the run when 3l behind Chancellor at Kempton in December and went desperately close over 1m2f later that month; shouldn't be too far away once more.

5/1

8

(8)

7th Jun 2025

Good

1m 0f 113y

Class 1

13:35 Epsom

Tyrrhenian Sea

9st 8lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Roger Varian

Better than ever in most recent AW attempt, winning 1m Listed event at Lingfield; finished behind two of today's opponents at Ascot since, taking turf record to 0-6; not the percentage call.

20/1

2nd
5 (13)
Blue Rc

4/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 1122-1 D

Last run: 92 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
The winner of four of his eight starts and he had a bit to spare when rewarding odds-on favourite backers at Southwell on New Year's Day; unlikely this mark will prove beyond him in time; solid candidate.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

22

(23)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Blue Rc

9st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: James Tate

Below par in the Newbury contest won by Classic last time but that was out of character for him; otherwise a solid and steadily progressive colt whose form this spring includes good efforts in AW finals event and the Thirsk Hunt Cup; whether he can defy current mark is another matter.

33/1

9th

6

(2)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Blue Rc

9st 8lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: James Tate

Has improved his rating almost every time, on last two outings taking second in strong 1m handicaps at Newcastle (AW) and Thirsk (good to firm); came from almost last when closing to half a length in 13-runner race last time and looks well capable of a prominent finish here despite 2lb rise.

6/1

2nd

3

(11)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Blue Rc

9st 8lb

J: Connor Beasley

T: James Tate

7f course winner on good to firm last summer and has done little but progress since, winning over 1m at Southwell on New Year's Day; excellent second of 14 at Newcastle (1m again) since, with reopposing Flight Plan and Apiarist in behind; should continue the good work back on turf; top of the list.

9/2

9/2

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 30-121

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
The form of his Kempton win (7f) in January could hardly have worked out better and he raised his game again to win the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton four weeks ago; still not fully exposed and he is a leading contender up 5lb.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

The Lost King

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Well beaten at Royal Ascot (7f, good to firm) last month but he was in good heart previously, finishing fourth at Newmarket (1m1f, good to firm) two starts ago where the trip appeared to stretch him; possible player.

7/1

27th

13

(4)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

The Lost King

9st 4lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Gelded prior to showing improvement and performing solidly (12134) over 7f-1m1f this year, mostly on AW, including a good effort on finals day at Newcastle; respectable fourth at Newmarket returned to turf and again looks likely to give his running.

25/1

33

(12)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

The Lost King

8st 13lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Andrew Balding

Third reserve; gelded prior to showing improvement and performing solidly (12134) this year, mostly on AW, including a good effort over 1m on finals day; respectable fourth to Erzindjan at Newmarket (1m1f) returned to turf; again likely to give his running.

25/1

4th
12 (12)
Dosman

16/1

Form: 8-3212 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
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.
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

Form: 712-12 D BF

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
He has improved for gelding/wind operations, winning a 7f handicap at Kempton and a 1m Listed event at Southwell this winter; narrowly denied in the Winter Derby six weeks ago (not a vintage renewal); the demands of this race should be more suitable and he still has Pattern-race aspirations; he'll need to be a Group horse to give the weight away all round but he is an each-way contender at the very least; cheekpieces now added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(3)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 1

14:40 Epsom

Chancellor

9st 8lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

Has taken his form to a new level, notably with a 1m Listed success, since switched to artificial surfaces; ran creditably in first-time cheekpieces (retained) on finals day at Newcastle most recently; the query is whether his very useful AW form can be transferred back to turf.

10/1

5th

1

(8)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Chancellor

9st 12lb

J: Robert Havlin

T: John & Thady Gosden

He has improved for gelding/wind operations, winning a 7f handicap at Kempton and a 1m Listed event at Southwell this winter; narrowly denied in the Winter Derby six weeks ago (not a vintage renewal); the demands of this race should be more suitable and he still has Pattern-race aspirations; he'll need to be a Group horse to give the weight away all round but he is an each-way contender at the very least; cheekpieces now added.

11/2

16/1

Form: 7-2331 CD

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Four-time course winner, the latest when recording a last-gasp success over 7f four weeks ago; 2lb higher mark to contend with in a stronger race; bettering last season's sixth would be a solid effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(6)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:10 Newmarket (July)

Nikovo

9st 11lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Michael Herrington

Gained last three wins on Newcastle AW; ran respectably back there on latest start; has bits of encouraging turf form this term but it's over two years since his last success in this sphere.

8/1

3rd

4

(10)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

0m 7f 14y

Class 2

13:40 Newcastle (AW)

Nikovo

9st 4lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: Michael Herrington

Well suited by conditions and his last-gasp C&D win in March came off just 2lb lower; creditable efforts off his lower turf mark more recently; may find a few of his younger rivals better treated.

10/1

4th

6

(8)

19th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 219y

Class 3

15:25 Redcar

Nikovo

9st 12lb

J: Dylan Hogan

T: Michael Herrington

Rated much lower on turf (2-20) than on the AW (5-22); hasn't run at all badly in his last two starts on grass including when eighth of 28 in the Victoria Cup; each-way claims down another 2lb.

12/1

20/1

Form: -32122 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Arrives in fine form, beating The Lost King at Kempton in February and runner-up on his two runs since; sneaking back up the weights and he was only fifth in this race 12 months ago off today's mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(11)

4th Jul 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

14:25 Sandown

Popmaster

8st 13lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Ran respectably at Epsom last time but still has a poor strike-rate in recent years and hasn't won on turf since 2023; the 8yo looks unlikely to prevail in another competitive field.

40/1

4th

2

(15)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 0f 113y

Class 2

16:40 Epsom

Popmaster

9st 9lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Seven wins include three on good to soft/soft; also won on AW at Kempton (1m) in February but only midfield in valuable events at Newcastle (AW) and Ascot (good) on his last two starts; however, latter effort was better than it looks having been poorly drawn.

33/1

15th

7

(2)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Popmaster

9st 7lb

J: P J McDonald

T: Ed Walker

Campaigned on AW since December, proving consistent until coming up a tad short on finals day last time; has loads of Ascot form but three defeats in this race (finishing positions 074) suggest he can be opposed, especially now aged eight.

33/1

25/1

Form: 5-6094 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Quiet in Dubai in January but he returned to Britain with a good fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) five weeks ago; now 6lb lower than when winning the Thirsk Hunt Cup last May and he has the ability to feature.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

6

(2)

2nd May 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:40 Thirsk

Flight Plan

9st 3lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Failed to build on a decent fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) in February when behind Blue Rc at Newcastle (1m) on Good Friday but the fact he made all in this race off 8lb lower last year means a revival can't be discounted, particularly as he's well drawn to attack again; tongue-tied first time.

13/2

8th

9

(5)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

1m 0f 5y

Class 2

15:00 Newcastle (AW)

Flight Plan

8st 13lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Quiet in Dubai in January but he returned to Britain with a good fourth at Lingfield (1m2f) five weeks ago; now 6lb lower than when winning the Thirsk Hunt Cup last May and he has the ability to feature.

25/1

4th

4

(5)

27th Feb 2026

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Lingfield (AW)

Flight Plan

9st 5lb

J: Sam James

T: K R Burke

Often front runs; below par in three outings at Meydan last month (including dirt) but well treated if a return to Britain sparks a revival having landed last year's Thirsk Hunt Cup off 6lb higher; Tapeta winner at the start of his career.

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: 3-5148 CD

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Ready winner of the trial over C&D in January and a 3lb rise isn't beyond him on that evidence; two lesser efforts have followed (sustained a small wound to his right-hind fetlock last time) but his fine record at Newcastle means he can't be discounted.
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

12/1

Form: 113-66 CD

Last run: 55 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
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.
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

Form: 812-21 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 13lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
He has a good record on AW, winning three times and runner-up on his other two attempts; got the better of Dosman at Wolverhampton two weeks ago but he looks held by The Lost King on their Lincoln Trial form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

9

(11)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:39 York

First Principle

9st 4lb

J: Jason Hart

T: William Haggas

Best form has come on AW and he hung left when 3l last of six at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) in May last time; however, the trip appeared to stretch him and he's off the same mark as for his win at Wolverhampton (8.4f, AW) in March; not written off back at 1m in first-time cheekpieces.

10/1

6th

4

(5)

25th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:25 Windsor

First Principle

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Broadly progressive, mostly at about 1m and on AW, until posting duck eggs in last two outings; may prove resurgent back down in grade, and pedigree suggests the return to 1m2f is worth a go.

4/1

17th

8

(17)

14th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

14:55 York

First Principle

8st 13lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: William Haggas

Having been gelded last autumn he enjoyed a good stint on AW, winning twice (1m/8.6f); soundly beaten at Newcastle (1m, AW) last time and he needs to transfer his improvement back to turf, but he remains lightly raced for his top yard and is not discounted under Ryan Moore.

14/1

12th
6 (1)
Apiarist

10/1

Form: 03-413 CD

Last run: 16 days

W: 9st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Finished a good third in this race 12 months ago when rated 2lb lower; arrives in good form, having beaten Popmaster at Lingfield (1m) before a good third at Kempton (7f) 16 days ago; chance if stall 1 proves no hindrance.
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

8/1

Form: /5-312 D BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 8st 2lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Promising stable debut at Kempton in January and he easily won a 1m maiden at Chelmsford in early February; only second to a stablemate back at Chelmsford for his handicap debut three weeks ago; can win more races but probably not this one.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(10)

13th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:17 Sandown

Shafdar

9st 5lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Met trouble and was unable to land a blow in major 7f handicap last time; broadly progressive at about 1m otherwise this year for current stable, winning twice (AW/turf); could go well, back up in distance.

10/1

24th

26

(15)

9th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:20 Ascot

Shafdar

8st 12lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ian Williams

Low-mileage 4yo who is 2-5, all at about 1m on AW/turf, this year for new stable; prevailed at Epsom (good) returned to this sphere most recently, despite taking a good hold; may settle better and show further progress in this big-field scenario over a stiff 7f; not ruled out.

14/1

Form: 71-509 CD

Last run: 7 days

W: 8st 2lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
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.
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

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £58.00
Straight Forecast £41.79
Tricast £134.96
Trifecta £260.80

Selections

POSTDATA:

The Lost King

SPOTLIGHT:

Witch Hunter

NEWMARKET:

Chancellor

D Express:

Shafdar

The Times:

Dosman

TOPSPEED:

Rogue Encore

LAMBOURN:

Popmaster

Telegraph:

The Lost King

The Guardian:

The Lost King

Daily Mirror:

The Lost King

The Sun:

The Lost King

Daily Record:

The Lost King

The Star:

Chancellor

RP RATINGS:

Witch Hunter

Daily Mail:

Witch Hunter