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

10th

1

(9)

25th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:45 Ascot

Blue Rc

9st 12lb

J: Colin Keane

T: James Tate

Lightly raced 4yo who has been runner-up in competitive handicaps on three of his four starts since April, most recently in last month's 28-runner Royal Hunt Cup over C&D (good to firm); climbing the weights in defeat but he's nevertheless firmly in calculations.

100/30

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

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

5

(15)

20th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 192y

Class 2

15:00 York

The Lost King

9st 6lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Added to his two AW wins early this year when scoring over C&D (good to firm) last month; 6lb higher in hotter race today but this lightly raced 4yo is progressive; unraced on slow turf but dam's family excelled on it.

10/1

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

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

10th

9

(3)

1st Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Thirsk

Dosman

9st 5lb

J: Jonny Peate

T: Oli Rix

Generally in good form, mostly on AW, for current stable and latest effort is best forgiven (race didn't pan out favourably); not disgraced in most recent turf attempt but is still seeking a first success in this sphere and is somewhat hostage to fortune the way he races.

14/1

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

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

1st

4

(9)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

19:32 Newmarket (July)

Nikovo

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Michael Herrington

In-form 7yo who has reached the frame in his last three runs including when third of 11 in a C&D handicap (good to firm) three weeks ago; finished ahead of Exposure in that race and he has each-way claims again.

4/1

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

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

6th

8

(6)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Popmaster

9st 6lb

J: L J Ferraris

T: Ed Walker

Solid fourth-place finishes in good handicaps at Epsom and Sandown on his last two starts; suspicion he will prove vulnerable for win purposes.

16/1

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

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

6th

3

(4)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:35 Newbury

Witch Hunter

9st 10lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Hard to predict; followed six duck eggs with a last-gasp win at Thirsk (1m, good) two weeks ago, only to run poorly again at Haydock last week; just 2lb higher than for the win but can't be relied on.

14/1

10th

2

(1)

8th Aug 2026

Good

0m 7f 212y

Class 3

16:40 Haydock

Witch Hunter

10st 2lb

J: Seamus Cronin

T: Richard Hannon

Followed six duck eggs with a last-gasp win at Thirsk (1m, good) last Saturday under Seamus Cronin, capitalising on some leniency from the handicapper; nudged back up only 2lb; has possibilities if on another going day.

9/1

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

8th

1

(7)

14th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 3

19:37 Newmarket (July)

Storm Star

10st 2lb

J: Alfie Redman

T: Andrew Balding

All four wins have been on Newcastle AW but he's still lightly raced on turf; finished in mid-division in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot (7f) last time but he was runner-up in a Class 3 there (1m, good to firm) on his penultimate run; has claims if he can recapture that form and he's in the mix back up in trip.

13/2

11

(3)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 2

16:30 Ascot

Storm Star

9st 4lb

T: Andrew Balding

11/1

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

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

4th

17

(6)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

17:20 York

Shafdar

8st 12lb

J: David Egan

T: Ian Williams

Winner at Epsom (8.5f, good) in April; best run since when close fourth of 15 at Glorious Goodwood (1m1f, good to firm) in a first-time tongue-tie (retained) three weeks ago; can race freely but the Goodwood effort suggests 1m2f could be within range; enters calculations.

11/1

4th

11

(9)

1st Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 11y

Class 3

17:20 Goodwood

Shafdar

9st 8lb

J: David Egan

T: Ian Williams

4yo who was making his seventh start when winning at Epsom (8.5f, good) in April; two lesser runs have followed but it wasn't a bad effort at Sandown last time and the fact he excelled at Epsom bodes well for today's first visit to Goodwood, which has similarities; wears a first-time tongue-tie.

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

6th

4

(2)

25th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 5y

Class 4

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Rogue Encore

9st 12lb

J: Cian Horgan

T: Peter Chapple-Hyam

Signed off for 2025 with a third C&D success in September but he's yet to fire this season, last of 14 over C&D in April; has it to prove after a break.

20/1

+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