April 03 / 16.42 Newcastle (AW)

16.42

Standard

Midnite All-Weather Easter Plate Marathon Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

  • Prize money: £90195
  • 2m 0f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 12 runners
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Midnite All-Weather Easter Plate Marathon Handicap (GBBPlus Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Tapeta

Weather: Light rain

9/1 (Won)

  • Win: £17.00
  • Place: £2.60

Form: 181-01 D

Last run: 62 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
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.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(17)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Berkshire Sundance

9st 5lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Cheekpieces enlisted for last three starts, winning on first occasion and good sixth in the Chester Cup (2m2f, good); 16-1 for Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot (2m5f) six weeks ago but weakened right out of it in the last half-mile; that was his first race on firmer than good since start of career three years ago, so there's a big question mark about the ground.

16/1

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

14/1

  • Place: £5.60

Form: 289-68 CD

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won this in 2024 and he's dropping down the weights; this 8yo has shown the odd sign of spark over the last 12 months but his AW exploits this winter indicate it's best to look elsewhere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

2

(9)

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Prydwen

9st 12lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: George Scott

8yo whose 11th success came over 1m4f in April; also effective at 2m this term but edged back up the weights and looks vulnerable for win purposes.

40/1

7th

1

(15)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Prydwen

9st 12lb

J: Darragh Keenan

T: George Scott

Prolific 8yo who gained his 11th success when taking 1m4f Ripon handicap in April; also effective at 2m this term, including C&D, but he's edged back up the weights; place player but he may be vulnerable for win purposes.

14/1

2/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 31-322 BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Won the 2m2f Cesarewitch in October and running really well in defeat on AW over 1m2f/1m3f (including here) this year, most recently second at Lingfield behind Regal Ulixes (declared 4:10); leading player back up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

15

(21)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Beylerbeyi

9st 3lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Ian Williams

Acts on good to soft but soft would be a worry; tricky to settle and is held up in rear; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f; 10lb higher today) last October and he's looked just as good on most starts since, without winning but late traffic woes seemingly prevented him from going close last time; without his usual jockey Billy Loughnane today but he was a close second last term under Clifford Lee; probably involved if he can get the breaks.

10/1

11

(1)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 7f 209y

Class 2

14:10 Ascot

Beylerbeyi

10st 3lb

T: Ian Williams

100/30

4th

2

(7)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

15:00 Newmarket (July)

Beylerbeyi

9st 9lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Ian Williams

Tricky to settle and is held up in rear; won the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (2m2f, good to firm; 9lb higher today) last October and had some very solid AW form over 1m2f-2m this year; back to near his best when eighth of 20 at Royal Ascot (2m4f) but he needs to hit a new high if he's to win this.

16/1

Form: 30-334

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in this last year and also ran well over C&D when fourth of 20 in the Northumberland Plate last June; he's been running pretty well at Dundalk this year and could build on those efforts now back here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

7

(11)

15th Aug 2026

Standard

1m 2f 150y

16:35 Dundalk (AW)

Tribal Star

9st 6lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Both career wins have come here, the latest in this race last year off 1lb higher; has run well in defeat over much further on turf a couple of times this term and soft ground wouldn't have suited at Galway latest; should be doing his best work at the finish.

11/1

10th

11

(11)

31st Jul 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

18:35 Galway

Tribal Star

9st 2lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Two-time AW winner is 0-9 on turf; stayed on well for a 2.75l second over 2m1f at Killarney last time and closely matched with The Kingstonian on Chester form in May; may need more of a stamina test.

12/1

2nd

1

(5)

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 0f 185y

19:40 Killarney

Tribal Star

10st 0lb

J: Adam Caffrey

T: Adrian McGuinness

Premier handicap winner over 1m2f at Dundalk last season; upped in trip this year to decent effect; good third in the Chester Plate in May; made no impact in the Northumberland Plate last time but will appreciate the calmer waters here.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 0051-1 CD

Last run: 77 days

W: 9st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Second in this in 2024 and fourth last year; won at Kempton (2m) in December and followed up by 3l over this C&D in January; this 6yo is on a career-high mark but is clearly thriving and has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

1

(16)

19th Aug 2026

Good

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:10 York

Duke Of Oxford

9st 12lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Michael Bell

Eight AW wins, two last winter in 2m handicaps; however, he has tons to prove on turf record (0-7) and even best AW form does not look good enough; reportedly lame after losing right-hind shoe when tailed off 19 days ago.

66/1

15th

2

(7)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Duke Of Oxford

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Michael Bell

Eight AW wins, two last winter in 2m handicaps; however, he has tons to prove on turf record (0-6) and even best AW form does not look good enough.

20/1

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

Form: 5617-1 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 12lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Won at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) in November and back on the scoresheet at Southwell (2m, Tapeta) three weeks ago; those wins were in Class 4 and he's back up in grade today off a career-high mark, but he did it readily last time and a 3lb rise isn't harsh; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 3

15:34 Ascot

Artisan Dancer

9st 12lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and usually dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f; turf strike-rate is 1-20, however, and he was tailed off at Thirsk (good) on penultimate start, before he failed to shine at Newcastle's Northumberland Plate meeting (AW) for the third year in a row; not the percentage call.

20/1

18th

5

(18)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Artisan Dancer

9st 10lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and usually dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f; turf strike-rate is 1-20 and he was tailed off at Thirsk last time; back to AW and he's 7-34 in this sphere, but he's not shone at this meeting (16th in the Plate, 12th in the Vase) in the last two years.

25/1

12th

5

(2)

31st May 2026

Good

2m 0f 13y

Class 3

18:15 Thirsk

Artisan Dancer

9st 8lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Industrious and dependable sort at 1m6f-2m2f but turf strike-rate is 1-19; not discredited on latest start (1m5f) but others are preferred.

16/1

Form: 2942-6 C

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 3lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Not quite at his best at Kempton last month but that came after 94 days off and he could improve for it; held up in slowly run race at Kempton in October when 2l fourth on his sole previous crack at 2m, and he may yet be capable of better at this sort of trip; has won here and could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

7

(4)

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

Class 2

14:55 Newmarket

Dramatic Star

8st 12lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Improved last year without quite winning; each-way claims if back to best with first-time headgear after two rather disappointing runs in 2026.

9/2

7th

5

(9)

3rd Apr 2026

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

16:42 Newcastle (AW)

Dramatic Star

9st 3lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Not quite at his best at Kempton last month but that came after 94 days off and he could improve for it; held up in slowly run race at Kempton in October when 2l fourth on his sole previous crack at 2m, and he may yet be capable of better at this sort of trip; has won here and could be involved.

11/2

6th

2

(6)

2nd Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

16:37 Kempton (AW)

Dramatic Star

9st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: William Haggas

Won twice in 2024, including over 1m4f on Tapeta; had only five runs last year but he went close on two occasions, including in a Class 2 at Southwell (1m4f) in November; 2lb higher on his return but he hit a personal best last time and he's a key player on this drop back in grade.

3/1

Form: 1-2573 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Prominent racer who posted four wins in the second half of last year, including over C&D and at Southwell in December; however, he needs to produce more than he's managed on his last three starts.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(4)

5th Jul 2026

Standard

2m 0f 102y

Class 3

17:55 Southwell (AW)

Sax Appeal

9st 9lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Charlie Johnston

Eight-time AW winner, including thrice at Southwell; close third in the Northumberland Vase at Newcastle last weekend when returned to this sphere; back up 2lb but takes a drop back in grade; solid chance.

7/2

16/1

Form: 44-126 C

Last run: 30 days

W: 8st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Made all at Kempton (2m, Polytrack) in January and head second to Berkshire Sundance at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) later that month; not quite at the same level at Southwell (2m2f, Tapeta) last month but he failed to settle; Newcastle form figures read 12139 and he has an each-way shout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

9

(5)

10th Aug 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

17:00 Kempton (AW)

Barenboim

9st 7lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Six AW wins include two here and it was at this venue where he was headed late on over C&D a month ago; he did have the run of things up front that day, though.

16/1

3rd

3

(7)

8th Jul 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 4

19:13 Kempton (AW)

Barenboim

9st 5lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Kickstarted 2026 with C&D win in January but his more recent form is far less encouraging, last of nine at Chester (2m) last time; others are preferred.

40/1

9th

4

(3)

13th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

16:37 Chester

Barenboim

9st 5lb

J: Pierre-Louis Jamin

T: Tom Dascombe

Six-time AW winner, most recently off today's mark in January; struggled when back on turf this month, though, and ground slower than good will be a serious worry here.

33/1

10th
3 (5)
Enemy

14/1

Form: 55-131 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Snapped a losing sequence at Southwell (1m4f, Tapeta) in January before close third at Wolverhampton (2m), and returned to winning ways at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) latest; this 9yo is in a more competitive race today but there remains mileage in his mark judged on his old form; might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

23

(19)

22nd Aug 2026

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

15:35 York

Enemy

8st 11lb

T: Ian Williams

Reserve; won 1m4f/2m handicaps on the AW early this year but his strike-rate on turf is only 3-39 (last win in January 2023); close third at Ascot (second-time cheekpieces) two weeks ago was his best turf result for ages but he's been 14th, 16th and 20th when outsider in his three previous Ebors.

50/1

3rd

5

(5)

8th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 2

14:45 Ascot

Enemy

9st 12lb

J: Mme Frida Valle Skar

T: Ian Williams

Won 1m4f/2m handicaps on the AW early this year; only 3-38 on turf but quite encouraging runs in hot 1m3f/1m6f handicaps before finishing tailed off at Newmarket after starting slowly (1m4f); it wouldn't be a bolt from the blue should he run well but others are safer.

25/1

12th

6

(9)

4th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:15 Newmarket (July)

Enemy

9st 6lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: Ian Williams

Won 1m4f/2m handicaps on the AW early this year; beaten just over 7l in hot handicaps at Carlisle (1m3f) and Royal Ascot (1m6f) on last two outings, shaping much better than ninth of 16 suggests in the latter (big move to dispute lead early in straight) but his turf strike-rate is 3-37.

33/1

11/1

Form: 913-92 C BF

Last run: 50 days

W: 8st 10lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Inconsistent since finishing second in the Northumberland Vase over C&D last June and well beaten over C&D in January, but back on song when second at Chelmsford (1m6f) in February; capable of a bold show in a first-time hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(2)

15th Aug 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:20 Newbury

Tryfan

9st 11lb

J: Callum Rodriguez

T: Harry Charlton

Peak efforts on AW but he won on good to firm last May and did so again when he first tried cheekpieces in eight-runner race at Ascot (1m4f; by a neck, led over 2f out) five weeks ago; back up 3lb but in the mix in small field.

7/2

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

25/1

Form: 106-75 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) last July and is now just 1lb higher; however, he hasn't been at the top of his game on his three AW starts since December and needs something extra today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

10

(10)

31st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 4f 137y

Class 2

13:50 Goodwood

Charging Thunder

8st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: James Owen

Below form on the Flat this year, for instance 11th to Believitanducan in the Northumberland Vase last month; not proven beyond 2m in this sphere but he switched back to hurdles for a 2m6f win at Stratford 12 days ago, which might give some renewed hope.

18/1

1st

3

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

15:23 Stratford

Charging Thunder

11st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: James Owen

Not at best on the Flat this year (albeit still capable of useful form) and managed only fourth of six when warm favourite for latest hurdle race, at Worcester (2m, good) in May; that said, he's a stout stayer on the Flat and could have untapped potential over this new trip over jumps.

9/4

11th

1

(12)

27th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

14:40 Newcastle (AW)

Charging Thunder

9st 12lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

Not in peak form (hurdles or Flat) from last August onwards but it's not forgotten that he was third in the Plate itself last year off 3lb higher.

22/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £310.30
Straight Forecast £275.05
Tricast £973.37
Trifecta £2221.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Beylerbeyi

NEWMARKET:

Duke Of Oxford

TOPSPEED:

Dramatic Star

LAMBOURN:

Berkshire Sundance

POSTDATA:

Prydwen

Telegraph:

Dramatic Star

The Star:

Dramatic Star

The Guardian:

Duke Of Oxford

Daily Mirror:

Duke Of Oxford

The Sun:

Duke Of Oxford

RP RATINGS:

Beylerbeyi

The Times:

Beylerbeyi

Daily Mail:

Beylerbeyi

D Express:

Beylerbeyi

Daily Record:

Beylerbeyi