As the month of February began to draw to an end, the mind would think ahead to the start of the turf season which starts up in just over four week's time. The winter game on the all-weather has been plugging on at the same pace, but Newcastle would host a decent looking midweek card in which talented horses and riders would begin to warm up for the new turf season. An eight race card would see a pair of interesting novice events for older horses, while competitive handicaps would take place in a range of grades.

Race One: The Midnite, Building The Future Of Betting Handicap - Class Four - One Mile, Two Furlongs - Runners: 6
The afternoon's action would begin with the longest race of the day, taking over the intermediate trip of ten furlongs. 

Heading the racecard would be the smart five year old Kind Of Kiss, who has some useful form to his name at a higher level despite taking just one win in his career so far. He would make his debut here for the Sam England stable on the back of two quieter runs in the autumn. The very well bred Without Compromise has been a regular winner at Newcastle over the winter for the Antony Brittain stable, but produced a below par effort over course and distance on New Year's Day. The five year old would return to a level where he has run well at in the past. Charlie Johnston is a regular supporter of this sort of race at Newcastle and would be represented here by Knockbrex. The six year old won a similar race here in November, but failed to stay the trip over a mile and a half last time out. An interesting runner here would be Hugo Palmer's Triple Double A. The four year old learned his trade on the all-weather as a juvenile, but landed an early season hat trick of wins on turf. He then finished in the frame in some good quality handicaps which look strong in this company back on the all-weather. Jedd O'Keeffe's six year old Inappropriate won on the hurdles track at Newcastle over a year ago, but has also run well on this surface in recent times. He has shown a liking for this place with big priced runner-up spots at this level. Patrick Morris-trained runners are a regular sight at Newcastle and the yard would be represented by Golspie. The six year old won over course and distance back in December at a lower level, but has been kept busy over the winter; showing a mixed bag of form. 

Winner: TRIPLE DOUBLE A (#4) (Mohaather x Shaaqaaf) - J. Hart - H. Palmer

The recent never-ending spell of rainy weather had finally dispersed for long enough to leave sunny skies over Newcastle racecourse, but a biting breeze would remind racegoers that winter still remains. 
The six runners had all gained plenty of experience throughout their respective careers so were nonplussed by the loading procedure at the stalls. The starter would set the gates open and the action would get underway to a fairly decent break. From the outset, the habitual front runner Golspie went into the lead under Tom Kiely-Marshall but raced a shade too keenly in the opening stages. He would be hassled for the lead by Knockbrex, Triple Double A and Without Compromise which meant the pace in the first half of the race would be quicker than normal. Inappropriate and Kind Of Kiss were both slightly hesitant from the stalls, but quickly regained their spot at the back of the group. The order would remain largely the same throughout as the pack made their way around the far side bend which would bring them back towards the home straight. At the halfway point of the straight, the race began to heat up. The slow starting Kind Of Kiss would be the first one beaten as he was outpaced by the lift in pace from Golspie. Knocbrex would move forward to challenge the ridden along Golspie and had soon taken over the lead. Without Compromise was also right in the firing line, but didn't quicken immediately as Triple Double A made his move with Jason Hart. The four year old grabbed Knockbrex at the two furlong pole and began to assert into the lead. Despite drifting to his right, the gelding kept forward momentum to pull clear of Knockbrex in the final furlong and return to winning ways. Second would go to Knockbrex, who didn't run a bad race once again while Without Compromise settled for third again at his favourite venue. The frame would be filled by Inappropriate who took a lonely fourth at the line. 

It would be a perfect start to the year for the last season's progressive sort Triple Double A, who had form lines in much better company. Carrying the famous silks of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Hugo Palmer-trained four year old had learned the ropes on the all-weather eighteen months ago with three quiet runs on the all-weather. He then began 2025 with a low rating and soon capitalised on it with three wins in basement level races in the space of three weeks. After defeat on the attempt of a four timer, Triple Double A was then pitched into the class two Silver Bowl Handicap at Haydock in May, which is the source of very good handicappers. He ran above expectations to take fifth there, despite suffering interference in running. That effort was backed up with a fourth at Chester's twisting track before his best run came on the undercard to the Irish Derby, the Dubai Duty Free Handicap at the Curragh. He would weaken into fourth, but the winner Sujet remains held in good regard by his connections. This would be a perfect way to begin his four year old campaign with the added boost of staying this new distance strongly. The turf will surely await in the coming months with valuable races at places such as Newmarket, Chester and York all expected to be on the agenda for early season targets.

Race Two: The Join The Midnite Movement Handicap - Class Six - Five Furlongs - Runners: 10
The action would switch lanes to the sprinters with this class six contest over the minimum distance.

Races of this nature are the regular meeting place for course and distance specialist and the field would be headed by the mare Azucena. Now trained by Stephen Hanlon in Leyburn, the six year old is all speed and won here in January before replicating that form with a fourth here just over a week ago. The four year old Ameerjet has been threatening to win some time soon, based on her improvement since joining the Michael Herrington yard. The gelding has finished in the placings four times for current connections, including a close second here earlier in the month. Tracy Waggott's horses occasionally do well at this venue and she would rely on the five year old La Rochette. The mare had a quiet year in 2025, but produced much better when third here on New Year's Day. She has since gone back a few steps in recent starts, but remains in better form recently. Iain Jardine landed a win at the previous flat meeting here a few days ago and would saddle a new recruit in this contest, the six year old Mount Ruapehu. The former Irish based gelding won for his previous trainer over six furlongs here in December and has form over a range of distances. Another Scottish trainer with an interest in the field would be Gary Harrison with Thank The Lord. The small scale trainer landed a winner for the first time since 2019 a few weeks ago, but has since gone close on a few occasions with the seven year old who has placed twice for the yard, including over course and distance. Kevin Ryan's Sherlock remains a maiden ahead of his twentieth career start and is a regular at Newcastle. The four year old has raced over much longer distances with some good placed efforts over a mile, but this is a dramatic step back in distance as he tried five furlongs for the first time. The bargain buy Okami lined up for the Paul Midgley stable here and is another previous course and distance winner. The six year old won twice over course and distance this winter, but could only manage sixth over a longer trip at Wolverhampton last time out. Another Scottish trainer Jim Goldie has plenty of winners at Newcastle and would look for one more with Wee Mary. The four year old turned her form around after joining her current stable and won here two starts ago. After that however, she was too far back at Wolverhampton to make an impression last time out. Paul Midgley would also be represented in this race by Latin Five. The eight time winner has been a regular in these sorts of races of late and won twice at Newcastle during 2025. The nine year old has been out of luck in his two starts this year. Completing the field would be the regular visitor to Newcastle, Shatin Venture, trained by Linda Perratt. The gelded five year old had been putting a decent run of form at this level without being successful and took a very close second over course and distance two weeks ago.

Winner: SHERLOCK (#6) (Invincible Spirit x World Of Good) - K. Stott - K. Ryan

The action would be fast and furious for this five furlong dash and as the gates opened, the sprinters broke from their gates like uncoiled springs. The one to miss the kick would be Thank The Lord, who anticipated the start too soon and was slowly away. The gelding would be left behind at an early stage and his challenge would be all but over. Up front, there was a lot of competition for the lead. The keen going mare Azucena would bowl along in front with Paul Mulrennan as Okami and Mount Ruapehu took him on for the lead. Shatin Venture was a stride slower out of the blocks than ideal, but was soon rushed up to challenge for the lead too.  Sherlock would travel comfortably in centre midfield alongside the likes of La Rochette, Latin Five and Wee Mary as the field had already travelled past the halfway stage. 
Approaching the final furlong, Azucena's speed began to flicker and Mulrennan would be hard at work to keep his mount's position. Okami had moved into a narrow lead, but the eye was drawn to Sherlock who had sat further back and waited to strike. The four year old showed a sharp turn of speed to quicken away from the pack and put the race to bed inside the final stages. The gelding would finally get to taste victory for the first time as he took this contest by a comfortable length and a half. Azucena rallied back to take second away from Okami inside the final fifty yards while Mount Ruapehu would take fourth place by denying Shatin Venture for fourth by a nose. 

The Kevin Ryan stable often do well in these low grade handicaps in which they target horses to strike. This would be the case with the previous maiden Sherlock, who ended a long losing spell. The son of Invincible Spirit is bred to appreciate sprint distances as a half brother to the modest Macanudo, who won over five furlongs. Sherlock began his career in decent maidens including the 2024 Convivial Maiden at York, but it was clear he wasn't up to the grade. After a gelding operation, he would show the first sign of promise when second at Southwell later that year. A close second on turf over seven furlongs in April 2025 prompted a step up to a mile, but he struggled to stay that trip. In more recent times, Sherlock has been a regular on the all-weather but has shown inconsistency in the form book, with his best efforts coming at Newcastle. The fairly strong early pace helped Sherlock to settle which meant his stamina was put to good use for this win. With this success now under the belt, this new trip opens plenty of new options going forward.
This would also be the first winner in the saddle for leading rider Kevin Stott, who recently returned from a fractured back after a horror fall at Wolverhampton before Christmas. The road to recovery is made all the worthwhile by moments like this one. 

Race Three: The Create Your Bet Builders At Midnite Maiden Stakes - Class Four - Six Furlongs - Runners: 11
Next up would be the first of two intriguing novice events, the first of them being this maiden race over six furlongs. 
The fair nature of the Gosforth Park track can sometimes produce a horse to follow to bigger and better things, so the notebook would be ready and waiting to take stock in this contest.

The field would be headed by the five year old Teddy Shaw for the Yorkshire stable of Ruth Carr. The older gelding has made a slow start to his career and was awkward from the stalls on his debut a year old when only seventh. First of the newcomers would come from the John Butler stable with the four year old filly Minnie Idol. She is well bred for the job as a half sister to multiple winners and a black type performer and her trainer is capable of introducing a good horse here. Jack Channon would make the long journey north with his filly Seven Fires in this contest. The daughter of Sioux Nation has run well in both starts to date, but her keen going ways have proven costly. The next newcomer in the field would come from the John and Sean Quinn stable, the three year old Bannerbrooke. He comes from decent family of multiple winners, but has been gelded ahead of his debut which would raise doubts here. The very smartly bred colt Comprador lined up for the Ed Walker as a promising young horse. The three year old is related to pattern-class winners and showed promise of his own when third at Lingfield in January, finishing strongly and catching the eye. Another newcomer would come this time from the Tim Easterby stable, Kode Grey. The grey is another debutante who has been gelded ahead of this racecourse bow, but is another to come from a useful family. Julie Camacho saddled a winner in a race similar to this one recently and would be represented in this contest by Celtic Arrow. The son of Persian King made a pleasing start over six furlongs here by weakening into third but showing plenty of promise. The filly Lock'd Up Lane has appeared to be a longer term prospect for the Roger Fell stable and the filly should qualify for handicaps after this race. The three year old had shown signs of temperament earlier in her career, but ran slightly better over course and distance when fifth on stable debut here this month. Brian Ellison's Space Moon comes from a nice family further back in her pedigree and looked promising when third on debut at the end of last year. She was disappointing at Southwell on her latest start when trailing home in last. Another newcomer would come in the shape of Alan Brown's filly The Cyprus Pearl. The modestly bred three year old comes from a stable not well known for winning newcomers, so could be one for the future. Completing the field would be Whisky Dreams from the Ivan Furtado yard. She is another to have some high class family members, but has yet to inherit the talent so far with two last placed finishes on turf at Beverley and all-weather at Southwell. 

Winner: SEVEN FIRES (#3) (Sioux Nation x Bamboo Queen) - G. Bass - J. Channon

Much of the pre-race focus would seem to revolve around Ed Walker's Comprador, who was very strong in the betting and started the race as a short priced favourite. Only Seven Fires and the newcomer Bannerbrooke would be sent off at single figure prices, such was the volume of money pouring onto Comprador. 
There would be an anxious wait before the race as Bannerbrooke proved tricky to load into the stalls. The newcomer was given a final chance and after loads of brute force from the stalls handlers, he would squeeze into his gate and awaited the start. As the gates opened however, a number of runners would be slowly away. They would include the reluctant Bannerbrooke, Teddy Shaw and The Cyprus Pearl who were all on the back foot and the race quickly developed into a race of two groups. The first group would consist of the leading contenders as the filly Seven Fires showed plenty of bright speed under George Bass. Her main rival Comprador would keep her company down the home straight as Lock'd Up Lane, Celtic Arrow and Minnie Idol all chased the early pace. A break of a few lengths would go back to the remainder, including Space Moon, Whisky Dreams and Kode Dream. 
It was clear from a long way out that the race revolved around just five horses as the leading group continued to push on. Approaching the final furlong, Seven Fires remained in a narrow lead as Comprador was briefly outpaced. The newcomer Minnie Idol continued to catch the eye as she travelled well on debut and would challenge Seven Fires for the lead. The experience factor began to take its toll however and Seven Fires asserted to win by a length. Minnie Idol would run a race filled with promise in second, just holding off Comprador who could only manage third. Celtic Arrow would take fourth in a race where not many horses got involved. 

The outcome would be a minor surprise as the second favourite Seven Fires would continue her race by race progress and win for the first time. The four year old daughter of Sioux Nation made her belated debut at Lingfield in December last year where she raced too keenly and weakened into fourth. Next, she would line up at Chelmsford just under a month ago. She would again race keenly, but showed plenty of speed early on and took third, beaten less than two lengths behind a winner who could be above average. Connections opted to let her bowl along here which helped her to settle better. This distant relative to middle distance winners Vera Verto and Claim The Crown should be able to progress in handicaps on the turf and has a nice temperament.

Race Four: The Midnite Are Upping The Betting Game Handicap - Class Five - Six Furlongs - Runners: 12

Gosforth Park can often a be a lucky venue for the Bryan Smart stable and the Thirsk based outfit would be responsible for the top weight here, Beale Street. The five year old was in good form during the previous winter with three wins at Newcastle, the latest of which came in February 2025. Since then, he has run well on the turf and looked in need of the outing when only seventh here last time out. Fellow five year old True Promise has some good form at Newcastle as well and made a habit of finishing in the frame this winter. Fionn McSharry's gelding ran slightly below his best last time, but has bounced back in the past. Jim Goldie is a regular supporter of this kind of race and would be represented here by Dandy Magic. The four year old was caught on the line over course and distance two starts ago and stayed on well into third over five furlongs last time out. Another former course and distance winner in the line up would be Kevin Ryan's Blue Lakota. The four year old has shown a liking to the all-weather and has won twice here during the winter; the latest in January. He was slow to start at Southwell which hampered his cause. The grey Grant Wood hasn't won since 2024, but has also won at Newcastle in the past and has the habit of popping up with a good run out of the blue. He wasn't at his best on turf when last seen in action, but finished a close second on his last visit to Newcastle in April last year. The multiple winner The Green Man found a little more improvement this winter after joining the Phil Kirby yard and has won three times this winter over a range of distances. He has run well over longer trips of late and returned to sprinting here. The mare Alpine Girl swapped Newmarket for Malton last year by joining the Julie Camacho stable and has shown plenty of progression since. The five year old has won on this surface in the past, but landed two handicaps on turf last summer and returned from a break. A second runner for the Fionn McSharry stable would be experienced nine year old Maxi Boy. He would return to action during the latter part of 2025 but has held his form well during the winter. After placing four times in a row, he ran below form here on his latest start. The fairly lightly raced four year old Fan Mail has won twice on the all-weather for the Tim Easterby stable, including here, so looks better suited to these conditions. He was crowded out at Southwell last time when finishing a decent fourth earlier in the month. Another Newcastle regular would be Iain Jardine's grey Novak. The seven year old has been running over longer trips in recent times and returned to form with a good second over a furlong longer here just over a week ago. The seven year old Showtime Mahomes has been a good servant for his connections and landed a seventh career win at Southwell in January. He wouldn't run a bad race last time out when fourth at this venue a fortnight ago. A second runner for the Phil Kirby yard would complete the line up, the gelding Kitaab. The seven year old is an irregular winner, but caught the eye at Southwell last time when staying on into fourth over a shorter trip. 

Winner: GRANT WOOD (#5) (Caravaggio x Azagba) - D. Nolan - P. Midgley

The halfway point would see a good quality contest for the class five level as plenty of Newcastle regulars took the stage here once again.

The pacier horses would be drawn on the far side which mean the pack would migrate to that side for this contest. From his low draw, Kitaab was ridden into the lead, but was soon challenged by both Blue Lakota and Maxi Boy. Next up would come the returning Alpine Girl as one of the greys Novak was hampered by the wayward pair of Beale Street and True Promise, who veered in alternate directions, sandwiching Novak in the middle. The one who missed the break would be Dandy Magic, who gave his supporters cause for concern. The enthusiastic Blue Lakota would take over in the lead from Kitaab, who settled for second after halfway, but the pack remained tightly packed. As the horses fanned out to make their challenge, it would be Novak and Beale Street who moved up to Blue Lakota's quarters. Along the railing, Grant Wood had found a clear passage to sneak through and just inside the final furlong, he would poke his grey head into a narrow lead. Beale Street would make a fight of it as he went eye to eye with Grant Wood in final few metres, but it would be Grant Wood who returned to winning ways. Beale Street had to settle for second this time and the pair finished ahead of Blue Lakota in third with Novak slightly unlucky in fourth.

Paul Midgley is a trainer who excels in races of this nature, especially at Newcastle. His sole representative in the field Grant Wood would score for the first time since August 2024 and his fifth win in total. The seven year old has been a smart handicapper at his best and had previously won on the all-weather at Southwell and Newcastle on the all-weather. His biggest win came in the Silver Trophy Handicap at Ripon in the summer of 2024, which came off a rating of 80. Despite running well when second twice around this time last year from a rating of 85, his lack of form throughout the rest of the year saw his rating drop all the way down to 74. Operating at a handicap mark six pounds lower than his last win, it was going to be a matter of time before the grey capitalised. He is set to go back up in the weights for this win, but a liking for Newcastle could see him defy the handicapper once again in his upcoming starts.

Race Five: The Always Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap (Div I) - Class Six - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 10

Next up would come a low grade handicap over seven furlongs which saw plenty of interest at the entry stage, leading to the race being split into two divisions here.

The first half would see Tees George carry top weight for the Adrian Nicholls stable. The six year old has a fairly decent record at Newcastle, winning here in the past, but has been a touch inconsistent. This would be his first run since a below par run here back in September. Another frustrating sort would be Richard Fahey's Outrun The Storm, who ran for the Middleham Park Racing syndicate. The eight year old's losing streak continues to creep further and has shown signs of reluctance in recent starts. Age Of Time hasn't been with the Ian Williams stable for long, but has started to produce some of his best form in recent starts. The five year old finished in the placings over a mile in his last two starts and dropped back in distance here. Yet another experienced runner would take his place here, the Phil Makin-trained Captain Vallo. The eight year old has won at this course three times already, the latest of which came just over a year ago. The out and out sprinter would make a fairly rare start over seven furlongs in this contest. Pallas Lord is another horse who knows this place very well and returned to Newcastle for the Donald Whillans stable. The eight year old has had some near misses over the straight mile course here since the turn of the New Year and ran well once again just last week when taking fifth. This race would also see the grey Night Emperor make his return to the track. Now trained by Tina Jackson, the four year old has endured a quiet career so far with a best finish of only fifth and this would be his first start in eighteen months. The very well bred Spun To Gold is another horse who started out life with leading connections, but struggled to make an impact. In more recent times, the five year old has joined the Jim Goldie yard and found his feet; winning four times since 2024. He returned to form last time out with a good second over a mile at the start of the month. The fairly lightly raced four year old Amelia's Joy finished third twice at Newcastle for the Bryan Smart stable, but has since moved to the Michael Herrington yard. She has yet to progress since the earlier promise, but is in the right hands to find a winning opportunity. Another four year old filly in the field would be the Bryan Smart-trained Reenie's Dream. Her connections are very familiar with her winning relatives and she finished placed in two starts on the turf last summer. Since then, her form has tailed off however. Ruth Carr's runner Brother Dave has some way to go yet before he emulates his brother Bobby Joe Leg's eleven wins at Newcastle, but is getting the hang of racing now. The six year old recorded his third win at Southwell in January, but has also run well here in the past. Completing the line up would be Ursa Major Racing's Superior Council. The Iain Jardine-trained seven year old went very close to winning here when denied narrowly in January, but his form has gone backwards since. Connections will be hoping a return to this venue will spark a revival.

Winner: PALLAS LORD (#5) (Dandy Man x Nutshell) - J. Hart - D. Whillans

The only non runner in the contest would be Superior Council, who was withdrawn earlier in the day, which left a field of ten. There would be drama before the start of the race as a seemingly eager Amelia's Joy broke loose on the walkway to the track and promptly cantered a full circuit of the round course before making a mockery of the attempts to stop her. After threatening to run a second lap of the course, the filly tired herself out and was led safely back to the stables unharmed for her adventure.

After a long wait for Amelia's Joy's antics to finish, Outrun The Storm had been stood at the starting point for seemingly ages, almost forgotten about. As his rivals joined him at the starting stalls, they would all go in without hitch. The starter would quickly get the horses underway, but from his central stall, Reenie's Dream would all but refuse to race and remained glued to the spot in his gate. After plenty of encouragement, he finally emerged in the race, but was already some thirty lengths behind the opposition. 
Up front, Outrun The Storm was lit up by his first time visor and blazed the trail up front, opening a gap of six lengths to the horse in second which was Age Of Time. Next would come Spun To Gold, who despite racing in the pack, was already a long way behind the leader after a few furlongs as he raced alongside Tees George, Brother Dave and Night Emperor. As the race started to develop, Outrun The Storm's keen going antics began to wear thin as he started to tread of thin ice up front. He would then come back to the chasing pack two furlongs out. Pallas Lord and Age Of Time were both perfectly placed through the first half of the race and they took advantage of the leader's tiredness by taking up the running between them inside the final furlong. The finish would feature just two horses as Pallas Lord and Age Of TIme went eye to eye in the final stages, but it would be the course expert Pallas Lord who dug deep and grabbed victory by a neck. Age Of Time went down fighting, but remained in form by taking second with a gap stretching back to the third placed Tees George and fourth placed Brother Dave.

Races of this nature can often produce course specialists and local favourites which applies to the Donald Whillans-trained Pallas Lord, who was winning at Newcastle for the tenth time in his career. Now an eight year old, the son of Dandy Man has raced at Newcastle a whopping fifty six times, which consists of three quarters of his entire career race starts. His first win at Newcastle came in October 2022 and all of his subsequent wins have come at class six level. He had been threatening to win again recently after showing good form since his second place here on New Year's Day. After chasing home some prolific winners, he produced a lesser effort just five days earlier over the same trip. He would prove it was just a blip however and there would be a welcoming reception for him into the winner's enclosure. 

Race Six: The Always Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap (Div II) - Class Six - Seven Furlongs - Runners: 10

Part two of this low grade handicap would take the spotlight next.

Geoff Harker's Rocket Rod has been a regular at Newcastle over the years and has run very well on many occasions. Now a nine year old, this would be his first run since March 2024, where he wasn't beaten far into fourth over course and distance. The seven year old JKR Cobbler is another veteran who has served his connections well throughout his career and looked to return to the winner's enclosure. His lack of form has seen his rating dip below his last winning one so looked to be a threat in this contest. Another golden oldie in the field would be Bomb Squad from the John Mackie stable. The eight year old grey has held his form quite well of late and returned to winning ways last time out at Wolverhampton earlier in the month. The five year old Habrdi hadn't shown much on the track for the Ruth Carr stable, but has recently turned the corner with a pair of finishes in the frame at Southwell so could be working his way back into form. Another grey in the field would be the six year old Good Karma, who lined up for the John Riches stable. The gelding would be a mile clear on the base of his form as a younger horse, but has now ended up at this much more modest level. He looks better suited to this trip where he finished in the placings at the end of 2025. The oldest horse in the line up would be Linda Perratt's Trais Fluors. The twelve year old brought a smile to the faces of punters by winning here on New Year's Day, but ran a very flat race last time out over a mile. The gelding Operation Gimcrack is well bred, but took a long time to land his first career win. Bryan Smart's six year old broke his maiden tag over this trip at Southwell in January, but couldn't follow it up there on his most recent start. The consistent Call Glory lined up for the Ian Williams stable and would be one of the form contenders. The five year old made a quick start to the year with two wins at Southwell and looked a shade unlucky at this venue when fifth only a few days ago. Another five year old in the field would be Michael Wigham's Instant Bond. The gelding has finished place in half of his sixteen starts so far, including on his latest start when third at Wolverhampton last week so deserves a win at some point. Completing the field would be another grey Mighty Power for the Lisa Williamson yard. The eight year old has won at a higher level during his prime, but hasn't produced much form of note in recent times. He has continued to struggle, including at this venue last week on his latest start. 

Winner: OPERATION GIMCRACK (#7) (Showcasing x Folk Melody) - D. Nolan - B. Smart

The full field of ten runners would take their place here and thankfully there would be no incidents similar to those in the first division.

The gates would burst open to start the race and the runners emerged to a pretty level break. Just like in the earlier sprint handicap, the natural front runners were drawn on the far side which meant the action remained on the far side. The grey Bomb Squad would cut out the early running, but the pace would be a steady one which meant the field bunched up and a number of horses ran keenly. He would be joined in the lead by fellow grey Good Karma up front as the slow starting Mighty Power was also rushed forward from a slow start to make it a trio of fair skinned front runners. Habrdi was also right there in the firing line early on with Call Glory as Trais Fluors brought up the rear having been a little sluggish from the stalls. 
Entering the final furlong, there would be plenty of horses in with a chance. The last time out winner Bomb Squad was still gamely fending off his rivals, but as the final furlong pole was surpassed, Call Glory would nose into the lead. As these two set down for battle, a small gap opened up on the rail which allowed Operation Gimcrack to squeeze through and take control of the race. The chestnut would come over the top of Call Glory and Bomb Squad and hit the line strongly, winning by just under a length to Bomb Squad in second and a nose seperating himself and Call Glory. Fourth would go the way of JKR Cobbler who had also made rapid progress from the rear.

The chestnut Operation Gimcrack had been a frustrating sort prior to the start of this year, but the power of a first success has done wonders to his confidence as he took a second win in three starts. The six year old placed twice during his juvenile season, but it wasn't until 2025 where he started to show more potential. A string of placed efforts on the turf during last summer showed that he can win races and that elusive first success came at Southwell in early January. He would return to the Nottinghamshire venue for an identical race three weeks later, but ran a flat race when only sixth. A return to Newcastle with the newfound confidence allowed him to take advantage here and he could win more races at this level before the end of the all-weather season.

Race Seven: The Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM Novice Stakes - Class Four - One Mile - Runners: 10

One of the most interesting races on the card would be this novice contest for three year olds and older. The straight mile event had the potential of revealing horses who could go on to better things this year.

The five year old Alfred would made an overdue racecourse debut here for the David O'Meara stable. The gelding has clearly had issues earlier in his life, but comes from a decent family so it would be interesting to see how he fares here. Mick and David Easterby would switch their four year old August Spring to the flat as the four year old has previously ran in a bumper. The gelding was outpaced over two miles on his only other start, but is bred more for the flat so should be better suited here. Another four year old from Yorkshire would be the recently gelded Maestro Bernstein. He is bred to be a champion and began his life at Coolmore, but was clearly down the pecking order. He has now arrived at the Antony Brittain stable after two placings from three starts on the turf last year. The locally based stable of Grant Tuer would be represented by Multaneighttothree. The four year old only made his debut in January this year and hasn't run badly in two starts at Newcastle. After a debut third, he would weaken into fifth last time out. The first of the three year olds would be the newcomer Domenico Contarini for the Amo Racing team. The three year old is related to multiple winners and his owners spent a nice sum on him at the sales a few years ago. The strength in depth of this contest would continue as Andrew Balding saddled Exmoor here in the silks of Al Shaqab Racing. He would make his debut at Kempton at the end of January in what looks like a good novice but looked in need of the experience when only sixth. The next newcomer would be Ivan Furtado's Haltonwood. The three year old is related to listed race performers which bodes well for his future, but he has already been gelded ahead of his debut. The Roger Fell-trained Leysthorpe Star was expected to be sent off at a big price on the basis of his two quiet runs so far. The gelding has finished tailed off at Southwell and here recently and should enjoy low grade handicaps more in the coming months. Karl Burke's record in novice races at Newcastle is often very strong and the latest newcomer from his yard to debut here would be the colt Midsummer Storm. Carrying the silks of Wathnan Racing, the son of Night of Thunder has the potential to be a smart type this year. The smaller scale yard of Alan Brown would take on the big guns here with his gelded newcomer My Dad Frank. The grey is related to plenty of useful winners in the past, but this looked a very hot race to start out in.

Winner: EXMOOR (#6) (Farhh x Necoleta) - PJ McDonald - A. Balding

All ten runners would stand their ground in this fascinating race and the contest would fail to disappoint.

The group of elder horses behaved nicely enough at the stalls as they waited their turn to load. As the gates opened, the outsider Leysthorpe Star would be very slow out of his stall and lost a number of lengths on his rivals. The newcomer Alfred would also be slightly slow to start as well, but soon latched on to the tail of the main group. Up front, the very well bred Maestro Bernstein would dictate the pace under Cam Hardie as the pair took to the middle of the course. The gambled on Exmoor would join Maestro Bernstein at the front of the pack and these two would gallop down the home straight together. Next up would be the newcomers Domenico Contarini and Midsummer Storm as the grey My Dad Frank kept tabs on his illustrious rivals in the first half of the race. Approaching the final two furlongs, Cam Hardie became more animated in the saddle of Maestro Bernstein and he would surrender the lead to Exmoor. Midsummer Storm and Domenico Contarini had both travelled well to this point, but it was Domenico Contarini who showed a smart turn of pace to take over in the lead. Push came to shove on Exmoor as well and PJ McDonald's mount responded well to rally back, drawing alongside Domenico Contarini inside the final half furlong. The silks of two powerful owners would go head to head approaching the line, but it would be Exmoor who found a little more to win by a length over Domenico Contarini, who showed plenty of promise on debut. A long gap would go back to Maestro Bernstein, who just denied Midsummer Storm for third by a nose. Fifth would go the way of Halstonwood, who showed a bit of promise on his debut as well.

With just four main contenders on paper, this still looked a race worth noting for future reference. The winner Exmoor would use his previous race experience to battle back for the win and also boosted his trainer Andrew Balding's good record at Newcastle. The son of Champion Stakes winner Farhh made his debut only a month ago at Kempton, in which he faced up against some promising runners. His challenge was only a brief one, but he still took sixth place behind the smart prospect Palladas for the Godolphin team. Exmoor needed every yard of the mile trip in this contest and should develop into a talented sort this year, whether it be in handicaps or in a higher grade for his excellent stable.

Race Eight: The Win £250,000 With BetMGM's Golden Goals Handicap - Class Six - One Mile - Runners: 8

The finale would take place under the fading light as the floodlights began to illuminate the course.

Heading the weights would be the in form filly Dream Illusion for the Michael Herrington stable. The four year old completed a quick double of wins at Newcastle and Southwell earlier this year and was arguably unlucky not to win again just a few days ago at Southwell. Another in form contestant would come in the form of Jennie Candlish's How's The Guvnor. The five year old has finished in the frame on a regular basis this winter, winning at Wolverhampton and Southwell, before taking a close up fourth at the Midland venue on his latest start. The Owners Group syndicate would have interest here in the form of Charlie Johnston's Union Island. The five year old has often run with credit around this level with wins on the turf and all-weather. He would bounce back to form with a last gasp win at Lingfield earlier this month. The seven year old Jack Sparowe had a spell in the doldrums last season for the John Butler stable, but has started to work his way back into form. He has raced mostly over longer distances than this and took third here over ten furlongs last time. Despite this, his last effort over a mile was a successful one at Bath in 2023. Lessay has some smart form on the all-weather to his name in years gone by, but now finds himself at this level for the Pat Morris stable. The five year old's last win came almost three months ago, but he shaped nicely last time out when hampered in his challenge over course and distance. Another horse who made a quick return to action would be Sam England's Asian Journey. The five year old had been threatening with two third placings at Southwell, but struggled in a more competitive race there over the previous weekend. Lucy Wadham enjoyed a big race winner over fences a few days ago, but switched her focus to the flat with her runner Corundum here. The five year old remains winless, but has been running well in this company and around this trip of late; taking a couple of placed finishes on the all-weather. The four year old Mini Mac caused a surprise at Nottingham in May last year by taking his most recent win, but his form has dropped badly since then. He has recently joined the Jess Macey stable and his new trainer often does well at Newcastle. Another course regular in the field would be Wyvern from the Pat Morris stable. The seven year old ended 2025 strongly with a pair of wins here and carried his form over into the New Year, but ran disappointingly last week over course and distance. The field would be completed by Rock Armour, a former winner at Newcastle who has struggled for form. The five year old has been running over longer trips of late, but his new trainer David Thompson has dropped him back to a mile for the first time in nearly two years.

Winner: CORUNDUM (#7) (Blue Point x Crystal Gal) - J. Callan - L. Wadham

The floodlights would pop into life as the sun began to set on the Newcastle horizon and the race size would be depleted by two with the absence of Lessay and How's The Guvnor.

As the gates opened at the top of the straight for this mile-long contest, Wyvern and Dream Illusion would both make sluggish starts which left them on the back foot. Out in front, Corundum would go straight into the lead under Jack Callan but opted to set a very sedate pace. The pair of Jack Sparowe and Union Island would come next as the majority of runners raced keenly. At the halfway stage, Jack Callan and Corundum would gradually increase the pace to open up a decent lead approaching two furlongs out. Union Island would take over second from Jack Sparowe who began to weaken, as Dream Illusion had to sit and wait for racing room. The leader had already flow as Dream Illusion was finally out in the open, but the in form filly did her best to chase Corundum down. It would be too little and too late as Corundum held off all challenges to win by a length. Dream Illusion settled for second once again as Asian Journey took third; having also found trouble in running. Union Island would return home in a well held fourth, running well in spite of the slow pace.

The race had practically been won from the start by a smart tactical ride from Jack Callan. The six year old Corundum arrived at Newcastle still as a maiden, but has some useful form to his name in the past which includes a fourth to future Group One runner up Sardinian Warrior in 2024. Lucy Wadham's gelding had placed over slightly longer distances prior to this race, but had been running into form in recent starts with a pair of placings over the extended mile at Wolverhampton. Corundum's assured stamina came into play and he looked good value for the winning margin.The gelding also comes from a strong staying family for the same connections, which includes Galmarley and Gallifrey who both performed well over a mile and a half. More victories should come the way of Corundum based on this evidence.