18:30 Newcastle

Thursday 5 March 2026

All16:5517:3018:0018:3019:0019:3020:00

Win 250,000 With BetMGM's Golden Goals Handicap

Off time: 18:30 | Winning time: 1m 26.68s

(4)

Doctor Khan Junior^v³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 9-9| J: P J McDonald| T: G R Oldroyd| OR: 95| CD

10/3

Raced only twice last year but worked his work back to his best when winning 9-runner handicap at Southwell in January, rallying to lead again late on. Can make another bold bid.

Form: 15/77-41

(2)

Grand Traverse⁵⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: D Allan| T: G A Harker| OR: 92| C| D

13/2

Won first 2 starts on all-weather, with latest success over 7f at Kempton in August. Hasn't progressed since but beaten only a length when sixth of 7 at the same C&D in January. Cheekpieces removed on first run since leaving Archie Watson.

Form: 12665-6

(6)

Nikovo⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 9-5| J: Jason Hart| T: M Herrington| OR: 91| CD

15/8

Winner of this race in 2025 and has been shaping up well this year, disdvantaged by a steadily-run race when third of 5 at Kempton 8 days ago. Can make his presence felt back at this venue.

Form: 887-233

(8)

Talis Evolvere³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: Joe Leavy| T: R Hannon| OR: 88| BF| C| D

9/2

Took advantage of reduced mark at Southwell in January and good second over 1m here next time. Only fifth of 9 in race won by Doctor Khan Junior at Southwell (7f) last time, but he's worth another chance given promise of first 2 starts this year.

Form: 205-125

(1)

Eldrickjones¹³

Age: 7| Weight: 9-1| J: Mark Winn| T: Roger Fell| OR: 87| CD

9/1

Recorded a fourth C&D success in December and has made the frame all 3 starts since, fourth of 12 at Southwell (1m) on latest outing 13 days ago. Can give his running once more returned to this track.

Form: 7414-44

(7)

Persuasion¹⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 9-1| J: William Pyle⁽³⁾| T: T D Barron| OR: 87| D

66/1

Has a fine record at Haydock and runner-up there in September. However, ended the year with a lacklustre effort when fourteenth of 15 at Leicester the following month. Has tended to need his reappearance run for current yard.

Form: 740260-

(5)

Sunriseontheboyne²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 8-12| J: A Mullen| T: B Haslam| OR: 84| D

80/1

Four-time winner in Ireland in 2025, successful at Listowel on final outing in September. However, always behind when ninth of 11 over C&D on seasonal/stable debut last month and this is a tougher contest.

Form: 82671-9

(3)

Aisling Oscar⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 8-7| J: Hollie Doyle| T: A Keatley| OR: 79| CD

6/1

Matched a 30-year modern-day record of 8 straight handicap wins when scoring at Southwell early last month. Lost little in defeat when second over 1m here next time, but run of good form halted when seventh of 11 at Southwell 5 days ago.

Form: 111127

Forecasts

Nikovo (15/8), Doctor Khan Junior (10/3), Talis Evolvere (9/2), Aisling Oscar (6/1), Grand Traverse (13/2), Eldrickjones (9/1), Persuasion (66/1), Sunriseontheboyne (80/1)

DOCTOR KHAN JUNIOR has been getting a clearer run with his racing again and showed a likeable attitude when making most at Southwell last time, so he can build on that effort to follow up. He is taken to see off the challenge of last year's winner of the race Nikovo, with Talis Evolvere completing the shortlist.