13:24 Newmarket

Saturday 20 June 2026

All13:2414:0014:3615:1115:4716:2717:07

JCB Mini-Exacavator Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 13:26 | Winning time: 1m 39.43s

(8)

Freddie's Star^p1¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Owen Lewis⁽⁵⁾| T: R A Teal| OR: 70

25/1

Placed on first 3 starts before landing short odds in a 7f Chelmsford novice in November. Hasn't cut much ice in 3 handicaps since, so application of cheekpieces needs to help spark a return to form as he drops in grade.

Form: 3219-60

(4)

Valentine Boy^h²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: Jude Fernandes⁽⁷⁾| T: L A Dace| OR: 68| D

13/2

Has shown improved form this season, resuming winning ways at Kempton early last month and running at least as well in first-time hood when fourth of 14 at the same course 24 days ago. Task now is to transfer his progression back onto turf.

Form: 81-0314

(2)

Didaar¹⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Taryn Langley⁽³⁾| T: Gihan Arnolda| OR: 66

7/1

Remains a maiden but caught the eye on first run for Denis Quinn when never-nearer third of 12 in handicap at Kempton in December. Not seen to best effect at Lingfield (1¼m) when last seen in January, so he's one to note on stable debut.

Form: 43983-6

(3)

Born A Rebel⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-8| J: Arron D'Arcy⁽⁷⁾| T: P Owens| OR: 66| C| D

10/1

Regular slow starter who won twice over 7f last season and bounced back to her best when second in 16-runner contest at Doncaster in April. However, lost all chance at the start at Chester 8 days ago.

Form: 164-720

(1)

Into Combat²⁴⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Poppy Scott⁽⁷⁾| T: Sir Mark Prescott| OR: 64

6/1

Well-bred type but not much impact in his 3 qualifying runs (trained by Ralph Beckett on debut). Didn't fare any better switched to handicaps on final 2 starts last year, though, well held at Nottingham when last seen in October.

Form: 8/6780-

(5)

Gladiadora^t1³⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Liam Wright| T: Charlie Clover| OR: 63| BF| D

15/2

Has made positive start overall for current yard, gaining a second win of the all-weather campaign at Southwell (7f) in March. Shaped well next 2 outings before a lesser effort at Yarmouth last time. No surprise to see her bounce back with tongue strap fitted.

Form: 2-41248

(10)

Timely Affair^p³¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: Taylor Fisher| T: W J Knight| OR: 62| D

4/1

In first-time cheekpieces, doubled his tally at Southwell in April and confirmed that improvement upped in grade when third of 10 at Yarmouth last time, form boosted since. Major player.

Form: 152213

(7)

Siam Fox^b,t²³

Age: 8| Weight: 9-3| J: Matthew Slater⁽⁵⁾| T: K Frost| OR: 61| D

5/1

Dropped in grade and fitted with blinkers, ended long losing run when making all at Yarmouth 23 days ago. Remains well treated on old form so he's capable of another bold bid.

Form: 067-061

(6)

Atlantic Sunset^p1³²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Megan Smith⁽⁷⁾| T: M Fenton| OR: 60| C

125/1

Couldn't build on last summer's Newmarket success for Charlie Johnston and has failed to beat a rival in 2 starts at around 11.5f for current yard. Cheekpieces now replace the blinkers.

Form: 88-6048

(11)

Pay Attention^t,v³⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Oliver Carmichael⁽⁵⁾| T: Faye Bramley| OR: 60| D

12/1

With visor on for first time, left reappearance run behind when second of 13 in handicap at Newbury 5 weeks ago. Remains 1 lb below his winning mark so merits consideration on the back of his latest effort.

Form: 8438-92

(9)

King Of Charm^p²³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: Alice Bond⁽⁵⁾| T: Martin Dunne| OR: 59| D

8/1

Without a win last year, but with cheekpieces applied he ran better than for a while when length second of 9 to Siam Fox in handicap at Yarmouth 23 days ago. Now needs to back up latest effort.

Form: 988-062

Forecasts

Timely Affair (4/1), Siam Fox (5/1), Into Combat (6/1), Valentine Boy (13/2), Didaar (7/1), Gladiadora (15/2), King Of Charm (8/1), Born A Rebel (10/1), Pay Attention (12/1), Freddie's Star (25/1), Atlantic Sunset (125/1)

TIMELY AFFAIR arrives in good heart, pulling clear of the remainder when third at Yarmouth last month, and he is taken to record a third success of the year. Siam Fox bounced back to winning ways on his latest outing and is feared most, ahead of Pay Attention.