14:10 Newcastle
Thursday 2 March 2017
All14:1014:4015:1015:4516:2016:5517:25
sunbets.co.uk Handicap
- 4YO plus  |  Class 4  |  7f 14y  |  Standard  |  9 Runners  |  Allweather  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 14:12Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 1m 28.64s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Back from a lengthy absence to score in a striking manner on his stable debut over C&D in early January, but let himself down badly next time at Kempton when slowly away (reluctant to race). Those antics more of a concern than the 6lb rise, but can be given another chance back at this track with high profile rider aboard.
Notched a quick double in the space of six days over this C&D in late January (unpenalised for the first success; apprentices handicap), but not so effective in a stronger race here next time from an 8lb higher mark (race won by Free Code), but possibly better for a month off since.
Well up the weights since scoring over C&D in August 2016 (rated 70), but has performed consistently in the main since, including when fourth (beaten about 2L) by Free Code over C&D last month. 6lb better off today.
Took full advantage of an easing mark when scoring by a neck over C&D last month (plenty of these rivals in behind), and not disgraced in a much stronger Class 2 contest over C&D on Valentines Day when sixth to Suzi's Connoisseur. 5lb higher than when winning last month, but has raced from higher marks than this in the not too distant past.
Never reached the leaders when eighth of ten to Handsome Dude over 6f here last month. However, was entitled to need that run (first since leaving David Barron in October 2016), and this trainer has done well with his AW sprinters this term, so capable of better over this trip with previous AW victories at Wolverhampton on his CV.
AW maiden (0 from 8) and has cut little ice at this track on his past two starts, finishing last of 13 to Free Code early last month. Dropped 5lb since, but needs to show more and was generally most effective over a mile on turf.
Has left previous trainer Tony Carroll since finishing ninth of ten at Kempton in early January, and has been dropped 4lb for a couple of below par efforts. His record of 3 from 12 on the AW is encouraging, and he does seem to come to hand in March/April, so worth keeping an eye on for the future, over 6f.
All four career successes have come over 5f, so this stiff 7f is almost certain to be a significant test for a horse that has generally been out of form. His last success at Lingfield in April 2016 (for William Muir) came from a mark of 83, and now rated 75 he's possibly another to note when dropped back in trip.
Hasn't won for quite some time (February 2015), and has raced over both 6f and 7f lately. Held in eighth by Free Code on his penultimate start over C&D last month, he showed more last time over 6f, but needs the cards to drop for him to make the most of an admittedly declining mark.
Forecasts
War Department (7/2), Dutch Art Dealer (4/1), Free Code (4/1), Safe Voyage (5/1), Merdon Castle (8/1), Bouclier (10/1), Equally Fast (16/1), Shamaheart (25/1), Newstead Abbey (25/1)
Plenty of interwoven course and distance form on offer, with FREE CODE dispatching War Department, Merdon Castle, Shamaheart and the below par Safe Voyage when scoring by a neck early last month. He's again taken to get the better of those rivals despite a 5lb rise having competed in a much stronger Class 2 handicap last time (sixth to Suzi's Connoisseur). Both Dutch Art Dealer and Safe Voyage are respected on their Newcastle efforts in 2017 and it would be no surprise to see a stronger showing from either horse today.
1. Free Code
2. Dutch Art Dealer
3. Merdon Castle
Prize Money
1st: £7,763.002nd: £2,310.003rd: £1,154.004th: £577.00
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