14:40 Newcastle
Thursday 2 March 2017
All14:1014:4015:1015:4516:2016:5517:25
Betway Stayers Handicap
- 4YO plus  |  Class 6  |  2m 56y  |  Standard  |  9 Runners  |  Allweather  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 14:41Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 3m 38.98s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Nine of her last ten starts have been at Musselburgh (Flat and hurdles), and she clearly enjoys the East Lothian sea air; twice successful on the level during the summer from marks of 58 and 63. However, she's also run well on Tapeta in the past (dual Wolverhampton winner from much lower marks than this 67 in 2014/15), so interesting to see how she fares on her Newcastle debut.
Well beaten on both starts for this stable since his return from a 17 month absence (previously with Jim Goldie). Steps up in trip to 2m for the first time in his career and again looks vulnerable, despite his trainers reputation for improving horses.
Godolphin cast off who won an absolute farce of a race (run in a time 45 seconds above standard) over C&D in late January, under the best of a bad bunch of rides from today's pilot. 3lb rise probably due to the fact that the runner up Lac Leman has won since. Still unexposed over this trip, and this race will teach us more about his true ability over 2m.
Eleven time winner on the Flat with five of those wins coming at Wolverhampton. Very disappointing when tailed off at Kempton early last month, but much more like it last time at Wolverhampton (third) with this step up to 2m on a stiff track appearing ideal.
C&D winner in January and knows this place better than his own box, having raced at this track ten times since September 2016. No doubting that this trip of 2m is his optimum and returns from the same mark looking to get the better of last time out conqueror Ryan The Giant on 2lb better terms, but without regular rider Hollie Doyle.
Proved no match for Alfredo when last seen in action over this trip at Wolverhampton in October 2016, but ended her last campaign in good form with a string of consistent efforts which included victory in a small field Musselburgh handicap in August (good to firm). No reason as to why this track shouldn't suit if ready to go following her break.
Showed minor ability in a bumper for Warren Greatrex in November 2015, but has hardly beaten a rival in eight starts since switched to this stable. Finished last of 11 over 1m4f on her most recent start in October 2016, and steps up to this trip on the Flat for the first time.
Looks devoid of any ability, and has been well beaten in three starts on synthetics, and has a mountain to climb to reverse placings with Ryan The Giant and Jan Smuts.
Finally off the mark at the 25th attempt over C&D last time when downing Jan Smuts by 1L. Far from certain to confirm placings despite a fair 2lb rise with that rival produced from well off the pace to challenge when the race was already conceded. Seems suited by this track (third on only other course start) so likely to run his race.
Forecasts
Ryan The Giant (2/1), Royal Flag (3/1), Stoneham (11/2), Cosmic Tigress (11/2), Jan Smuts (9/1), Yasir (14/1), Thorntoun Care (28/1), He's Magic (80/1), Bilko's Back (200/1)
Jan Smuts can be fancied to reverse placings with Ryan The Giant despite missing his regular partner Hollie Doyle, and the faster they go early the better his chance of winning the race. Royal Flag is on the up, but we don't quite know about his true ability over this trip after that farce of a contest over C&D in January, so the vote goes to YASIR who appeared to be crying out for a step up in trip when third at Wolverhampton last time, with the added bonus of Paul Mulrennan taking the ride.
1. Yasir
2. Jan Smuts
3. Royal Flag
Prize Money
1st: £3,234.002nd: £962.003rd: £481.004th: £240.00
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