17:45 Newcastle
Thursday 9 March 2017
All17:4518:1518:4519:1519:4520:15
Betway Handicap
- 4YO plus | Class 6 | 1m 2f 42y | Standard | 8 Runners | Allweather | Weighed In
- Off time: 17:48 | Winning time: 2m 10.90s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Sole AW success came over this trip on the Polytrack at Kempton in December 2015, but also recorded a third career success on turf at Nottingham in August 2016 under Paula Muir. Returns to the Flat after an extended break since finishing third of eight on his hurdles debut at Kelso in October.
Seven race maiden for previous trainer Richard Hannon between a mile and ten furlongs, with his best run coming at Nottingham in July 2016 when runner up on his handicap debut (63) to the Hughie Morrison trained Ravens Quest. Always in rear on his debut for this trainer over C&D in mid November, he returns following a break.
Has spent much of the winter over hurdles with his best run coming at Taunton early in the New Year (runner up to Goal). Finished in midfield (staying on) on his return to the AW over 1m3f at Kempton last month, and makes his Newcastle AW debut having won three times previously on synthetics, including on Tapeta at Wolverhampton.
Yet to race on Tapeta despite a 32 race AW career (three time winner on Polytrack), but can be expected to improve on last month's return to the track over 1m at Kempton. However, although a winner over 1m2f at Lingfield in July 2016, the majority of his racing career has been over shorter trips, and this stiff ten furlongs will put a test on his stamina.
Has shown precious little either on the Flat or over hurdles since switched to this yard from previous trainer Keith Dalgleish. Whilst there isn't a great deal of him (small), it's feasible that this switch to synthetics could bring about some minor improvement, but this is certainly much needed.
16 race maiden, but has been placed on a couple of occasions at this track (over shorter trips) this winter, including behind the progressive Rock Warbler and subsequent winner Orlando Rogue over a mile in early January. Wore blinkers for his most recent run at Southwell (now discarded), but needs to prove his stamina over this stiff ten furlongs.
Landed a Class 7 Apprentices handicap over C&D in January, and beaten by just under three lengths when fourth of 13 under a six pound penalty at Kempton seven days later. However, he had an upsetting experience in the stalls here last month (withdrawn; Feb 7th), and needs to show he's over that today, but clear chance if doing so.
Longstanding maiden who was readily put in her place by the subsequent winner Moayaad over C&D last month (Spirit of the Vale withdrawn). Her form suggests that she's a horse without a trip, having raced between 1m and 1m4f since September 2016, but at least we do know she handles this surface.
Forecasts
Dancin Alpha (10/3), Spirit Of The Vale (7/2), Innoko (5/1), Bogardus (13/2), Embankment (8/1), Patent (17/2), Kerry Icon (9/1), Frightened Rabbit (20/1)
A race in which it's impossible to hold a strong view, featuring some exposed longstanding maidens, as well as a number of others with various questions to answer. Spirit Of The Vale would hold good claims on her January C&D success, but you can't help but worry that a nasty stalls incident recently may have left it's mark on this genuine filly. Both Dancin Alpha and Embankment sport reasonable form claims, but stamina is a major concern for both of these runners. Therefore, it's worth chancing INNOKO can make a winning Tapeta debut. Whilst the Tony Carroll trained seven-year-old is ideally suited by further, this stiff track can help him build upon a reasonable AW return at Kempton last month.
- Innoko
- Dancin Alpha
- Spirit Of The Vale
Prize Money
1st: £2,264.002nd: £674.003rd: £337.004th: £168.00
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