18:45 Newcastle
Thursday 9 March 2017
All17:4518:1518:4519:1519:4520:15
Betway Sprint Handicap
- 3YO plus | Class 3 | 6f | Standard | 10 Runners | Allweather | Weighed In
- Off time: 18:46 | Winning time: 1m 11.99s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
In rude health during the turf campaign last season, winning four times between May and October 2016, and seeing his handicap mark rise from 58 to 89. Rounded off the season with a career best success at Navan (yielding to soft), and makes just his second AW start (other was on Fibresand) from a mark of 95.
A two time Listed winner for the Hannon's earlier in his career, but was absent from the track for over 15 months from October 2015 (Champions Day at Ascot) until returning at Kempton in January. Likely better for that race, but drops 1F in trip for his Newcastle bow.
1m winner at Newmarket in September 2016 (rated 87), and holds an entry in the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster next month, who might find this trip on the sharp side nowadays. Absent since November 2016, and remains an AW maiden (0 from 5) for now.
2015 Ayr Silver Cup winner who took full advantage of a good opportunity to score over C&D early in the New Year, but remains 5lb higher. Not disgraced next time over an inadequate 5F, and probably a shade out of his depth last time in a deep race over further. However, this looks a shade too competitive as well on balance.
Has maintained his form and progress from back-end races on turf through the entire AW season thus far, including when making all under a smart ride by this rider over C&D in late January. Showed up well for a long way (7F) at Wolverhampton when third to Lincoln hopeful Nimr most latterly, but will need a career best to score from a mark of 89.
AW regular and a winner at Lingfield, Chelmsford and Southwell. Makes his debut for new trainer (and owners) today, and last seen finishing fifth of ten over this trip at Lingfield in January for his previous trainer Richard Hannon. Capable performer over this trip at his best.
Holds every chance on the strength of his 1½L second to Handsome Dude in a Class 3 handicap at the Doncaster St Leger Festival in September 2016, but not so good in three runs thereafter (which included the Ayr Silver Cup), and absent since October 2016. Has won over this trip on the AW in the past (at Dundalk in September 2014 for Jim Bolger).
Ex Mick Channon, and has performed with consistency on this surface throughout the autumn since switching North to this trainer, and reportedly enjoys being turned out daily in a field at home. 5lb higher than for his October 2016 C&D victory (gallant third next time), and likely to make another bold bid from the front.
Joined this stable from Richard Hughes for 11,000 Guineas in October 2016, and posted a sound return to the track on his stable debut when fourth to Slingsby over C&D (Class 4) last month following a five and a half month break. On a reasonable mark (79) and unexposed on synthetics, so possibly a big improver for an excellent trainer of sprinters, but this is a far stronger contest than last time.
A winner on turf at Catterick in June 2016 (6F), but has shown very little on both starts since his return from a six month absence, including when last of seven to Captain Dion most latterly. Wears the first time hood, but out of his depth against these rivals based upon what he's shown lately.
Non-Runners
2
(9)
Glenrowan Rose149
Weight: 10-0| Age: 4
T: K Dalgleish J: Connor Beasley
NR
12
(7)
Dubai One96
Weight: 8-7| Age: 3
T: S bin Suroor J: Oisin Murphy
NR
Forecasts
Captain Dion (7/4), Dubai One (5/2), God Willing (9/2), Glenrowan Rose (7/1), Jaywalker (8/1), Tatlisu (10/1), Professor (11/1), Intense Style (14/1), Giant Spark (14/1), Elysian Flyer (14/1), Aguerooo (20/1), Luis Vaz De Torres (20/1)
A fascinating sprint handicap which is by far and away the best race of the evening. Dubai One is the notable eye-catcher, contesting this deep race as an inexperienced three-year-old filly. Connections clearly feel she's up to the task, but she may have her eye on races ahead; either at Lingfield on Good Friday, or possibly even the new £100,000 Burradon Stakes at Newcastle (1m), based upon her Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas entry. Others such as God Willing might have the Lincoln as a future target, whilst it's interesting to see the massively progressive Giant Spark switched to synthetics. However, despite the sharp step up in grade, ELYSIAN FLYER looks a possible major improver for Paul Midgley, and from a fair mark can be taken to spring a potential surprise at decent odds.
- Elysian Flyer
- Giant Spark
- Dubai One
Prize Money
1st: £7,439.002nd: £2,214.003rd: £1,106.004th: £553.00
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