18:45 Newcastle

Wednesday 31 January 2018

All16:0516:4017:1517:4518:1518:45

Betway Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 18:45 | Winning time: 1m 15.78s

(5)

Johnny Cavagin^t,v1²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-7| J: Cameron Noble| T: Ronald Thompson| OR: 72| D

9/2

First-time visor applied on this winner of nine races who has been dropping down the handicap as the result of a 21-race losing streak. Hold up performer who needs things to go his way.

Form: 52688-4

(6)

Ballymore Castle^p¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: Sebastian Woods| T: R A Fahey| OR: 71| D

6/1

One time decent sort who has been on the slides over the last couple of seasons. Did land a 3-runner seller at Wolverhampton last month but well beaten since and has it to prove.

Form: 82451-0

(4)

Poppy In The Wind^v¹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: Patrick Vaughan| T: A D Brown| OR: 69| C| D

4/1

Fair third at Wolverhampton last time having scored there over 6f in December. Seems in good heart at present so appeals as one of the more likely sorts in an open event.

Form: 6661-63

(7)

Duke Cosimo²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 9-1| J: Harrison Shaw| T: M Herrington| OR: 66| D

4/1

Handicapper is relenting and hasn't run badly in recent starts, but 23-race losing run is a concern for this veteran. Wouldn't surprise to see him attract market interest off this mark though.

Form: 63247-7

(2)

Rockley Point^b²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Jonathan Fisher⁽³⁾| T: K Scott| OR: 65

8/1

Won 7f Chelmsford maiden in 2016 for previous connections and shaped nicely on first start for new yard when third here over 8f last time. This trip more suitable and has decent place prospects.

Form: 02683-3

(3)

Lucky Lodge^v²³

Age: 8| Weight: 8-11| J: Ben Sanderson⁽³⁾| T: A Brittain| OR: 62| CD

11/2

Two wins in last four starts (including over C&D), and really battled well to score at Wolverhampton 23 days ago. Runs off same mark, and with decent apprentice on board has big chance if in similar form.

Form: 50109-1

(8)

Star Cracker^p¹²

Age: 6| Weight: 8-9| J: Jamie Gormley| T: J S Goldie| OR: 60| BF| CD

5/1

Third and beaten favourite here over 5f last time and returns to scene of C&D success on previous outing. Solid claims on that effort and should be on the premises once again.

Form: 67681-3

(1)

Mythical Spirit²⁰⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: Paula Muir| T: Miss J A Camacho| OR: 59| BF

25/1

Modest form for James Tate, including thrid at Wolverhampton over 6f last time out. First run for new connections and may well need this run after an absence of 204 days. Others are preferred.

Form: 8/5463-

Forecasts

Duke Cosimo (4/1), Poppy In The Wind (4/1), Johnny Cavagin (9/2), Star Cracker (5/1), Lucky Lodge (11/2), Ballymore Castle (6/1), Rockley Point (8/1), Mythical Spirit (25/1)

This looks wide open, so a chance is taken that the drop back in trip will be to the liking of ROCKLEY POINT, who ran with promise on his first start for this yard last time out. Lucky Lodge will make a bold along with Star Cracker, while Duke Cosimo and Poppy In The Wind also have every chance if things go their way.