15:45 Newcastle

Thursday 8 February 2018

All14:0514:4015:1015:4516:2016:5517:30

Betway Apprentice Handicap (Div 2)

Off time: 15:45 | Winning time: 2m 14.82s

(3)

Bollihope⁵⁴

9/4

A solid performer over C&D during his career (1,1,1d,3,5,4), he lurks from a handicap mark from which he can profit. Has undergone wind surgery since his latest run here in December (1m4f).

Form: 378457-

(8)

Stoneboat Bill²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 9-7| J: G C O'Neill| T: D Carroll| OR: 58| D

5/2

A six race maiden on the AW, but doesn't appear to have any real issues with Tapeta. Runner up from a 4lb higher mark at Haydock in late September; beaten 3¾L by Hajaam.

Form: 7428-56

(1)

Falcon's Fire^v1³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Patrick Vaughan| T: K Dalgleish| OR: 55| C

14/1

Course winner (1m4f) who races from a competitive handicap mark based upon his October 2L third to Good Time Ahead. Not in the best of form most latterly and the first time visor is applied seeking more.

Form: 73604-0

(6)

Leonard Thomas^p¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 9-2| J: Paula Muir| T: R Menzies| OR: 53| C

9/2

Respectable on the whole since switched to this trainer, and has hit the frame on each of his last three starts (1m3f-1m4f). However, not a regular winner; 2 from 45 during his racing career, and a drop in trip is not guaranteed to help.

Form: 60-7323

(9)

Outlaw Torn^e/s⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 8-13| J: Connor Murtagh| T: R C Guest| OR: 50| BF| D

5/1

A winner of 17 races in 162 career starts (10 from 77 on the AW), including on his penultimate start at Chelmsford in late January (1m2f). A winner on the old turf track here in the past, but yet to score on Tapeta at Newcastle.

Form: 846-212

(7)

Mangata^b,t²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: Jamie Gormley| T: P A Kirby| OR: 50

20/1

Shown absolutely nothing in five starts for this stable since a switch from France (hurdles and AW), so it'll come as a major surprise if he even makes the frame.

Form: 50849-8

(4)

Beau Strata^t⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: Harrison Shaw| T: C A Mulhall| OR: 48

66/1

Dwelt and always in the rear on her return to action from over 16 months off at Southwell last week. Has had recent wind surgery, but that doesn't appear to have brought about any improvement.

Form: 7896/0

(2)

Captain Peaky^h1²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-10| J: Jane Elliott| T: P Holmes| OR: 47

11/1

A 13 race maiden who finished third at Chelmsford on his penultimate start (sole attempt at this trip), but was poor dropped back to 7f latest. Unconvincing, and the hood is applied for the first time here.

Form: 30683-9

(5)

Zarkavon⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: Faye McManoman⁽⁵⁾| T: J S Wainwright| OR: 45

100/1

Avonbridge filly who has finished in the rear division on nearly all of her 12 career starts to date. Looks devoid of ability. No chance.

Form: 0787-99

Forecasts

Bollihope (9/4), Stoneboat Bill (5/2), Leonard Thomas (9/2), Outlaw Torn (5/1), Captain Peaky (11/1), Falcon's Fire (14/1), Mangata (20/1), Beau Strata (66/1), Zarkavon (100/1)

Probably a weaker contest than Division 1 which takes place 35 mins earlier, so we'll not dwell for too long. Leonard Thomas has performed respectably (without winning) since joining Rebecca Menzies, and ought to have some sort of positive role to play despite the drop back in trip whilst both Stoneboat Bill and Falcon's Fire could be competitive on the basis of their strongest career efforts. However, we'll keep it simple and take the chance that a wind operation has worked the oracle for BOLLIHOPE. He's essentially better than these rivals and lurks from a competitive handicap mark over a C&D that suits him down to the ground.