sunbets.co.uk Handicap

Off time: 20:15 | Winning time: 1m 28.01s

(4)

Deansgate⁶⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: P Mulrennan| T: Miss J A Camacho| OR: 80| CD

9/4

Comes as a standard part of the fixtures and fittings at Newcastle, and relishes racing over this C&D. In rude health in December and January, but raised 7lb for his ½L defeat of My Amigo, last time and that's a significant hike.

Form: 41542-1

(2)

Dark Alliance²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-5| J: Edward Greatrex| T: D M Loughnane| OR: 78| D

3/1

Thriving for this yard, with three wins in last four starts. Latest over an extended-mile at Wolverhampton was a career-best, though this shorter trip holds no fears. Up a further 4lb but commands respect.

Form: 95-1131

(6)

Castle Hill Cassie¹⁴⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-4| J: G Lee| T: B Haslam| OR: 77| CD

8/1

Recorded her first AW victory over C&D in September (rated 72), beating Express Lady by a neck, and did okay next time at Kempton (fourth). Should make her presence felt, though perhaps vulnerable for the win.

Form: 312414-

(3)

Athollblair Boy²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: Lewis Edmunds⁽³⁾| T: N Tinkler| OR: 76| CD

2/1

Just one win from 20 on turf but thriving on this surface lately, with two wins and two solid placed efforts either side of a layoff. Plenty speed but no issues scoring over this C&D last time once getting room and should go well again.

Form: 0213-21

(5)

Count Montecristo⁴²

Age: 6| Weight: 8-12| J: T Hamilton| T: R Fell & S Murray| OR: 71

10/1

Won a Wolverhampton handicap (1m1½f) last February off a mark of 77. Lost his way since and below par on final run for Kevin Ryan at Southwell over this trip in January.

Form: 7003-53

(1)

Insurplus¹⁰⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 8-11| J: Phil Dennis⁽³⁾| T: J S Goldie| OR: 70| CD

20/1

Smooth winner over C&D in November when last spotted, having twice gone close here earlier in same month. Returns from a layoff with more on his plate off new mark (claim removes 3lb) and may go well if ready to roll.

Form: 315331-

Forecasts

Athollblair Boy (2/1), Deansgate (9/4), Dark Alliance (3/1), Castle Hill Cassie (8/1), Count Montecristo (10/1), Insurplus (20/1)

ATHOLLBLAIR BOY came from the clouds to score over C&D last month having seemingly waited an eternity for a gap to appear in packed finish. With less runners tonight, he should be free of the traffic problems and continue his excellent recent record at this track. Newcastle regular Deansgate will also be in the mix to add to his tally here, though his latest hike is demanding. Insurplus was a smooth winner here in November and commands respect on return to action with the thriving Dark Alliance another of note.