18:45 Newcastle

Wednesday 2 January 2019

All15:3516:1016:4517:1517:4518:1518:4519:15

Betway Handicap

Off time: 18:47 | Winning time: 1m 12.23s

(8)

Royal Prospect³³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Callum Rodriguez| T: Miss J A Camacho| OR: 82| CD

6/4

Last two runs have been a year apart, but both have seen him successful over C&D. Only 3lb higher than for his latest win in November and has to be of major interest with further improvement on the cards.

Form: 641/1-

(1)

Nick Vedder^b²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: Cam Hardie| T: M Wigham| OR: 80| BF| CD

11/2

Successful over C&D in October after which he went up 5lb and was beaten only narrowly in two subsequent races at this venue. Up another 2lb, but can't be ruled out.

Form: 185122-

(3)

Global Tango⁴²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Callum Shepherd| T: C Hills| OR: 80| CD

20/1

Won a novice event over C&D when last seen in November, 2017. Returns from a long absence after being gelded and competes in a handicap for the first time. Market check required.

Form: 4621/

(6)

Tommy G³³

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Corey Madden⁽⁷⁾| T: J S Goldie| OR: 80| D

11/1

Scored at Goodwood in August, but has drawn a blank since despite some soild efforts. Acts on this surface, but has yet to win on it.

Form: 860374-

(10)

Highly Sprung¹⁴⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: J Fanning| T: J L Eyre| OR: 79| D

40/1

Back-to-back wins at Pontefract in the summer after which he climbed the handicap. Returns from a break with an AW record of 0-8 so has a bit of work to do.

Form: 511347-

(7)

Equiano Springs²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: A Mullen| T: T P Tate| OR: 78| C

9/2

Made it three wins from five starts at this course when beating Nick Vedder over 7f last month. Up 2lb and down in trip, but has to be respected given his record..

Form: 083661-

(9)

Valley of Fire³³

Age: 7| Weight: 9-2| J: J Mitchell| T: J L Eyre| OR: 77| D

25/1

Stable companion of Highly Sprung who has had very little racing in the last two years. Well held over C&D in November and is hard to fancy.

Form: 16509/9-

(4)

Katheefa¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: J P Sullivan| T: Mrs R Carr| OR: 75| CD

10/1

Good second at Wolverhampton last month, but failed to back up that effort at Chelmsford. Remains a little high in the handicap.

Form: 792020-

(5)

Athollblair Boy¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: Faye McManoman⁽⁷⁾| T: N Tinkler| OR: 75| BF| CD

9/1

Two ordinary efforts at this venue following a break. Inching down the handicap, but needs to show more.

Form: 366060-

Non-Runners

(2)

Discreet Hero²³

Weight: 9-4| Age: 6

T: N Wilson J: Lewis Edmunds

Forecasts

Royal Prospect (6/4), Equiano Springs (9/2), Nick Vedder (11/2), Athollblair Boy (9/1), Katheefa (10/1), Tommy G (11/1), Global Tango (20/1), Valley of Fire (25/1), Discreet Hero (33/1), Highly Sprung (40/1)

There should be little between old rivals Equiano Springs and Nick Vedder and both warrant considerable respect, but this can go to top-weight ROYAL PROSPECT, who is bidding for a C&D hat-trick and remains feasibly weighted. Global Tango needs a check in the betting on his return from a long break.