16:55 Newcastle

Thursday 17 January 2019

All15:5516:2516:5517:2517:5518:2518:5519:25

Ladbrokes Handicap

Off time: 16:57 | Winning time: 1m 28.28s

(7)

Beryl The Petal¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-7| J: C J McGovern⁽³⁾| T: D O'Meara| OR: 70

9/4

Ripon turf winner has placed twice in three starts at Wolverhampton since embarking on winter AW campaign. Only 1lb higher than latest narrow defeat over 7f so has leading claims once again here.

Form: 52424-2

(2)

Vrai^b¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-5| J: A Mullen| T: K A Ryan| OR: 68

5/1

Recent French import ran a promising race on stable debut when third over 6f here. Gets 1lb back and should enjoy extra 1f based on French form so has to be respected here.

Form: 67582-3

(6)

Teodula⁴⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: L Morris| T: H Spiller| OR: 67

8/1

5L second of six here comfortably the best of her three novice runs all over 6f. Unexposed nature makes her of appeal especially now upped in trip so one for the shortlist.

Form: 727-

(8)

Axel Jacklin^b1⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: J Fanning| T: C & M Johnston| OR: 66| D

9/2

Wolverhampton winner in August has finished fourth the last twice over 7f. Gets another 1lb back and blinkers for the first time so fully expectant of another sound effort although is vulnerable to less exposed sorts.

Form: 5157-44

(5)

Picture Poet^v⁷⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: R Havlin| T: H Spiller| OR: 63

14/1

Eight-race maiden twice placed and although he was only fifth of six here latest over C&D was beaten just 1½L. Gets 1lb back so chance can only be improved although others appeal more.

Form: 238755-

(4)

Benji¹⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 8-13| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey| OR: 62

8/1

Last of three novice events (C&D) probably just about his best when seventh beaten 4¾L. Would like to have seen a little more but time on his side and not ruled on handicap debut.

Form: 79-7

(1)

Rich Approach²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: P J McDonald| T: J D Bethell| OR: 61| BF

5/1

6f Wolverhampton winner on handicap debut made favourite here next but had to settle for third off 5lb higher mark. Upped to 7f now for first time and win suggested it will suit so bold bid expected.

Form: 59713-

(3)

Cool Kitty³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-5| J: Paula Muir⁽⁵⁾| T: R Menzies| OR: 54

16/1

Beaten a short head in last start for Richard Hannon but not reached that level in two quite disappointing starts for this yard. Others now preferred.

Form: 580297-

Forecasts

Beryl The Petal (9/4), Axel Jacklin (9/2), Rich Approach (5/1), Vrai (5/1), Benji (8/1), Teodula (8/1), Picture Poet (14/1), Cool Kitty (16/1)

BERYL THE PETAL has been knocking on the door of a second win and David O'Meara's filly can go one better than her latest narrow Wolverhampton defeat here. Rich Approach, a recent 6f winner makes appeal also, especially with this longer trip likely to suit and Vrai is also considered after a solid UK debut over 6f.