19:25 Newcastle

Thursday 17 January 2019

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

Betway Handicap

Off time: 19:26 | Winning time: 59.69s

(2)

Social Butterfly^h²⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 9-10| J: F Norton| T: M R Channon| OR: 66| D

11/4

In terrific form to close out 2018 landing an AW hat-trick with the latest success the most impressive. Upped 7lb this time which raises the stakes plenty but such is her rate of ascent she could easily overcome that.

Form: 762111-

(4)

Liamba¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Cam Hardie| T: D O'Meara| OR: 63| D

10/1

In great form although slightly worrying that only unplaced run in her last eight was her lone previous visit here when ninth as favourite. Placed efforts the last twice since Ayr show she remains in good form.

Form: 92212-3

(6)

Cuppacoco²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: J Fanning| T: Mrs A Duffield| OR: 62| CD

20/1

Won first two starts at this course in 2017. Encouraging return here when third two starts back but subsequently disappointing 12th of 14. Bounce back now needed.

Form: 045730-

(11)

Archimedes^p,t⁹^{(ex 6)}

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: R Winston| T: D C Griffiths| OR: 56| CD

9/2

C&D winner last week but somewhat surprising connections run here under a 6lb penalty given he is only due a 3lb rise. That decision likely to scupper the bid for a double.

Form: 0554-61

(3)

Astraea³³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Nathan Evans| T: M & D Easterby| OR: 61| CD

4/1

Change of tactics latest brought a dramatic change of fortunes as she bolted up from the front over C&D. Upped a stifling 8lb for that but if similar tactics are used she will likely go well again.

Form: 003771-

(9)

Royal Mezyan²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-5| J: R Havlin| T: H Spiller| OR: 61| CD

12/1

2016 C&D winner winless in 2018 but ran well penultimately when second at Wolverhampton before ending year with a fifth at the same venue. Others more compelling.

Form: 075525-

(12)

Steelriver⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-4| J: Jason Hart| T: M Herrington| OR: 60

7/1

1L C&D second on stable debut behind Archimedes a positive effort and meets that rival with 4lb better terms this time round so good chance he turns the tables especially with fitness boosted. Leading contender.

Form: 30495-2

(8)

Grise Lightning¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: T Hamilton| T: R A Fahey| OR: 57

14/1

Small field Hamilton winner in August unplaced since and recent efforts here (10th of 14) and at Southwell (last of nine) do little to encourage.

Form: 79450-9

(7)

Windforpower^v⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 8-8| J: Barry McHugh| T: Miss Tracy Waggott| OR: 50| CD

12/1

16-time winner but on a lengthy losing streak now and held by several of these on recent form so can comfortably be ruled out at this stage.

Form: 0474-65

(10)

Blue Suede³³

Age: 5| Weight: 8-6| J: Paula Muir⁽⁵⁾| T: R K Watson| OR: 48| D

12/1

3¾L third behind Astraea latest who she now meets on 4lb better terms. Not confident that pull enough to turn the tables so may have to again settle for minor award.

Form: 0480R3-

(5)

Spoken Words^p¹³

Age: 10| Weight: 8-3| J: Robbie Walsh⁽⁷⁾| T: J Riches| OR: 45

66/1

Won just once in 72 starts and that over four years ago. Little impression of late so easy to overlook.

Form: 74500-7

Non-Runners

(1)

Mansfield²¹

Weight: 9-6| Age: 6

T: Mrs Stella Barclay J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Social Butterfly (11/4), Astraea (4/1), Archimedes (9/2), Steelriver (7/1), Mansfield (7/1), Liamba (10/1), Royal Mezyan (12/1), Blue Suede (12/1), Windforpower (12/1), Grise Lightning (14/1), Cuppacoco (20/1), Spoken Words (66/1)

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY bids for a four-timer here and having won more easily than ever last time she remains one to stay on the right side of and therefore gets the nod once again. Consistent sort Mansfield has been knocking on the door at Wolverhampton recently and is again sure to go well. Steelriver made a most encouraging return latest and that bodes well for his chances also.