19:15 Newcastle

Friday 15 February 2019

All16:4517:1517:4518:1518:4519:1519:45

Play 4 To Score At Betway Handicap

Off time: 19:15 | Winning time: 1m 12.69s

(4)

Steelriver²⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-7| J: Phil Dennis⁽³⁾| T: M Herrington| OR: 60| D

4/1

Irish import who has shaped well to be placed on both starts over 5f at this venue for current trainer. Long time since he won, but has each-way claims over a longer trip which ought to suit.

Form: 0495-23

(5)

Milton Road²¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: D Tudhope| T: Rebecca Bastiman| OR: 60| DWS

10/1

Has failed to get his head in front since joining this handler from Mick Channon. Has had wind surgery since last outing in July and is worth a check in the market given his lenient handicap mark.

Form: 435857-

(2)

Ginger Jam¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: Faye McManoman⁽⁵⁾| T: N Tinkler| OR: 59| CD

3/1

Fourth start and his first in a handicap when scoring well over C&D last month. Up 5lb, but must surely have improvement in him and looks the one to beat.

Form: 658-1

(3)

Rockley Point¹⁰⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Jason Hart| T: K Scott| OR: 58| D

13/2

In good form in the autumn, winning races at Hamiton and Catterick. Modest AW record, though, and this return to action may be a warm-up for the forthcoming turf season.

Form: 241271-

(1)

Lord Cooper^p¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Barry McHugh| T: Mrs Marjorie Fife| OR: 55| BF| D

8/1

Has not won for almost two years, but has attracted support on last two starts and has run respectably, latterly in first-time blinkers which are replaced by cheekpieces. Bit to find on balance.

Form: 8060-63

(9)

Essential^b1²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Rachel Richardson| T: Olly Williams| OR: 53

20/1

One win in 19 races and latest efforts have generally been disappointing. Hopes seem to be pinned on first-time blinkers.

Form: 6048-80

(8)

Queen Of Kalahari⁴⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: J P Sullivan| T: J L Eyre| OR: 52| BF| D

6/1

Gradually coming to the boil in three starts after a wind operation, latterly when fourth of 10 over 5f at this track. Longer trip no problem and falling rating offers further hope.

Form: 74895-4

(6)

Star Cracker^p¹⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 8-10| J: Jamie Gormley⁽³⁾| T: J S Goldie| OR: 49| CD

9/2

Best effort for quite a while when a neck second of 10 over C&D earlier this month. Down another 2lb so certainly has a chance if he can build on that display.

Form: 638-792

(7)

High Anxiety^h1¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 8-7| J: Andrew Breslin⁽⁵⁾| T: A Crook| OR: 45

25/1

No wins in nine starts and last two runs have not suggested that record is about to change for the better. A hood is fitted in a bid to eke out some improvement.

Form: 2973-06

Forecasts

Ginger Jam (3/1), Steelriver (4/1), Star Cracker (9/2), Queen Of Kalahari (6/1), Rockley Point (13/2), Lord Cooper (8/1), Milton Road (10/1), Essential (20/1), High Anxiety (25/1)

Steelriver has sound form claims, but he has not won for such a long time that it is hard to side with him. Cases can be made for Milton Road, Queen Of Kalahari and Star Cracker, but GINGER JAM won nicely on his handicap debut and may be able to follow up off 5lb higher.