Betway Live Casino Claiming Stakes

Off time: 13:32 | Winning time: 59.92s

(4)

Captain Lars^b⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 9-12| J: Thomas Greatrex⁽⁵⁾| T: A Watson| OR: 84| CD

4/6

Prolific scorer was winning for the 24th time when taking a selling contest over this distance at Newcastle and not disgraced in strong company at Lingfield latest. Three-time C&D winner including this race last year and best in off these terms.

Form: 78-3715

(3)

Drakefell^b¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Seamus Cronin⁽⁷⁾| T: R Hannon| OR: 76| CD

7/4

Second win came over this C&D but a touch below that when returning here in first-time blinkers (retained) latest. Should be competitive dropped to claiming company for in-form leading stable.

Form: 937-634

(2)

It Must Be Faith^p¹⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 9-4| J: Jane Elliott⁽³⁾| T: M Appleby| OR: 73| C| D

8/1

Came on significantly from his return with a much improved front-running second over 7f and a bit unlucky with trouble early and then forced wide when dropping back to 5f at the same track. Better suited by this course and weighted to go close.

Form: 314-924

(1)

Excel Mate⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 8-11| J: Cieren Fallon⁽⁷⁾| T: S R Bowring| OR: 42

50/1

No show on first three starts and although better, has still struggled to get involved in two runs since wind surgery. Huge improvement required against these rivals.

Form: 0870-7

Forecasts

Captain Lars (4/6), Drakefell (7/4), It Must Be Faith (8/1), Excel Mate (50/1)

Just the four runners but they all like to race close to the pace so it shouldn’t be too tactical. CAPTAIN LARS won off this weight last year and heads here again in fine fettle. He must have every chance of gaining yet another win. Drakefell remains lightly-raced and is down in class but the biggest danger may be It Must Be Faith following a luckless latest run.