15:55 Newcastle

Saturday 6 April 2019

All13:3014:0514:4015:2015:5516:3017:00

Navigating Brexit With Vertem Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:56 | Winning time: 3m 58.50s

Cornerstone Lad^p⁵¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Billy Garritty⁽⁷⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 139| D

3/1

Again showed liking for testing conditions when scoring at Haydock (heavy) two starts back before chasing home a smart rival at Kelso latest despite good ground. This his highest ever mark handicap wise but seems to still be improving.

Form: 223-213

Keyboard Gangster^h,t⁷⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Callum Whillans⁽³⁾| T: D W Whillans| OR: 132| D

6/1

Won twice North of the border late last season on heavy ground, Well behind Cornerstone Lad on belated reappearance at Haydock before sixth at Uttoxeter. Handicap just about within range if returning to best form.

Form: 4131-76

Altruism⁴²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: Callum Bewley| T: James Moffatt| OR: 130

25/1

Five-time Cartmel winner tailed off on return from 581-day absence latest. May now strip fitter but plenty of risk attached.

Form: 12/P81-7

Aristo Du Plessis¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: Steven Fox⁽⁵⁾| T: J Ewart| OR: 130| D

6/1

Beat Cornerstone Lad at Wetherby earlier this season but behind that rival next and form since has been on the whole disappointing. Only 2lb higher than aforementioned win now so can be effective here if near his best.

Form: 168450

Manamite³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: Alain Cawley| T: B Haslam| OR: 124| D

7/4

Seems to be improved since moving to this smaller yard and gained second win in four starts when a ready scorer at Musselburgh latest on good (also won on heavy). Handicapper raises the stakes but could be ahead of him at present, big chance.

Form: P-P8141

Ninepointsixthree^p,t⁴³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-9| J: Jonathan England| T: S England| OR: 122

8/1

Upped 10lb by handicapper for make-all success by 24L at Sedgefield two starts back and that saw him struggling even before rider lost his irons in pulled up effort at Catterick. Gets 3lb back here and in good enough order to merit respect.

Form: 21841P

Beyondtemptation^h,t¹¹

Age: 11| Weight: 10-0| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J C Haynes| OR: 108| CD

10/1

Admirable front-running Hexham specialist proved hard to catch over 2m there and again ran well here next when second. Struggled next back at Hexham and tough ask here from 5lb out of the handicap.

Form: P35127

Non-Runners

Will O'The West³¹

Weight: 10-4| Age: 8

T: Laura Morgan J: Ross Chapman

Forecasts

Manamite (7/4), Cornerstone Lad (3/1), Keyboard Gangster (6/1), Aristo Du Plessis (6/1), Ninepointsixthree (8/1), Beyondtemptation (10/1), Altruism (25/1), Will O'The West (33/1)

Fast-improving MANAMITE is up 10lb for his recent 6L success at Musselburgh but this lightly-raced six-year-old is one to remain on the right side of at present so worth sticking with here. Progressive Cornerstone Lad remains in good form and despite like the selection tackling a career-high mark today he rates a big danger. Ninepointsixthree has been running well this season and is always a threat when getting his own way upfront.