17:00 Newcastle
Wednesday 22 March 2017
All14:0014:3015:0015:3016:0016:3017:00
Betway Apprentice Handicap
- 4YO plus | Class 6 | 1m 2f 42y | Standard | 12 Runners | Allweather | Weighed In
- Off time: 17:00 | Winning time: 2m 10.75s
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Stable have already registered Flat and jump winners at this track this month, but this mare looks unlikely to add to that tally having been absent since June 2016. Both her career turf successes come over longer trips (1m4f), so this 1m2f is likely on the sharp side.
Knows every inch of this track having been tried over a variety of trips here, but this 1m2f is his optimum as he illustrated when taking a C&D maiden by 1¼L in November 2016. Remains in good shape and certain to run a solid race despite his rising mark (66).
Successful down the straight mile here in December from a 4lb lower mark (beat Lozah by a neck), but can go round a bend as demonstrated when stepped up to 1m4f (third) at Lingfield most latterly. This 1m2f trip could suit with a fair claimer taking a useful 7lb from his back.
Twice a beaten favourite since finishing a narrow runner up to Boychick at Wolverhampton in late January (this trip). Closely matched with Kicking The Can on their clash at Wolverhampton in mid February (two places separated the pair), but needs to show a shade more for win purposes.
Wolverhampton winner for Barry Hills back in August 2014, but has clearly had a few issues of late and left Owen Burrows for just 5,000 gns in October 2016. No improvement in two starts for this trainer last month, but dropped 7lb, so reasonably handicapped if bouncing back.
Out of form for Alan Swinbank last season, finishing last on four of his six starts, but is a five time winner on turf, so does have some ability. Unexposed on synthetics (0 from 2), and whilst upped in trip for this new yard, he could be dangerous from this sort of mark if any market support arrives.
Ran out a 2L winner at Wolverhampton in October 2016 (1m1½F), on just his second ever AW start, but has been absent since finishing fourth over 1m4f here a week on from that success. This trip looks likely to suit, and this young rider has ridden in Ireland for David Wachman in the past, so is more experienced than his English statistics will reveal.
No impression in juvenile and maiden hurdles in four runs this winter, and a similar story during an earlier eight race maiden career on the Flat, so likely to have to improve plenty to make the most of a falling mark in the first time tongue tie.
Unbeaten in two races over this C&D, and showed in her latest victory that she was none the worse for a nasty stalls incident here in February (withdrawn), when running out a cosy 2L winner under Kevin Stott. 5lb rise removed by this young riders 7lb claim (rode a winner here on his first career ride recently), so every chance of remaining unbeaten at this track.
Below par on his last two starts, but has been given a break since December, so it would be no surprise if any 'issues' have been rectified, and just failed from this mark over this trip at Chelmsford in November, so must enter calculations on that run at the very least.
Showed minor ability in a bumper for Warren Greatrex in November 2015, but has hardly beaten a rival in nine starts since switched to this stable. Feasibly might have needed the run last time (first for six months), but seemingly holds little chance for a rider having only his eighth career ride.
Another longstanding maiden who has seen the tail-end of Spirit Of The Vale, and whilst this is another similarly weak 1m2f Newcastle contest, he's had a few goes to win similar races from this mark recently, so he has to be considered unlikely to get his head in front today.
Non-Runners
12
(13)
Kerry Icon13
Weight: 8-7| Age: 4
T: I Jardine J: Richard Oliver
NR
Forecasts
Spirit Of The Vale (9/4), King Oswald (7/2), Kicking The Can (9/2), Strummer (5/1), Leonard Thomas (8/1), Lord Rob (10/1), Kerry Icon (12/1), Mazaaher (20/1), Lady Clitico (33/1), Whitchurch (33/1), In Focus (33/1), My Valentino (40/1), Bilko's Back (100/1)
Competitive in terms of numbers, albeit with a few longstanding maidens with reasonable place chances, so not the strongest of apprentice handicaps to conclude. SPIRIT OF THE VALE has shown a clear affinity for this track, and with young Connor Murtagh effectively removing the penalty and more from her latest success, there must be every chance that she can remain unbeaten at Newcastle and make it three from three over this C&D.
- Spirit Of The Vale
- Strummer
- Kicking The Can
Prize Money
1st: £3,234.002nd: £962.003rd: £481.004th: £240.00
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