16:28 Newcastle

Saturday 8 February 2025

All15:5516:2817:0017:3018:0018:3019:00

Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap (GBB Plus Race)

Off time: 16:28 | Winning time: 2m 20.58s

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(6)

Asgard's Captain²²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-11| J: Rhys Clutterbuck| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 84| CD

6/4

Won 3 times at this C&D last year, with latest success in December. Soon left behind a lesser effort when third of 10 in handicap at Southwell (12.1f, 9/1) 22 days ago and he's a major player back here.

Form: 3841-63

(7)

Royal Approval³¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-9| J: Jason Watson| T: A M Balding| OR: 82| CD

11/2

After 6 months off, improved from debut when winning at this C&D in December. Raced freely when sixth of 7 in novice (13/8) at this course (12.4f) 31 days ago, but he remains with potential back down in trip for handicap debut.

Form: 81-6

(5)

Yokohama⁵⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: H Crouch| T: J Butler| OR: 79| C

3/1

Sole success at this course (7.1f) on debut. Back on track on final 2 starts last year, good third of 10 in handicap at Wolverhampton (9.5f, 4/1) 50 days ago, Can give another good account.

Form: 947753-

(3)

Charlie's Choice⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: K Shoemark| T: D M Simcock| OR: 77

5/1

Afer just 6 days off, proved as good as ever when winning 9-runner handicap (9/4) at Southwell (12.1f) 9 days ago by ½ length from Humble Spark, asserting close home. Respected in his current form.

Form: 3212-41

(4)

Westernesse²⁵⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-3| J: Mark Winn| T: D O'Meara| OR: 76

28/1

Without a win last year but placed twice from 5 starts. In first-time visor, run best excused when last of 10 in handicap at Ayr (8f, good, 7/2) in June, stumbling badly after 2f. Back up in trip after 8 months off.

Form: 3/34430-

(2)

Beatrice Shilling¹⁰⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: K P De Foy| OR: 75

18/1

Remains a maiden and form went the wrong way on final 2 outings last year, tenth of 11 in handicap at Wolverhampton (12.2f, 10/1) in October. Off 3 months ahead of first start since leaving Peter Chapple-Hyam.

Form: 5U2470-

(1)

Humble Spark⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: P Mulrennan| T: J S Goldie| OR: 73| CD

12/1

Recorded fourth course success when scoring here (12.5f) in January. Good ½-length second of 9 to Charlie's Choice in handicap (16/1) at Southwell (12.1f) 9 days ago, faring best of those held up. Not taken lightly.

Form: 351-122

Forecasts

Asgard's Captain (6/4), Yokohama (3/1), Charlie's Choice (5/1), Royal Approval (11/2), Humble Spark (12/1), Beatrice Shilling (18/1), Westernesse (28/1)

A 5-time winner last year, ASGARD'S CAPTAIN wasted no time getting back to form when third at Southwell on his latest outing and he is taken to add to his tally returned to this C&D. He can see off the challenge of Humble Spark, who also boasts a good record here and shaped well at Southwell last time, while Charlie's Choice could be in the mix once more.