16:40 – NATALEENA
This mare is building a good record over this C&D, her two victories coming here, and she left the impression she has even more to offer when third last month. She deserved extra credit for finishing as close as she did, too, coming from further back than the first and second. Provided she gets a stronger pace to aim at here, she will go close again.
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Arrives in top form having won three of her last five starts, and is best not judged on her latest start at this course over slightly further in an amateur riders’ race. She left the impression she was still in form on that occasion, shaken up early in the straight but unable to continue her run under a sympathetic ride. Greengage has a professional jockey back in the saddle now and is fancied to resume her progress.
GREENGAGE and Phil Dennis wins at NEWCASTLE 8/1/20
Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723
17:45 – JM JACKSON
Doesn’t look progressive, but she put up by far her best performance when chasing home an expensive debutant of Roger Varian’s at Chelmsford last time, and a repeat of that performance ought to see her in the mix. This doesn’t look a deep race of its type, and he experience could count for plenty.
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18:15 – GOOD LUCK FOX
It could be worth chancing this one, who starts out for Paul Midgley on a potentially lenient mark. It is fair to say that he didn’t live up to expectations for Richard Hannon last year having been a useful two-year-old, but his handicap mark has fallen as a result, and the trainer has a stable debutant win a similar event at this track last week, so is well worth a market check. He has been gelded since last seen.
18:45 – PADDYPLEX
He remains on a lenient mark based on the pick of his form, and left the impression when runner-up over a mile and a quarter here last time that he could be building up to something. He again failed to settle of that longer trip, so it isn’t surprising that connections drop back to a mile now, and Silvestre de Sousa retaining the ride is another plus.
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19:15 – DRAGONS WILL RISE
Seemed to excel himself on his all-weather debut over this C&D last time, travelling fluently in the rear and having to weave his way through in the final two furlongs, keeping on in good style for hands-and-heels riding. There could be more to come from him on this surface, and this doesn’t look the deepest race, so he is well worth another chance to confirm himself on a good mark.
SOPHIA MARIA and Jane Elliott (right) wins at Newcastle 30/8/19
Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723
19:45 – SOPHIA MARIA
Has failed to fire the last twice, but she’s a big player judged on peak 2019 form and may well bounce back following a break on debut for an in-form yard. Next on the list is Rich Approach, who did well under the circumstances at Kempton last time and he has edged down to an attractive mark. Ghathanfar and Bobby Joe Leg are others to consider.
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20:15 – Deputy Star
It could be that Deputy Star will be seen in a better light now upped to seven furlongs and pitched into a handicap off what may turn out to be a fair opening mark. He is marginally preferred to Bawaader, who has posted improved efforts in 1m handicaps here for new connections the last twice and this drop back in trip is no bad thing. With Approval is best of the rest.
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