Newcastle 3.35 - Handicap - Class 6 - 2 miles 1/2 furlong - 9 run - Standard

 

With the Track very likely to be running deep this could be a real test of attrition.

 

At the head of the market it's hard to pick between Liberated Lad and Breccia and neither holds any value each way. Star Of Markinch is a 26 race Maiden who went closer than ever to winning last time when runner up at 50/1 over Course and Distance, my gut feel is that lightning might not strike twice?. 

 

The best e/w poke would certainly be ZIVANIYA at anything above 5/1 a Course and Distance winner off a mark of 62 who will come on for a recent run.

 

At double figure Odds both Typewritten 4th in this race off 7lbs higher in 2024 and SOCIALIST AGENDA who has wins off marks of 48 and 52 at this sort of trip and who hs needed a couple of runs back, may be significant dangers and at around 16/1 I think SOCIALIST AGENDA may run a place. (AW)

 

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Dundalk 4.00 - Apprentice Handicap - 1 mile 4 furlongs - 11 run - Standard

 

Four very tightly priced at the top of the market here in Brosna Town, Autocrat, Rhythm And Type and Eighty Eight, they are very hard to split and have at early prices very little each way value. I am happy to try to find a better each way value .

 

ROCKVIEW CONSORT at around 7/1 would be my each way banker here, a Course and Distance expert and regularly placed off marks around 67 and 68 and with a 7lbs Claim off a mark of 67, looks sure to run it's usual honest race. 

 

Of the rest, claims can be made for Polemon, a Curragh turf winner in the Autumn, I think this may just be keeping him sharp for hurdling but not lightly discounted on AW surfaces. At bigger odds at around 50/1 there is definite speculative merit in both Bambeano who has a Course and Distance win and place off marks of 61 and 67 in January 2023 before 15 months off, a couple of runs should have him fitter and FIGUREHEAD who is marginally preferred for an e/w poke at similar odds, occasionally runs better than the overall form figures suggest and with the leading contenders possibly cutting each other's throats up front early, I could visualise this proven stayer plugging on for a closing effort and a place.  (MG)

 

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