Yesterday’s Review
1pt e/way Maid For Harry (86) – A disappointing effort from the selection who raced three wide and weakened over a furlong out. Jockey John Egan reported that she hung right-handed.
1pt e/way Villalobos (89) – The slowest race on the card. It looked like the selection didn’t enjoy the slow pace and raced awkwardly for much of the race before weakening over a furlong out. Jockey Adam Farragher reported that he hung right-handed.
Today’s Advice
Elzaal (5f Hcap) – This 5yo C&D specialist has returned in decent form to his favourite venue following five efforts on Turf. The handicapper has only raised him 1lb for today’s (5.45) Newcastle following his most recent 2nd behind Lady Celia over C&D. Five C&D wins, since September 2022, has seen his handicap mark rise 16lbs from (50) to (66). He recorded a (107) speed figure in a hot race for the grade, behind Henery Hawk last month, going down by just 1/2 length. That race has seen three individual winners come out of it since. I was happy to let him go unbacked lto, as I felt he is best with a longer break between his races. As a hold-up performer he will be looking for front-runners Captain’s Bar and Jenever to set a decent pace. He his well handicapped to take advantage of his current mark of (60).
Luke Short (12f Hcap) – The (8.30) Dundalk looks a fascinating contest with plenty of interesting middle distance handicappers in opposition. This 6yo produced a career best (112) speed figure when winning from the widest draw over C&D last month. I am willing to allow him his most recent defeat on Heavy ground at Leopardstown, just 9 days after that, and feel he looks a bit overpriced if he can come back to form. Apprentice Robert Whearty who won on him at Dundalk is back on, and hopefully the partnership can come good again. There looks to be a decent pace on tonight with prominent racers Longclaw, A Piece Of Heaven and King Leodegrance in opposition.
1pt win Elzaal (4/1 General) 5.45 Newcastle
1pt e/way Luke Short (9/1 General 4 places) 8.30 Dundalk