Newcastle
Today, February 27, 2025FlatClass 55fStandard
Verdict
Verdict
A competitive sprint featuring a few thriving sorts. MAHARAJAS EXPRESS can strike while the iron is hot and complete a quick hat-trick but Oriental Prince and Castan also arrive in winning form and are likely to ensure the selection doesn't get things all his own way. Match Play should strip fitter for his reappearance and also merits respect.
Maharajas Express
Oriental Prince
Castan
5f Hcap
5f Hcap
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
- 8. Maharajas ExpressJ: Tom MarquandT: Ian WilliamsF: 464-24411
- Price History:
- 4.75
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-1
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 67
- Days Since Last Run:
- 3
VerdictArrives on the back of a pair of 5f wins at Wolverhampton this month. Came with another strong run to lead in the dying strides there on Monday and a 5 lb penalty may not prevent him going in again. - 3. CastanJ: Paul MulrennanT: Bryan SmartF: 00344-611
- Price History:
- 6.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-8
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 74
- Days Since Last Run:
- 13
VerdictOn a hat-trick after wins at Southwell and over C&D in recent weeks, both under Paul Mulrennan. A further 6 lb rise demands more but still much respected in his current mood. 
1. Dark KestrelJ: Cam HardieT: Antony BrittainF: 44-324354- Price History:
- 5.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-9
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 75
- Days Since Last Run:
- 7
VerdictC&D winner. 11/2, bit below form when fourth of 10 over C&D 7 days ago. Can start slowly.- 10. Oriental PrinceJ: Amie WaughT: Jim GoldieF: 55251-121
- Price History:
- 6.00
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 8-8
- Gear:
- hood
- Official Rating:
- 60
- Days Since Last Run:
- 48
VerdictThird C&D win of the winter when seeing off 7 rivals last month. Merely pushed out on that occasion so a further 4lb rise doesn't look enough to prevent another prominent showing. 
4. AboveJ: Daniel MuscuttT: Robert CowellF: 2073-2123- Price History:
- 8.00
- Age:
- 8
- Weight:
- 9-8
- Gear:
- cheekpieces and tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 74
- Days Since Last Run:
- 14
VerdictC&D winner in January and also second here next time. Bit below form when third of 7 in handicap at Chelmsford (6f) 14 days ago but may do better back at Newcastle.
2. Our Absent FriendsJ: Jason HartT: Tristan DavidsonF: 15843-643- Price History:
- 9.50
- Age:
- 7
- Weight:
- 9-8
- Gear:
- cheekpieces
- Official Rating:
- 74
- Days Since Last Run:
- 27
VerdictC&D winner. Respectable third of 9 over C&D 27 days ago. Cheekpieces back on. Back on a winning mark.
6. General AssemblyJ: Brandon WilkieT: Jack MorlandF: 2314979-8- Price History:
- 15.00
- Age:
- 4
- Weight:
- 9-4
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 70
- Days Since Last Run:
- 22
VerdictVisored first time, first run since leaving Harry Eustace when eighth of 10 in handicap (11/1) at Kempton (6f) 22 days ago, unable to sustain effort after racing too freely.
7. Match PlayJ: Mark WinnT: Paul MidgleyF: 9701898-5- Price History:
- 21.00
- Age:
- 5
- Weight:
- 9-1
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 67
- Days Since Last Run:
- 23
VerdictFifth of 8 in C&D handicap on reappearance 23 days ago, shaping as if he'd be better for the run. Merits consideration.
5. Leodis DreamJ: David NolanT: Paul MidgleyF: 7065413-3- Price History:
- 13.00
- Age:
- 9
- Weight:
- 9-4
- Gear:
- -
- Official Rating:
- 70
- Days Since Last Run:
- 23
VerdictC&D winner in October. 8/1, creditable third of 8 on C&D reappearance. Entitled to come on for the run.
9. Golden RainbowJ: Kaiya FraserT: Rebecca MenziesF: 1805815-9- Price History:
- 21.00
- Age:
- 6
- Weight:
- 8-11
- Gear:
- tongue strap
- Official Rating:
- 63
- Days Since Last Run:
- 13
VerdictSix wins from 20 runs last year, the latest over C&D in September. 25/1, 8 lengths ninth of 10 to Castan on C&D reappearance 13 days ago. Needs to have come on a lot.- Unnamed Favourite
- Unnamed 2nd Favourite