• Conditions: Class 4 Handicap | 1m2f42y | Tapeta | 4yo+ | Rated 0–78
• Surface: Standard (Tapeta) | Field Size: 10 declared runners
• Pace Forecast: Weak – Patiently ridden types often favoured at this trip on the Newcastle Tapeta.
• Draw Bias: No meaningful advantage identified from stalls at this trip on this surface.

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Contenders and Ratings (Timeform Adjusted Figures and Profile-Based Scores)

1. MR MISTOFFELEES (IRE) – 92 TFR – 7/10

• Arrives in solid form: placed on last four starts including a close second over this C&D nine days ago.
• Usually delivered late – current setup may again require luck in running if pace is steady.
• Consistency makes him a leading contender, though he’s now on a career-high mark (OR 76).
• Trainer: Sam England. Jockey: Oisin Orr.

2. CORUNDUM – 90 TFR – 7/10

• Shaped well when fourth on return at Yarmouth (1m) – better suited by this trip.
• Lightly raced (only four starts), suggesting improvement likely now fitter.
• Positive profile angle for second start in a handicap, and TFR is based on potential.
• Trainer: Lucy Wadham. Jockey: Daniel Muscutt.

3. RUN OF LUCK – 90 TFR – 7/10

• Progressive type; won back-to-back apprentice handicaps in April and looked to have more in hand at Doncaster.
• Now 10lb higher than initial win but lightly raced and clearly thriving.
• Capable of adapting tactically; form over C&D and rising profile make him a serious contender.
• Trainer: Ed de Giles. Jockey: Warren Fentiman (5).

4. SEA LEGEND (FR) – 87 TFR – 6/10

• Third over C&D last time out in a similar event after 63-day break.
• Was held up off a slow pace, which didn’t suit – similar scenario today is a concern.
• Has form in better company in the past, and acts well on Tapeta.
• Needs pace to lift to see best effect.
• Trainer: Jim Goldie. Jockey: Paul Mulrennan. Previously trained by James Fanshawe.

5. NOT ME – 89 TFR – 6/10

• Consistent earlier this year, notably placed at Lingfield.
• Led and faded late last time, suggesting may be vulnerable in a true-run race.
• Yard (Ivan Furtado) has had the odd handicap winner at this level but not prolific at Newcastle.
• Blinkers off now; worth watching for market signals.

6. FLICKERING HALO (IRE) – 90 TFR – 5/10

• Second run back after 8-month absence and gelding operation.
• Ran respectably at Ripon latest, and this return to AW may suit better.
• Prior Beverley winner; trainer Tim Easterby is in strong recent form.
• Long layoff before latest means market support would be significant.

7. GOLSPIE (IRE) – 87 TFR – 5/10

• Solid runs on AW earlier this season; now 3lb below last winning mark.
• Recent form consistent but doesn’t suggest much upside.
• Likely to be thereabouts if things fall right, though others have greater potential.

8. KING CHAOS (IRE) – 85 TFR – 4/10

• Below form last time in a much stronger contest (All-Weather Marathon Champs).
• Won a novice at Southwell in 2024 but hasn’t looked well handicapped in stronger company.
• Often slowly away – stall 1 a help, but he’ll need sharper gating here.
• Trainer: Rebecca Menzies has had occasional Newcastle winners, especially in staying contests.

9. SOLAR BENTLEY (IRE) – 91 TFR – 4/10

• Absent 218 days; form late last year was respectable in 0–70 company.
• Weak-finishing tendencies and long absence raise fitness questions.
• Timeform notes market was strong before last run; if supported again, may be ready.

10. SAYF AL DAWLA – 84 TFR – 2/10

• Not seen in 514 days and refused to race on final 2023 start.
• Previously trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam; sold for just 2,000 gns.
• Talent in pedigree (Frankel x Attraction), but temperament a big issue.
• Market would have to speak emphatically in his favour to consider backing.

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Significant Timeform/Trends Notes

• Last year’s winner SEA LEGEND ran in this race (Div I) for James Fanshawe off a mark of 77 (13/8f).
• Div II winner was from David O’Meara’s yard – not represented in this division.
• Runners with recent C&D form tend to perform well; MR MISTOFFELEES and SEA LEGEND both tick this box.
• Layoff runners (90+ days): SAYF AL DAWLA (514), SOLAR BENTLEY (218), CORUNDUM (recent return from 6 months), FLICKERING HALO (2nd run back). Market behaviour crucial.

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Trainer Trends

• Tim Easterby (FLICKERING HALO) – 21% strike rate in last 14 days.
• Sam England (MR MISTOFFELEES) – operating at a healthy level with middle-distance AW types.
• Lucy Wadham (CORUNDUM) – solid record with lightly-raced 4yo types making 2nd handicap start.
• Jim Goldie (SEA LEGEND) – regular Newcastle AW runner, especially over extended trips.

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Ratings Summary (Marks out of 10)

Horse	TFR	Score
MR MISTOFFELEES	92	7/10
CORUNDUM	90	7/10
RUN OF LUCK	90	7/10
SEA LEGEND (FR)	87	6/10
NOT ME	89	6/10
FLICKERING HALO	90	5/10
GOLSPIE	87	5/10
KING CHAOS	85	4/10
SOLAR BENTLEY	91	4/10
SAYF AL DAWLA	84	2/10

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Summary Verdict

• Top Win Contender: CORUNDUM – Profile of an improving handicapper on a sharp upward curve.
• Main Dangers: MR MISTOFFELEES and RUN OF LUCK – in-form, consistent, proven over trip and surface.
• Interesting Outsider: FLICKERING HALO – market support would be significant second run back.
• Watch Closely in Market: SOLAR BENTLEY (layoff), SAYF AL DAWLA (refused to race, 514-day break).