5.45 Newcastle – Racing League Race 29 Handicap (Class 4, 2m56y AW)

·

Pace Angles:
This shapes as an even to strong pace contest. Sax Appeal, Captain Potter, and Fast Fred have all been ridden prominently, while Chillhi and Further Measure can press or track the speed. Multiple hold-up types here, with several needing luck from midfield.

Draw Angles (Tapeta at Newcastle):
Low to middle draws (stalls 2–8) have been slightly favoured at this staying trip historically, with wider drawn runners often forced to cover ground early. Stamina and race position typically trump draw at this extended trip, but extreme wide stalls (like 14) remain a minor negative.


Strongest Contenders, Main Dangers, Interesting Outsiders

Synergism (Sir Mark Prescott)Progressive
On a sharp upward curve since tackling staying trips. Looked value for more than winning margin at Kempton (1m6f) last time and is bred to stay further. No signs of regression yet, and profile matches classic Prescott improver. Well positioned from draw 6. One to beat.

Sax Appeal (Charlie Johnston)Proven
Front-runner who is thriving under positive tactics. Won over 2m at Beverley and ran well again at Thirsk under a less-than-ideal scenario. Peak RPR 89 came on AW and this trip suits. Top 5lb claimer booked and Johnston yard in form. Draw 5 looks favourable.

Road To Wembley (Richard Hughes)Proven
Multiple AW wins and strong stayer who enjoys a galloping track. Finished second over 2m at Doncaster earlier this year and ran with credit again at Ffos Las. Could easily bounce back, especially if held up off a good pace. Needs luck from stall 1 but has class.

Kingdom Of Stars (Tom Ward)Progressive
Unexposed as a stayer, with a breakthrough win over 2m on the AW. Just behind strong types at Kempton and Chelmsford and could still be improving. Well handicapped if able to settle early. Draw 9 fine for a stalker.

Rock N Roll Pinkie (Ivan Furtado)Proven
Hard-knocking mare with a strong C&D record. Finished ahead of several reopposing rivals at York and Nottingham and has been consistent across 1m6f–2m. However, stall 14 is a worry, and she may be posted wide early unless dropped in. Has the form to figure.

Captain Potter (Brian Ellison)Progressive
Has found his level and thriving over extreme distances, with dominant win at Pontefract (2m2f). Hard to rule out given stamina and improving profile, but up in class again and drawn wide in 11.

Interesting Outsider: Chillhi (James Owen)Promising
Hurdles and Flat winner in recent starts. Capable of staying this trip and a recent Flat win was visually impressive. Has quirks (head carriage) but has been rejuvenated for this yard. Drawn 12 but versatile.


Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

  • Synergism: 9/10 – Perfect profile for this race; unexposed, stays well, trainer excels with this type.
  • Sax Appeal: 8.5/10 – Proven stayer, front-runner, thriving; ideal draw and track suits.
  • Kingdom Of Stars: 8/10 – Progressive handicapper; suited by race shape and surface.
  • Road To Wembley: 8/10 – Can go well fresh and handles the trip; needs pace collapse.
  • Captain Potter: 7.5/10 – Big improver, stays all day; stiffer test but up in class.
  • Chillhi: 7/10 – In-form dual code winner; quirky but dangerous if things fall right.
  • Fast Fred: 6.5/10 – Consistent and competitive; place claims if things pan out.
  • Rock N Roll Pinkie: 6.5/10 – Solid mare, C&D winner; draw a real negative.
  • Zimmerman: 6/10 – Needs soft ground ideally; consistent but opposable on surface.
  • Lagoon Nebula: 5.5/10 – Unproven at the trip and up in class; bred for stamina.
  • Further Measure: 5/10 – Likeable veteran, but class 4 has caught him out of late.
  • Zealandia: 4.5/10 – Was a better horse last year but showing regressive form now.
  • Hatysa: 4/10 – Lightly raced, but questionable stamina and draw not kind.
  • Queen Roslyn: 3.5/10 – Good win last time but this is much tougher; huge class hike.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form stayers returning quickly; they can be hot.


Each-Way Angles (14 runners)

  • Kingdom Of Stars – Strong sectional effort at Kempton; unexposed at staying trips.
  • Chillhi – Multiple back-to-back efforts on both codes. Could outrun odds again.

Private Tissue Estimate (Pro Forecast Odds)

  • Synergism – 3/1
  • Sax Appeal – 4/1
  • Kingdom Of Stars – 11/2
  • Road To Wembley – 7/1
  • Captain Potter – 9/1
  • Chillhi – 10/1
  • Rock N Roll Pinkie – 12/1
  • Fast Fred – 14/1
  • Others – 20/1+

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


Summary + Professional Punter View

A compelling long-distance handicap featuring a mix of proven stayers and unexposed progressives. Synergism is upwardly mobile, looks well in, and is from the right yard for this sort of profile. Sax Appeal will go forward and sets the benchmark. Kingdom Of Stars is unexposed and dangerous if he relaxes early. Value lies beyond the obvious.


Smart Play

  • Win Selection: Synergism – Continues to improve and should relish this stamina test.
  • Each-Way Saver: Kingdom Of Stars – Quietly building a useful profile and looks nicely drawn.

Leave a comment

Get updates

From art exploration to the latest archeological findings, all here in our weekly newsletter.

Subscribe