Pace Angles: Moderate-to-strong likely. Several can race prominently including Mister Bluebird (drawn 1), Witch Hunter, and Golden Mind.
Draw Angles: Slight advantage to mid-to-low draws on Newcastle AW over this trip. High draws have a tougher task in bigger fields.

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Strongest Contenders:

Al Shabab Storm (Proven/Thriving) – 4yo now peaking after Group-race seasoning. Smart effort on return to handicaps latest (RPR 112) despite 18lb higher mark. Handles Tapeta, tactically versatile, proven at 7f, and thrives on a left-handed track. A clear contender despite top weight.

Golden Mind (Progressive) – High draw not ideal, but strong run at Ascot (RPR 115) shows he remains in excellent heart. AW form is mixed, but can be competitive if overcoming the gate. Speed figure of 108 in penultimate start is solid for this grade.

Short Final (Promising/Unexposed UK) – French Group 3 winner on soft, unknown on AW but looks thrown in on international ratings. Lightly raced, stable in excellent form, and this could be a clever placement off 105. Huge upside if acting on surface.

Dosman (Promising/Lightly Raced) – Only seven starts, strong RPR (115) on penultimate run at this C&D. Bounce-back potential after poor Yarmouth effort when unsuited by conditions. Improving profile with scope.

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Main Dangers:

Oliver Show (Progressive) – Has done well since return from Bahrain, big run in Royal Hunt Cup Trial. Peak run on Tapeta in March suggests he’s no AW doubt. Drawn well, likely to get cover and launch late.

Eldrickjones (Proven AW) – Five-time Tapeta winner, including over C&D. High rtf% (80%) signals peak condition. Strong second last time at Thirsk suggests he’s holding form well, though class ceiling may limit.

Witch Hunter (Proven but quirky) – Multiple RPRs of 118 show class edge, but winless this year and often finds trouble. Drawn wide again, and will need luck from hold-up spot. Still dangerous if race collapses late.

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Interesting Outsiders:

Tolstoy (Unreliable but Dangerous at 7f) – AW winner, drawn low, now down to a workable mark (OR 86). Needs a return to form, but conditions suit and rider’s 7lb claim keeps him competitive.

Sword (Quirky Talent) – High variance performer with big run at Ascot. If he settles, he has the closing speed to go close. Not reliable, but one David O’Meara might pop with on “go day”.

Miss Nightfall (Promising Filly) – Improving 3yo with strong Ascot and Newmarket form. Up against older males now, but weight-for-age helps. Has a sharp turn of foot—dangerous if the gaps appear.

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Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis:

• Al Shabab Storm: 9/10 – Thriving, adaptable, suits track/trip/surface well.
• Short Final: 8/10 – Classy import, but surface unknown.
• Witch Hunter: 7/10 – Classy but tricky; needs luck.
• Golden Mind: 8/10 – In form, track a question.
• Oliver Show: 8/10 – Well handicapped, versatile, goes well fresh.
• Dosman: 7/10 – Capable, needs to bounce back.
• Eldrickjones: 7/10 – Reliable AW performer; place player.
• Sword: 6/10 – Unpredictable but talented.
• Streets Of Gold: 6/10 – Not quite firing; market check needed.
• King’s Lynn: 5/10 – Old but consistent; frame possible.
• Tolstoy: 6/10 – Needs race to pan out; AW a positive.
• Intrusively: 5/10 – 3yo with potential but thrown in deep.
• Miss Nightfall: 7/10 – Smart filly; unexposed.
• Mister Bluebird: 6/10 – Consistent, but class may catch him.

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

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Each-Way Angles (16 runners):

• Dosman – Back at Newcastle, feasible bounce-back.
• Oliver Show – Stays well, and progress post-Bahrain is encouraging.
• Miss Nightfall – Improving filly, getting weight, will be finishing.

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Private Tissue Estimate:

• Al Shabab Storm – 9/2
• Short Final – 6/1
• Golden Mind – 13/2
• Witch Hunter – 8/1
• Dosman – 9/1
• Oliver Show – 10/1
• Eldrickjones – 12/1
• Sword – 12/1
• Miss Nightfall – 14/1
• Tolstoy – 16/1
• Streets of Gold – 18/1
• Mister Bluebird – 20/1
• King’s Lynn – 20/1
• Intrusively – 25/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play):

This is a high-quality, competitive Racing League event with multiple angles. Pace looks genuine, which should suit strong closers from mid-to-wide draws. Al Shabab Storm is rock-solid and comes here off a career-best. Short Final is a class horse, and if he handles the surface, he’s the main threat. Several lurk on workable marks.

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Smart Play
Win Selection: Al Shabab Storm – Thriving and adaptable, arrives in peak form.
Each-Way Saver: Oliver Show – Versatile, progressing, and well-handicapped.