8.15 Newcastle – Racing League Race 34 Handicap (Class 3, 1m 6y, AW, £50,000)

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8.15 Newcastle – Racing League Race 34 Handicap (Class 3, 1m 6y, AW, £50,000)

Pace Angles & Draw Angles:
This shapes as a strongly run mile handicap. King Of Fury, Tremolo, and possibly Tilted Kilt have shown a tendency to race prominently or lead, setting a likely solid gallop. Hold-up types such as Nikovo, Al Rufaa, and Unassuming will need race tempo and gaps to fall in their favour. Newcastle’s straight mile negates some draw impact, but a middle-to-low draw with cover is typically favourable on this surface — positive for Nikovo (4), Crack On Boys (1), and Hyperchromatic (14 if dropped in).


Strongest Contenders:

Tremolo (Harry Charlton) – Proven / Progressive
3-4 on AW, including a narrow win at Southwell latest when produced late. Pedigree and profile both scream synthetic suitability. Lightly raced and form trending up — well treated off 90. Drawn 2 is a big plus with a tracking ride.

Believe The Storm (Charlie Fellowes) – Promising
Two smart seconds in deeper turf contests and steadily progressive on AW prior to that. Lacks course experience but form lines are robust. Improving with racing, lightly raced, and tactically versatile. Could be well ahead of the assessor off 87.

Unassuming (George Boughey) – Progressive
Two recent turf wins sandwiching a solid defeat of Believe The Storm on AW. Thriving in this stable and still lightly raced for age. Trainer in red-hot form. Up 7lb but nicely drawn and has a turn of foot.

Nikovo (Michael Herrington) – Proven
4-time C&D winner and regularly shaped with credit in better races this term. Behind Godwinson and Storm Star but had excuses (cover, wind, race shape). Fully effective under these conditions and handicapped to win again.


Main Dangers:

Hyperchromatic (Marco Botti) – Progressive
First try in a class 3 after a commanding win at Wolverhampton. Has form on stiff tracks and pedigree for further. The draw in 14 is not ideal, but if tucked in early, could be dangerous late. Unexposed profile for trainer who does well with these types.

Talis Evolvere (Richard Hannon) – Proven
Best performances come on AW, including excellent C&D third. Has a class edge on past form (106 RPR) and stable in decent nick. Needs things to fall right tactically but hard to fully dismiss if bouncing back.


Interesting Outsiders:

Al Rufaa – Rejuvenated
Best recent efforts have come on AW, including a strong-finishing second at Brighton and good Kempton run. Potentially thrown in on old form and looks ready to strike.

Lir Speciale – Interesting
Now rated 20lb below peak and signs of life since a wind op. Two good placed efforts recently and retains a touch of class. Not totally straightforward but dangerous if momentum continues.


Hold-up Risk:

Nikovo, Al Rufaa, Lir Speciale, and Silent Film all need cover and luck with timing. Strong gallop helps but traffic problems loom large.


Runner Scores & Suitability:

  • Tremolo – 9/10 – Perfect surface and draw, progressive, pace helps.
  • Believe The Storm – 9/10 – Promising profile, improving, form working out.
  • Nikovo – 8/10 – Strong C&D form, solid mark, slight pace/setup risk.
  • Unassuming – 8/10 – Thriving, goes on surface, well drawn.
  • Hyperchromatic – 7/10 – Up in grade, unexposed, wide draw a negative.
  • Al Rufaa – 7/10 – Signs of revival, favours AW, ground/trip ideal.
  • Lir Speciale – 7/10 – Bounced back post-wind-op, dangerously well treated.
  • Silent Film – 6/10 – Sliding mark, but no recent spark.
  • Talis Evolvere – 6/10 – On a retrieval mission but capable on best form.
  • Crack On Boys – 5/10 – May be better in time, but exposed weaknesses.
  • Tilted Kilt – 5/10 – Bit to prove in this grade.
  • Flag Of St George – 4/10 – Exposed and unproven at this level.
  • King Of Fury – 4/10 – Needs ideal scenario and unexposed rivals may outclass.
  • Nyman – 4/10 – Improving but overall depth of form questionable.

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.


Each-Way Angles (14 runners):

Hyperchromatic and Lir Speciale look solid each-way plays with upside on current marks, assuming fair prices.


Private Tissue Estimate:

  • Tremolo – 4/1
  • Believe The Storm – 11/2
  • Unassuming – 6/1
  • Nikovo – 13/2
  • Hyperchromatic – 9/1
  • Al Rufaa – 10/1
  • Lir Speciale – 12/1
  • Talis Evolvere – 14/1
  • Tilted Kilt – 20/1
  • Silent Film – 25/1
  • Crack On Boys – 25/1
  • Flag Of St George – 33/1
  • King Of Fury – 33/1
  • Nyman – 40/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.


Summary + Smart Play:

A competitive Racing League handicap with a likely strong gallop. Several unexposed 3-4yo types contrast with seasoned AW performers. Tremolo is the standout, with an upward curve, perfect surface, and ideal draw. Believe The Storm is a massive danger, and Unassuming and Nikovo have rock-solid AW credentials.


Smart Play:

  • Win Bet: Tremolo – progressive, track-suited and drawn ideally.
  • Each-Way Saver: Hyperchromatic – improving, loves AW, big run likely if tucked in.

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