Low-grade sprint handicaps at Newcastle are rarely pretty, but they are often predictable if you read the race shape correctly. This 6f Class 6 apprentice handicap looks exactly the type where tactics and positioning will matter more than raw ability.
The market is likely to revolve around Yorkshire Glory, and understandably so. Ben Haslam’s five-year-old arrives in excellent form having won three of his last four starts, including a comfortable success at Southwell last time. His HRB figures back that up as well, posting the clear top total rating (303) and the best speed figure in the field. On pure numbers he sets the standard.
However, there is a small but important catch. He runs here under a 5 lb penalty, and in these tightly bunched Class 6 handicaps that can make the difference between winning and being vulnerable late on. At around 7/4, the price already assumes he will simply repeat his recent form.
Pit Boss looks the most solid alternative on paper. Liam Bailey’s runner has been extremely consistent around Newcastle this winter and finally got his head in front over this course and distance before finishing second twice since. His HRB profile is steady rather than spectacular, but he is reliable at this level. The concern is his run style. He tends to travel strongly off the pace and may require gaps at the right time — not always ideal in a race expected to be run steadily.
That brings us to the interesting runner: Call Glory.
Ian Williams’ gelding does not stand out on the raw ratings, but the race setup looks tailor-made for him. Timeform expects a very weak pace, and in slowly run Newcastle sprints those sitting close to the lead often control the race. Call Glory usually races prominently and was only beaten less than a length here ten days ago in similar company.
Importantly, he also has winning form this winter and arrives here in decent shape. If the leaders get an uncontested rhythm, he could easily be the one dictating matters while others struggle to make up ground.
Jkr Cobbler and Asadjumeirah are capable on their day but both typically need a stronger pace to bring their finishing effort into play. In a race that may develop into a tactical sprint, they could find themselves with too much to do.
The rest of the field look exposed at this level and would require improvement or a strongly run race to get involved.
Verdict
Yorkshire Glory is the best horse in the race and clearly the one to beat, but the penalty and likely short price make him far less appealing from a betting perspective.
If the predicted slow pace plays out, Call Glory could be the horse who gets first run and proves difficult to pass.
Selection: Call Glory
Danger: Yorkshire Glory
Next best: Pit Boss