Newcastle and Ayr 26/27 March

NEWCASTLE – Wednesday March 26th

A chance to catch up with a few horses previously noted.

STRAVAIGIN noted from a promising run at Musselburgh landed the money for my department at work. Her record on good ground is now 321, but on 706ro9PPFP. The ground was right here and she just caught Pendle Forest, who seemed to idle a bit in front. Stravaigin stayed on determinedly, though not looking to have a chance of catching the leader until a few strides out, getting her head in front right on the line. She seems to have the right attitude and given decent ground is one to keep an eye on for another win. The impression is that she will stay further, and she jumped well enough at Musselburgh so a chase would be within her scope.

I’d expect PENDLE FOREST to win a race, since Stravaigin was the only one to get near her in the straight. HEATHCLIFF stayed on up the straight and I would imagine a bit farther than this two and a half miles wouldn’t be a problem.

RYEMINSTER has had a frustrating run of places this season, but is genuine enough and got his head in front over 3 miles here. This is his minimum distance and he goes very well on a sound surface, so is one to keep on the list this spring.

APRIL SAN has lacked a bit of pace at the end of novice hurdles. However, he’s been thereabouts 4 times this season and should pick up a staying hurdle, maybe a novices’ handicap. His current mark allows him into 0-110 handicaps which could be helpful.

ANDY ANSHAN had shown a degree of chasing promise, and stepped up on his previous run to take the 2m 4f hunters’ event. Possibly not the most competitive event, but Andy Anshan is going the right way.

AYR – Thursday March 27th

Ground was once again heavy at Ayr, and many just didn’t get home. Only two finished in the Beginners’ Chase with the second beaten 62 lengths, though LOCKSTOCKANDBARREL looked the likely winner before coming a cropper at the last. MR MULTIFIX was presented with the race and is proven on heavy ground.

BALLYNURE, running off a light weight, was one of the few who handled the ground in the 2m 5f Handicap Chase. He’ll probably go up for this which won’t help him any, since the form may be worth diddly-squat.