'On course form he has a very good chance' - expert insight for sprint contest

#betyourway At Betway Handicap | 6f | 4yo+ | Sky

This sprint handicap might not be quite as competitive as the early markets are likely to suggest.

Caribbean Sunset (396 days), Jungle Speed (231 days) and Marselan (161 days) all return from significant layoffs, and it is highly probable the betting will provide the best guide to their respective chances.

It is not certain there will be a strong pace, even though the likes of Caribbean Sunset, Jungle Speed and Spartan Fighter have occasionally made the running in the past.

The Roger Varian-trained Kratos has been dropped 4lb since his reappearance sixth of seven behind Tipperary Tiger at Southwell. He’s entitled to come on for that first run in almost a year, but he didn’t show a great deal and was sent off 28-1 that day.

Athollblair Boy should prove competitive in this sort of contest off a mark of 68 but he has compromised his chance many times by slow starts.

Perhaps the pair to focus on are Triggered – who may not be the best handicapped in the field but does arrive in decent form – and Burrows Seeside.

Burrows Seeside: has won twice at NewcastleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The latter has gone 15 runs since his last win, but produced an excellent performance in defeat when beaten on the nod by Airshow at Southwell two outings ago and he loves Newcastle’s stiff uphill finish.

He’s 5lb higher than when notching the second of his two course wins but ought to run another massive race if things fall right for him.

Race analysis by Richard Birch

What they say

Mark Loughnane, trainer of Triggered
He dwelt a bit at the start last time at Southwell and was doing all his best work at the finish so we’re hoping the return to a stiffer track will suit him. The last time he ran at Newcastle he finished fourth in a race that's working out well and on that form he goes there with a very good chance.

Antony Brittain, trainer of Spartan Fighter
He was in good form before Christmas but seems to have gone off the boil a little. He likes the track and the trip but just needs everything to drop right. I’d say we go there with hope rather than confidence.

Roger Varian: two winners from seven runners at Newcastle this seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Roger Varian, trainer of Kratos
We know he likes the track and trip as he won over course and distance as a two-year-old. He was entitled to need the run after a layoff at Southwell last time and he’s down in grade now so he’s not without a chance.

Grant Tuer, trainer of Caribbean Sunset
We’re not sure what to expect as he’s had a long layoff but it'll be nice to see him back. I don't know if the track will suit him but we had to start him back somewhere and I expect him to improve from it.

Ivan Furtado, trainer of Jungle Speed
He won at the track for us last year and then ran below par on turf, following which he had a setback. He’s going well at home and it looks a competitive race but I expect him to give a good account of himself.

Reporting by David Milnes

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