Unlucky Tyrrhenian Sea out to set the record straight in Easter Classic

Betway Easter Classic All-Weather Middle Distance Championships Conditions Stakes | 1m2f, 4yo+ | ITV4/Sky

Roger Varian, who has won two races at past All-Weather Championships, hopes to strike with the first horse he has run in the feature Easter Classic.

His Tyrrhenian Sea won his first three starts here by an aggregate of nearly ten lengths and was decidedly unlucky in running when only fourth at Kempton last month.

Runner-up United Front takes him on again, while Living Legend and Al Zaraqaan have their own rematch after being separated by just a nose at the finish of the Listed Magnolia Stakes at Kempton three weeks ago.

What they say

Yann Barberot, trainer of Charlesquint
I'm amazed there's such a small field for such good prize-money. The Niarchos horse is the one to beat, but we'll see if he's as good over this trip. My horse loves the all-weather and also to have a good pace to run at.

Marco Botti, trainer of Felix
We were disappointed with Felix at Kempton, but the race didn't pan out for him at all. We're very hopeful he can bounce back. Newcastle is a big galloping track and, with his style of running, it should play to his strengths.

Charlie Johnston, joint-trainer of Living Legend
We were targeting the Rosebery at Kempton and then his performance in the Magnolia put him in the picture for the Easter Classic. Al Zaraqaan and Felix were behind us whereas Tyrrhenian Sea is the unknown quantity – he looks a nice horse physically but has to prove it at this level.

Roger Varian, trainer of Tyrrhenian Sea
He's been training well and heads to Newcastle in good order. He's a lightly raced horse who should be unbeaten. He was caught in a pocket at Kempton over ten furlongs, and up until then he had looked very good in his short career. We'd like to think that he is going there with a chance, but it's a tight race and he still has to do it on the track.

Mick Appleby, trainer of United Front
He's the best chance we've got on Friday. We beat the favourite at Kempton, and though he didn't get much luck in running there, we're 5lb better off now.

Read more of Friday’s Newcastle previews:

2.00: 'If he runs like that again, he will win' - Haggas counting on My Oberon's best

2.35: Big chance on another big day for high-flying sprinter Ejtilaab at Newcastle

3.10: 'Group horse' El Caballo bids to prove the punters' favourite once again

3.45: John Quinn hoping for more success with bargain-buy Highfield Princess

4.15: 'Surprise' horse Earlofthecotswolds bids to hit the jackpot for Twiston-Davies

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