'He's got a great chance of defending his crown' - can last year's winner go back-to-back in competitive sprint final?

This sprint handicap almost has the feel of Cheltenham's Pertemps Final, with every British-trained runner having taken on at least one of their rivals at some point during their qualifying runs and a couple of Irish contenders attempting to plunder the prize-money.

There are loads of interlinking formlines, so let's start with Marshman, who had six of these rivals behind him when winning a course-and-distance handicap in January on his first start since being gelded and given wind surgery.

That was also his first outing on the all-weather, and he followed up in a Listed race at Lingfield before losing out by half a length under a 3lb penalty next time. He's likely to put up a bold bid back in a handicap.

Diligent Harry is held by Marshman on two runs this season but he took a step back in the right direction when third in a Southwell handicap 12 days ago and his record at this track reads 311, so we could expect some improvement. 

Diligent Harry (near): seven-time winner on the all-weatherCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Fivethousandtoone split those two rivals on his second start for Tim Easterby and is now 6lb better off with Marshman, who was two and a half lengths in front, and 7lb with Diligent Harry, who was half a length behind.

The seven-year-old was a stylish winner of this race last year off a 3lb lower mark and took his course form figures to 13214 when a close fourth behind subsequent Sprint Cup winner Montassib in the Chipchase Stakes in June. He could be hard to beat with Oisin Murphy taking over in the saddle.

Run Boy Run, Saint Lawrence and Heathcliff have all caught the eye behind Marshman this season, while Golden Mind shouldn't be discounted at a bigger price.

His trainer Richard Fahey landed this race's predecessor at Lingfield in 2014, 2016 and 2017 and saddled a placed runner in the years he didn't win. Golden Mind scored on his most recent 6f start and has shaped as though a drop back in trip would suit in recent runs.
Analysis by Harry Wilson

What they say

Karl Burke, trainer of Marshman
He did a nice, easy piece of work on Tuesday morning. He's fresh and well, and seems in better form than he was going into the Cammidge at Doncaster. If he turns up on his A-game, I think he's capable of giving the weight away, especially on a surface he really enjoys.

Karl Burke: trainer of MarshmanCredit: Patrick McCann

Clive Cox, trainer of Diligent Harry
He won this race a couple of years back. He was giving an awful lot of weight away when he was third at Southwell last time, so he's shown a good level of form. We've switched from cheekpieces to blinkers and we very much hope it keeps him focused.

James Fanshawe, trainer of Willem Twee and Heathcliff
They're both drawn high in 11 and eight respectively. Heathcliff has been consistent and seems to be improving. I was pleased with Willem Twee's last run. He has a tough task with his weight, but he has a lot of class and he's pretty useful. I was pretty encouraged after last time.

Alistair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owners of Fivethousandtoone
He's got a great chance of defending his crown. He's had three quite eyecatching runs to set up for this race and I'd be quite hopeful of a big run there.

Adam Ryan, assistant trainer of We Never Stop
He's had a good winter and won nicely last time. The plan was to come for finals day and he's been in great form.

Johnny Murtagh, trainer of Daamberdiplomat
He ran well on his comeback at Dundalk. He's on his highest ever mark in a handicap, so he will need a career best, but Newcastle suits hold-up horses and I am keen to try him at the track.

Johnny Murtagh: runs Daamberdiplomat at NewcastleCredit: Patrick McCann

Richard Spencer, trainer of Run Boy Run
We receive a pull in the weights with Marshman, for all he has clearly improved since we last met. Our horse likes the track and should have an each-way chance in what looks a very competitive race.
Reporting by Liam Headd

Read these next:

1.50 Newcastle: 'His mark underestimates him' - the handicap debutant who could prove the main barrier to another Andrew Balding victory  

3.00 Newcastle: 'He has the potential to win a Group 1' - will this runner prove a class above his rivals in the £150,000 mile handicap?  

4.07 Newcastle: 'It's a tough race but I like his profile' - late-blooming six-year-olds the ones to beat in Easter Classic  

4.42 Newcastle: could there be another Group horse lurking in one of the most competitive staying races of the season?  

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.