Newcastle Marathon Championship preview (Fri 7th April 2023 )

As operators of three of the five All-Weather Racecourses in Britain, ARC were central to the launch of the All-Weather Championships in 2013. The All-Weather Championships run throughout October and climax on Good Friday at Newcastle Racecourse. 

The racecourses involved in the All-Weather Championships are Chelmsford City, Kempton Park, Lingfield Park, Southwell and Wolverhampton in Great Britain as well as Dundalk in Ireland and Cagnes-sur-Mer and Deauville in France.

The All-Weather Championships are contested over seven categories

3 Year Old Championships (8 furlongs)

3 Year Old Sprint (5 furlongs)

Sprint Championships (6 furlongs)

Mile Championships (8 furlongs)

Marathon Championships (16 furlongs)

Fillies & Mares Championships (7 furlongs)

Middle Distance Championships (10 furlongs)

Finals Day is the richest All-Weather Raceday in Europe, with over £1million in prize money on offer.

To qualify to run on Finals Day, horses must run either a minimum of three times on the All-Weather surfaces in Great Britain, Ireland or France during the qualifying period and carry an Official BHA Rating high enough to enter or win a Fast Track Qualifier, which will guarantee free entry. 

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The 9th running of the All Weather Championships ,though quite disappointing turn out this year with only six runners declared for both mile & middle distance Championships.

The main race the Easter Classic (Middle Distance Championship over 10 furlongs ) is very poor turn out for £200K race.In my opinion, don't think switching finals day to Newcastle has helped as they seem struggle to get runners in lot these championship races .

Going through the card ,not easy to find value in these small fields ,though the All Weather Marathon Championship does look interesting race, with quite good turn out with 9 runners declared .

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BetUK All-Weather Marathon Championships Conditions Stakes (Class 2) (4yo+) Winner £77,310 11 runners 2m56y Standard ITV4

 

race conditions  £150,000 guaranteed For  4yo+ which have won a relevant Fast Track Qualifier or run a minimum of three times from 18th October, 2022 to 31st March, 2023 (inclusive) on the all-weather surfaces in GB/Ire and France; or twice on the all-weather surfaces in GB/Ire and France and and once in Dubai at Meydan (dirt) or in Saudi Arabia at Riyadh (dirt) Weights  4yo colts & geldings 9st 5lb; fillies 9st; 5yo+ colts & geldings 9st 7lb; fillies 9st 2lb Weight for age  4yo from 5yo+ 2lb Entries  11 pay £750 Penalty value  1st  £77,310.00 2nd  £36,255.00 3rd  £18,135.00 4th  £9,060.00 5th  £4,530.00 6th  £2,265.00

 

JBB FORM RATINGS :  

1)EARLOFTHECOTSWOLDS (102) (1) BERKSHIRE ROCCO (102) (3)FLEURMAN (97)

 

The Andrew Balding trained six-year-old Berkshire Rocco has been put in strong favourite.,having shown some fair form this season ,winning 2 mile fast track qualifier at Southwell back in January and finished fair second to 106 rated Earl Of Tyrone in another fast track qualifier at Kempton last time .Solid claims on form, though bookmakers taking no chances at top price 2-1, up against 3 or 4 inform rivals.

 

Last years winner  EARLOFTHECOTSWOLDS  should go well after returning to form last time at Wolverhampton .Making all to beat Fleurman in 2 mile Fast Track Qualifier. Has to reverse earlier form with Berkshire Rocco ,though normally takes at couple races before hitting peak form.Has decent record on All Weather winning (4 out 8),including landing hatrick on All Weather last season .Odds around 5-1 look solid each-way value .

 

Of the others Fleurman looks the most interesting ,after finishing close second behind Earlofthecotswolds last time at Wolverhampton ,strictly on official figures has bit to find at level weights,though has won twice this season in handicap company including over C&D .Lightly raced on the All Weather,though looks open to further improvement .Each-way claims .

 

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RECOMMENDED BET GOOD FRIDAY 7TH APRIL :

 

EARLOFTHECOTSWOLDS 2.25 NEWCASTLE ( ALL WEATHER MARATHON)

0.50 PTS EACH-WAY @ 5-1 BET365* (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3 ) 

(UNPLACED SP 15-2 LOSS £100.00/1.00 PT )