15:24
Newcastle (AW)
Odds correct as of 11:47am 02nd Dec
Simply getting a horse to the races these days is a very expensive endeavour and fuel costs are particularly pronounced. It’s therefore notable when a trainer sends a single runner on a particularly long journey and that’s the case on Tuesday. Andrew Balding is set to send one on the 600-mile round trip to Newcastle and the horse in question is definitely worth looking out for. Why not have a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Lasting Love is still a maiden after seven starts but the daughter of Lope De Vega has shown plenty and tries an extended 1m4f for the first time here. This 300,000 guineas purchase’s sister was a winner over two miles and on the all-weather, which means the extra furlong or so could suit.
She was deemed good enough by connections to have a crack at Listed company in the Cheshire Oaks back in May, although things didn’t go to plan and she finished last of the six runners. You’ll need to forgive a below-par effort at Redcar last time but her two second-place finishes before that suggest she has every chance.
John & Thady Gosden’s two runners appear to be the biggest dangers and one of those is a brother to Cracksman. He didn’t quite get home when second over 1m6f last time out and will appreciate this shorter trip.
Andrew Balding has had 30 runners at Newcastle so far this year and eight of those have won. This gives him a very respectable strike-rate of 27 per cent, which is certainly a good omen here. Lasting Love looks like one of the stronger candidates and she should be getting off the mark sooner rather than later.
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