AU - Newcastle - Race 1

Thoroughbred

9 Runners

4.5f

Class 1

Turf

HEAVY 8

32.2K

VIEW

Verdict

SILK LACE (3) returned from a spell last start over this course and distance and bravely held on to record her maiden win after leading from the outset. Gets 6.5kgs off the favourite after Emma Ly's claim - that is significant on a heavy 8 surface. Lightly raced filly who has returned in great shape and is good enough to take this next step. CLOSE TO MIDNIGHT (1) is fresh from a 27-week spell and has transferred to the James Harding stable. Very competitive in Melbourne midweek company when at his peak. Two recent trials should have him ready to run well. VALENTINO PRINCE (8) was ridden closer to the pace and ran a better race most recently over 6 ½f at this track. Has a shocking strike rate but might run a cheeky race down in the weights. BENT AS HELL (4) returns after a 110-day spell. Will be better for the run but her solid record here at this trip keeps her under notice. GO RUSSIAN (7) is next best but is a query in the heavy going.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
3	Second-up. First-up after four months won by 0.6 len at this track Mdn April 23 over 4 ½f on a rain affected track defeating Artemex carrying 120lbs at $7.50. Previously second-up 6th of 12 at Hawkesbury Mid Mdn-Sw on December 14 over 5f, slow going 5.5 len behind Seven Days with 122lbs at $8.50. Still has scope for improvement and will be tough to beat again. 1st Pick 3 Silk Lace Jockey: Emma Ly Trainer: Blake Ryan J: Emma Ly T: Blake Ryan	167	-	-	-	63%
Analysis Second-up. First-up after four months won by 0.6 len at this track Mdn April 23 over 4 ½f on a rain affected track defeating Artemex carrying 120lbs at $7.50. Previously second-up 6th of 12 at Hawkesbury Mid Mdn-Sw on December 14 over 5f, slow going 5.5 len behind Seven Days with 122lbs at $8.50. Still has scope for improvement and will be tough to beat again.
2	Resuming. Finished off last preparation third of 11 at Taree Bm58 January 30 over 5f, soft track, 1.3 len behind Bethsheba carrying 129lbs at $1.75. On debut ninth of 11 at Beaumont (Newcastle) Mdn-Sw October 27 over 5 ¾f, 6 len behind Snowslide with 125lbs at $21. Honest gelding who should make a strong start to the campaign. 2nd Pick 2 Difensivo Jockey: Non Runner Trainer: Nacim Dilmi J: Non Runner T: Nacim Dilmi	120	-	-	-	1%	Scratched
Analysis Resuming. Finished off last preparation third of 11 at Taree Bm58 January 30 over 5f, soft track, 1.3 len behind Bethsheba carrying 129lbs at $1.75. On debut ninth of 11 at Beaumont (Newcastle) Mdn-Sw October 27 over 5 ¾f, 6 len behind Snowslide with 125lbs at $21. Honest gelding who should make a strong start to the campaign.
1	Back from a long spell. Only had one start last preparation sat on the speed throughout before fading 7th of 9 at Caulfield Heath Bm62 on November 12 over 5f, on a slow track, 4.5 len behind Mr Magnus carrying 129lbs at $3.70. When resuming last campaign 4th of 8 at Moonee Valley Cl1 on March 7 2025 over 5f, 2.5 len behind Abovethefrostline with 130lbs at $2.60. Trialled on May 4 at Beaumont (Newcastle) over 4f and finished eighth. Market watch for the new stable. 3rd Pick 1 Close To Midnight Jockey: Zac Lloyd Trainer: James Harding J: Zac Lloyd T: James Harding	84	-	-	-	50%	Scratched
Analysis Back from a long spell. Only had one start last preparation sat on the speed throughout before fading 7th of 9 at Caulfield Heath Bm62 on November 12 over 5f, on a slow track, 4.5 len behind Mr Magnus carrying 129lbs at $3.70. When resuming last campaign 4th of 8 at Moonee Valley Cl1 on March 7 2025 over 5f, 2.5 len behind Abovethefrostline with 130lbs at $2.60. Trialled on May 4 at Beaumont (Newcastle) over 4f and finished eighth. Market watch for the new stable.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Turf Course

A racetrack made of grass.

Allowance Race

A race with non-claiming conditions set by the racing secretary. They are meant to be a step down from stakes racing.

Bolt

A sudden veering to the inside or outside rail, often caused by the horse spooking or shying from something.