5.15 Newcastle: Class 6 Handicap, 7f

The filly Giselles Izzy ran the most bizarre race three weeks ago at Wolverhampton over the shorter 6 furlongs trip. She wasn’t sharply away from the #1 gate, had to be encouraged to move forward until she found herself stuck behind a wall of horses and was pulled back to the rear of the field.

She then made some eye-catching progress from 3 furlongs out against the inside rail, eventually slicing through the field easily under hands and heels while not finding the smoothest of passages. Nonetheless, she finished by far the fastest.

One of the most bizarre performances and rides I have seen this year. The steadied start and energy conserved played a part, yet the seriously strong finish under hands and heels points to the filly being in excellent form.

Normally only a horse in good form can do what she did in the backend of the race. That was her second run off a small break. She did well the two times before on turf.

Now back over 7 furlongs, she deserves another chance. She should stay on pedigree.

I don’t like fillies during the winter, and certainly none that may mess up the start. But I simply can’t get her latest most incredible run out of my head.

10pts win – Giselles Izzy @ 10.5/1

……..

6.15 Newcastle: Class 3 Handicap, 6f

This looks a hot contest and possibly a minefield to try and find the winner. But I feel it’s noteworthy that money comes for War In Heaven. It’s the sign I was hoping to see after an eye-catching run four weeks ago at Chelmsford.

There he was quite keen after the start, stumbled badly soon after and the jockey just managed to stay on board. He continued to race keenly before dropping to the rear of field.

He finished well to the eye under an easy ride eventually, and one could have wondered “what if” .

That was the second start for a new yard after being gelded as well; a clear sign that he’s moving in the right direction. One can forgive the Newmarket comeback run, though.

He showed some talent earlier this year, especially when winning twice over 6 furlongs at Lingfield. He’s also a full-bother to useful French juvenile filly Bolivie, who is rated 89 if converted to a British handicap mark.

Down to 6 furlongs looks a positive, as it should help to settle. Cheek-pieces fitted may help too. If allowed to run on his merit, this gelding could be seriously well handicapped. However, to keep in mind, he showed a tendency for starting poorly in the past, and that could end his chances prematurely. It’s worth the risk.

10pts win – War In Heaven @ 10/1