Newcastle, Friday later on with Pallas Lord

Newcastle 8th December : 5.45 pm 1m 0-58 handicap (Class 6)

At first glance, the BHA Handicapper would appear to have given Pallas Lord every chance of returning to winning ways in this 1 mile handicap on Newcastle's AW track. His best form for our yard came in a fine spell he had between December '22 and March '23. However, although out of the placings last time at this track over 7f a month ago, he did show some signs that he was on his way back. He'll need to be though, as this is a predictably tight affair.

There are several lining up in opposition to whom the tag 'fair handicapper' could easily be leveled and in addition most of the field are c&d winners.

Panama City made all here last time, returning to tapeta after a turf campaign. He's at his best when allowed to dominate but may not get it all his own way this evening.
Spirit of Bowland ran up a hat-trick in the Spring but the handicapper appears to have his measure and has only dropped him 1lb recently due to a series of consistently good efforts this Autumn.
Mercurius Power is in good fettle but would seem best at 10f these days. However, down in grade, he'll be staying on and if they go too fast up front, his finishing spurt could see him get up to win. The main danger.

There has been a bit of 'market nibble' for our gelding overnight, so we can only observe from afar if that 5-1 (best odds) will hold.
Anyway, the Pallas Lord gang will be out in force and PJ McDonald rides. Good luck to all.

Pallas Lord (Rhae)