Jamie Spencer: “Being 4lb well-in, she clearly has strong claims”

1.45pm Newcastle

Society Lion

He obviously didn’t run up to anywhere near his best on his stable debut at Newmarket last month but he was a smart handicapper on his day in 2020 and he is 1lb lower than when a narrow third in a big-field handicap at Ascot just three starts ago. On that form, he has a decent shot at this, though his best form to date has come at 7f.

 

2.55pm Newcastle

Blow Your Horn

The ground went against him at Chester last time and he is much better judged on his earlier, progressive form, which included a good win at Chelmsford off just a 4lb lower mark than this. He has winning form on the track too, and I can see the step up to 2m suiting him as well. He has a solid each way chance.

 

3.30pm Newcastle

Dubious Affair

The only good thing about her just failing to get up in the 1m6f handicap at Royal Ascot is that she doesn’t carry a 5lb penalty here for winning. If she hadn’t been momentarily checked in her run at the furlong marker there, then she would have won but there is no point dwelling on that. She hasn’t raced here before but she has operated well at other all-weather tracks and, being officially 4lb well-in, she clearly has strong claims. How she deals with the relatively quick turnaround, we shall see.

 

4.05pm Newcastle

London Arch

I haven’t ridden him before but he seemed to shape okay on his return at York, he came down 2lb for it and he has won around here, too. This could prove his optimum trip and he has his chance in what is obviously another competitive handicap. The visor that he wore for a fair third at Wolverhampton is back on here.

 

5.10pm Newcastle

Vanity Affair

He would appear to have a lot going for him. I know he has gone up 11lb for his three wins this season but he did it well for me here and then went on to win decisively at Nottingham last time. This is obviously a lot harder but you have to give him every chance given his progressive profile.