10th Feb 2017 | Horse Racing
Newcastle Tips: Major Jumbo
Showed bright early speed but able to sustain it on Newcastle’s often demanding home-straight.
This winter I’ve really struggled with speed ratings from Newcastle; they’ve been much lower relative to grade than the other all-weather tracks and the only reasons I could think of are the uphill track, headwind or bad horses!
Major Jumbo doesn’t fall into the last category. He showed tremendous speed to win over course and distance 16 days ago and can overcome an 8lbs penalty.
Only just a 3-year-old, he put in a great performance to win by 2.25 lengths, blowing the race apart from the start. He covered the first 3f in 34.24s, the fastest split over the distance from the last 380 runners. The fact he kept going and clocked the second fastest closing sectional, is testament to his ability.
After the win, Shane Gray said, “He’s improved a lot from last year and looks a proper sprinter. He has plenty of speed.” Nothing to argue with there. Kevin Ryan has made good use of his nearest all-weather track, he enjoys a 22% strike rate (14-65) and can improve that record in the 6.45 contest.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 01:20 10th Feb, 2017 but subject to change
