Newcastle (AW) 8:00 Result

Solid Bond is fitted with top weight (58 OR, 138lbs) but that's earned through recent form - won last time out from the "1" in 70-831, showing rapid improvement and clearly on a strong upward curve. Her recent win suggests she's better than her earlier form and the handicapper hasn't fully caught up given how recently she scored. Sprint handicaps at this class level are often won by those in-form and improving, and she ticks that box clearly compared to a moderate, mixed-ability field. Draw 7 is workable at Newcastle's 5f AW straight. Main dangers are Ellie's de Vega (352261, in-form gelding stepping up in grade slightly but has been racing well) and Invincible Crown (214403, consistent but yet to nail a win recently at this level). However, Solid Bond's most recent effort (a win) trumps these rivals' latest placed efforts, and shows she handles this construction well. Others like Khabib, Tawaazon and Keep The Gold are out of sorts with indifferent recent form. South Shore Island and Korroor both look up against it fitness/form-wise (Korroor off 226 days). Lady Bouquet has some place claims but hasn't shown enough winning zip recently. Given Solid Bond's improving profile and the fact she's fresh off a win just 10 days ago, she looks the strongest confirmed form horse in a moderate contest, and represents a solid betting proposition even carrying a bit more weight than most.