Newcastle (AW) 4:35 Result

Rubellite's form figures (411451) are outstanding - a recent winning sequence with only one blip, showing she's in career-best form right now and clearly relishes this trip/surface combination. Top weight at 141lbs reflects a rising handicap mark earned on merit, not a burden - she's proven she can carry weight and win. A mare in this kind of purple patch, racing fresh (last run 20 days ago), with an OR of 64 that looks light given her recent scoring, stands out in a moderate Class 6 field. Most rivals here are either resurfacing after long layoffs (Cusack, 115 days), unproven at this trip, or showing indifferent recent form (Ouro Preto's 979089, Beckon's -63990). That Darn Cantor and Sutton Hoo have decent marks but their form figures are patchy compared to Rubellite's dominant recent sequence. The key angle is that a mare who has strung together wins including a very recent one is clearly progressive and there's little in this race with the physical evidence to suggest they can rough her up back-to-back. Conor Whiteley takes the 5lb claim which helps offset the topweight concern. This looks like a warm order but represents the strongest, most in-form runner in a race lacking overall depth of quality, and connections (Hanlon) look to have her spot-on.