Newton Abbot 3:35 Result

Saint Polo carries top weight for good reason - his form figures -71113 show three straight wins including his last two starts, and he's the highest rated at 109, a clear margin above this modest field. He's fresh off a 21-day break which fits a quick turnaround pattern, and his trainer Jennie Candlish is in form. The addition of tongue-tie could be aimed at sharpening him further. Berry Edge (5313-2) is the main danger with Harry Skelton booked and a good recent second, but he's rated 87, 22lbs behind on official figures, and stepping up in grade against the class topweight. Lightning Flash has been off 145 days and his best form (4F63) is inconsistent with a fall in there. Cogital at 11 is out of the placings more often than not despite a recent win, and Saucats/Princess of Ballea are both lower rated and look to be makeweights in this contest for the shorter-priced horses to beat. Saint Polo's task is to defy a big weight, but his rating advantage and current winning form make him the swing factor - he looks the horse to beat and represents the best combination of proven class and current form in a weak selling handicap.