NEWCASTLE 17:30 5h6l51

All 5 ran.

Time: 1m 39.42s Closing Sectional: (2f): 24.4s (101.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 100.5%

Vintager and Ummalnar flopped in this minor event, whilst the third isn't really up to this level, but the enigmatic Bless Him was probably back to something like his best to pick off the in-form runner-up; the gallop was strong.

BLESS HIM (IRE) more miss than hit on turf in 2020 but has done well on the few occasions he's tackled all-weather and, after 4 months off, ran up to best to regain winning thread in a race that panned out nicely for his hold-up style; dwelt, soon steadied, smooth headway over 1f out, cajoled ahead final 50 yds; this qualifies him for the Mile on Finals Day, but he's unlikely to get the same sort of set up around that sharper track.

COUNT OF AMAZONIA (IRE) again ran well upped in grade; in touch, led under 2f out, tackled final 100 yds, headed final 50 yds, pulled clear of remainder; has developed into a likeable, progressive type for this yard and will continue to give a good .

BORN TO BE ALIVE (IRE) wasn't in the same form as on belated return, possibly finding this coming too soon just over a fortnight on, though he was up against it at these weights in any case; close up, upsides soon after halfway, led briefly 2f out, headed soon after, no extra.

VINTAGER without the hood this time, ran to just a similar level as for his Chantilly win and the way he checked out suggests he's a shadow of his former self; in rear, headway over 2f out, effort soon after, weakened over 1f out.

UMMALNAR shaped as if amiss after 9 weeks off; led, ed soon after halfway, headed around 2f out, folded tamely; hasn't stood much racing throughout her career and Dundalk win isn't the easiest to get a handle on, so it's hard to know what to expect next time.