3 minute read

Rain Drum resumed well in the Apollo Stakes last start and despite drawing wide should take beating in the Newmarket Handicap (1400m) at Newcastle today.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained runner was only 2.2L away from Appearance in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes last time out and generally runs well when second up.

Rain Drum has not drawn the best in barrier 15 but generally starts well and with Blake Shinn in the saddle will go forward and take plenty of running down.

The lightly raced six-year-old gelding has won six of his 15 career starts, placing on a further six occasions and rates well on weight adjusted Timeform ratings.

Comes up against a handy field today but with some luck from the wide draw rates as a top chance and will certainly take some running down here.

The old warrior Pinwheel has been far from disgraced in three runs this campaign, only 1.2L away from Moment Of Change in Group 1 company two back before running a close fourth in the Liverpool City Cup.

Has failed to win a race in 571 days now but rarely runs a bad race and should be fighting out the finish of this one based on what he has produced of late.

There look to be a handful of chances lining up to fill the placings and among them is Strawberry Boy who was disappointing when resuming behind Mouro at Flrmongto last start.

Showed good ability last campaign and willing to give another chance here with the Peter Moody-trained runner likely to measure up on best form.

Likely to push forward from barrier 2 and expecting a big improvement on what he produced last start.

Mecir has promised plenty in his short career and has followed up a win three starts back with two good runs, running a narrow fourth in open company at Rosehill last start.

With just 54kg to carry, the in form James McDonald goes back on board and down in the weights off a freshen up is certainly one to keep an eye on.

These appear to be the main chances along with the in form Almight Charge who has finished in the money his last five outings, winning two of them and running second on the other two occasions.

Drawn wide but will also go forward and is one to keep in mind with Reparations the best of the rest.