Newcastle tips: Marshman backed to scoop sprint glory for Karl Burke on All-Weather Finals Day
With Newcastle's All-Weather Finals Day card looming, Luke Elder caught up with Declan Rix and Sam Boswell to discuss the best betting angles and selections for the big meeting on the tapeta in the north-east
Thursday 2 April 2026 15:33, UK
Ahead of All-Weather Finals Day, Luke Elder was joined by Declan Rix and Sam Boswell to discuss their top fancies for Newcastle's flagship meeting on the level.
The panel paid particular attention to the 3.35pm Midnite All-Weather Sprint Handicap, which sees a maximum field of 14 assembled to tackle the six-furlong trip.
Sir Les Patterson and Sarab Star are towards the head of the market, with the Karl Burke-trained Marshman also in situ.
Declan Rix
"I don't see loads of pace in this race but one that will more than likely bring that will be Valiant Force. With first-time blinkers on, he could be let loose on the front end and could take some catching with an easy lead, with a high draw.
"I'm going to side however with a horse that finished third in the race last year in Marshman from the Karl Burke yard, with Clifford Lee having his first ride back on him after a serious accident. He's 5lbs lower than running in this race last year and had an eye-catching last time at Wolverhampton, up in trip and wide in the run.
"He stumbled out of the stalls and ran on well in the end. They have done well to get him this well-handicapped and he could be dangerous to discount."
Host Luke Elder
"I'm going for a slightly big-priced swing in this with Wiltshire and you have to squint to see it but when you do, he'd be well-handicapped. He has some course and distance form in a trial at Newcastle and he faces five of the same rivals again this time.
"He missed the kick at the start and ran through rivals nicely, making loads of nice, late progress - his final furlong is ridiculous under hands and heels.
"He does like to miss the start, which isn't the best in these sorts of sprints, but he's had a wind operation and with a tongue tie added he could be some serious each-way value."
Sam Boswell
"Being drawn low isn't ideal but Berkshire Whisper could be dangerous to discount if you are willing to forgive his last run. His trainer Andrew Balding is the winning most trainer on All-Weather Finals Day with 10 victories to his name and this horse won at this meeting last year.
"The wheels looked to come off after winning last year, but he ran in some tough races on the turf in Graded company and because of this he has now become well-handicapped. A price of 18-1 looks good for me."
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