Sprint specialist Mick Appleby has two favourable opportunities to win the BetUK All-Weather Sprint Handicap at Newcastle on Good Friday. Appleby has entered Juan Les Pins and Billyjoh, both competing in the £150,000 race over six furlongs on the tapeta surface.
Presently, Juan Les Pins is considered the stronger contender of the two. He is a seven-year-old who secured a Listed placement and finished one length behind Diligent Harry in the Hever Sprint at Southwell in February.
Appleby believes that Juan Les Pins might excel on turf, but he anticipates that Billyjoh, his stablemate, has more to offer after a successful winter on the all-weather track, resulting in three wins.
According to the trainer, "They are both talented horses. I believe Billyjoh still has untapped potential and could surprise people, while Juan Les Pins has caught the attention of handicappers. Juan Les Pins might perform better on grass, but he should still put up a good performance."
Another highly regarded contender is Cover Up, owned by Godolphin and trained by John and Thady Gosden. Cover Up has won all three of his starts on the all-weather, with the last two victories achieved over five furlongs at Newcastle. However, Newcastle's six-furlong distance and stiffer track will present a new challenge for the horse, who has seen a significant increase in rating, from 76 to 101, throughout the season.
Harry Charlton's Batal Dubai, a consistent performer over six furlongs on the all-weather, is also receiving attention in the betting market. Tim Palin, representing owners Middleham Park Racing, states that this race at Newcastle is an ideal scenario for Batal Dubai, who thrives in competitive handicaps with a big field.
Gordon Elliott's Coachello, a course and distance winner from Ireland, adds an interesting element to the race as well. Coachello arrives in good form and is expected to deliver a solid performance in the strong competition.
Chipstead, trained by Roger Teal, is another noteworthy participant. Chipstead, a full brother to sprint star Oxted, won the BetUK AWC Sprint Trial Handicap at Lingfield in his last appearance. Teal expresses confidence in the horse, noting that he has been training well and has a good chance, potentially as an each-way bet.
David O'Meara is well represented with three runners: Summerghand, Aberama Gold, and Misty Grey. Summerghand, an experienced sprinter, previously won the 2021 edition of this race when it took place at Lingfield. O'Meara acknowledges that Newcastle might not bring out the best in Summerghand, but due to the significant prize money, the horse will compete. Aberama Gold finished fourth in a Listed race at Newcastle in November, and O'Meara believes this race suits him better. Misty Grey displayed a fine performance at Wolverhampton and will attempt to replicate that form in this prestigious race.
Overall, the BetUK All-Weather Sprint Handicap at Newcastle on Good Friday presents a competitive field with several strong contenders, each with their own merits and chances of success.