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By Nick Berney

NEWCASTLE – BEST BET: Race 5 # 6 – PERVADE

Is on an upwards ratings spiral this campaign, and he raced well last start to score at Randwick. The gelding had every chance stalking a slow tempo, but he showed a turn of foot, running solid closing splits and maintained a strong finishing speed to the line. Further, that race produced a high rating last section relative to the day after adjustments. The Chris Waller gallopers ratings/sectional profile indicates he can only step off that performance, and he maps to have all favours from barrier one. In addition, his overseas formlines suggest stepping out to 1850m will only be a positive.

Capo Strada (Pic: Bradley Photos)

NEWCASTLE – NEXT BEST: Race 10 # 7 – CAPO STRADA

The blinkers went on for the first time last start, and the Godolphin galloper went to a new level when winning at Randwick. The five-year-old was run to suit, but he sprinted hard, clocking the meeting's quickest 400m-200m split, and was strong to the line. He gets in with a lightweight here, which will enhance his key asset in acceleration; he draws to be smothered away and repeating his last start figure will make him hard to hold out.

NEWCASTLE – SECTIONAL STAR: Race 6 # 3 – SKY LAB

Returns to his home track and has been building towards a peak performance. The Paul Perry trained galloper wasn't suited to the race shape last start in the Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m) and was building through his gears well before having no luck over the final stages. Further, he was held up, but Punter's Intelligence recorded he still ran the eighth fastest final 200m split of the meeting in 11.15 even with that interference. He'll relish the rise in trip, is at optimal fitness and can rate to win.

BATHURST – COUNTRY PICK: Race 3 # 1 – FLETCHLO

He is an improving type and ran very fast time when breaking through for his maiden win at Bathurst 22 days ago. The four-year-olds effort was full of merit after having the pace against, and he had to make a long sustained run. Further, he savaged the line, clocked the meeting's fastest final 200m when flattening out and pricked his ears on the line. All key indicators suggest he can only step off that performance, and the rise to 1400m is ideal. Hard to beat.

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Newcastle meeting