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By Neil Evans

An in-depth look at every runner in the $150,000 Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championships Qualifier (1400m) at Newcastle on Saturday.

1. Lord Of Biscay (Kris Lees, Newcastle): Sparingly raced and a genuine chance on his home track despite drawing wide. Tracked the speed before going home best to win at the Gold Coast, then came off a break to easily claim the Ballina Cup. Again reloads six weeks between runs, but that's his style, and if he gets across without doing too much work, can be in the finish over his pet trip.

2. Northern Eyes (Kim Waugh, Wyong): Big market watch resuming from the inside barrier for his first run since early last spring when unplaced at Warwick Farm after powering through the grades winning four straight up to BM 72 metropolitan level. Was good through the line in a recent trial, and stable has a smart record at getting them ready fresh.

3. Overriding (Nathan Doyle, Newcastle): Smart home track mare who backs up in eight days from the Hawkesbury qualifier when getting very little luck or room in the run home. That came after a strong closing effort in a metropolitan BM 88, and if she gets any cover and clear air from the 400m, looms as the one to beat. Loves it here having won four from five.

Overriding (Pic: Steve Hart)

4. Matcha Latte (Sara Ryan, Wyong): Progressive and talented five-year-old resuming behind two solid trials at Rosehill. Has had very little racing since an exciting prep way back in the autumn of 2023 when placed in the Group 2 Hobartville and even tackled the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas over 2000m. Was only run down late in the Group 3 Cameron here last spring before spelling, and the stable will ensure he's forward enough to tackle such a competitive race fresh.

5. Rico Suave (Stephen O'Halloran, Hawkesbury): Honest galloper who looks out of his depth second-up in this line-up especially drawn off the track. Still ran home well at big odds in a BM 68 here a fortnight ago, but far more depth to contend with here.

6. Apache Breeze (Wayne Seelin, Wyong): Will go around at a big price, but far from the roughest. Swept home for a smart win at BM 64 level at Scone before doing his best work late in a Saturday metro BM 72. Steps up sharly now from 1000m and no concern he will run it out, but woud still need a tonne of breaks in transit to go his way.

7. Prince Of Sorts (Allan Kehoe, Wyong): One of the better longer-priced knockout chances in the race returning from a nine week break. Consistently in the placings last prep, including a dominant front-running CL1 win here. Trialled well on the track 18 days ago and drawn to get a cosy run, but this is a big step up.

8. Pluckten (Damien Lane, Wyong): Big odds and thrown in at the deep end coming off just a fair closing effort in BM 64 company at Hawkesbury. Normally improves second-up off any break, but this looks way too tough.

9. Uncle Harry (Paul Perry, Newcastle): Trained on the course, and another one well out in the early market. Is hard fit and closed off okay in a handy BM 68 here 11 days ago, and drawn to get a nice trail just off the speed, but likely that will not be enough.

10. Welcometobarbados (Paul Murray, Kembla): Intriguing mare who is bred to get further, and can peak second-up in this. Charged home from the back to win a BM 68 here fresh, and will take that form into this next run. Suited under the set weights condition of the race, and with enough speed on up front, watch for her thundering home late. Has a 50 percent win rate from eight starts. Definite each-way chance.

11. Lounerse (David Atkins, Newcastle): There was plenty to like about her off speed first-up win here in BM 66 grade, and she gets a nice drop in weight; but this is a very big class rise

12. Rubi's Serve (Mark Minervini, Newcastle): Last two efforts in BM 68 company here have been solid enough, and another one right down in weight, but this is too big a task.

SELECTIONS:
3. OVERRIDING
10. Welcometobarbados
4. Matcha Latte
2. Northern Eyes

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