Force March Returns to Newcastle for Fourth Start

Force March’s Return

Force March, a lightly raced four-year-old gelding, has not raced since an impressive and fast-finishing second at Wyong in early April. He finished a long neck behind rival Newcastle mare Turning Circle, who went on to claim a benchmark 64 handicap. After that race, Force March was immediately spelled and has been prepared for a late-winter and spring campaign by his trainer Andrew MacDonald.

Race Details

The horse will return for his fourth start in a competitive maiden handicap over 1150m for older gallopers at the Newcastle meeting on Tuesday. He has drawn an inside barrier and is the $4 favourite, narrowly ahead of four-year-old St Johann ($4.40), making its debut for the Hawkes stable at Rosehill, and promising five-year-old Wan Lost ($5), also first up for the leading Kris Lees stable.

The track was rated a good 4 in the days leading up to the meeting, but a forecast of rain on the day may push it back into the soft range. Either way, the meeting is described as a “peak” event for many runners, especially metropolitan-based gallopers coming through seemingly stronger form lines.

Other Notable Runners

Local trainer Nathan Doyle has a strong presence at the meeting, with six winners from 21 runners in August, including a BM72 double at Warwick Farm on Wednesday. Doyle has a big hand in a class 1 handicap over 1150m, with last-start third-up winner Lady Of The Castle ($5.50) and promising mare Perfect Force ($7), both strong value chances.

Doyle’s biggest statement could come in the closing race, a provincial BM68 handicap over 1200m, featuring the progressive Better Late. The four-year-old son of gun sire Maurice missed only a half-length when resuming in a BM64 at Gosford 19 days ago. He is now fitter, stays over the distance, and receives a big weight relief tackling a deeper graded race.

The meeting offers a golden chance for local trainers to continue a terrific start to the new season, with the track conditions and field strength making it a compelling event for both owners and punters alike.