Full honours for the Battalion
Fri 14 Mar 2025
Winner 12 of 2025: PALS BATTALION, trained by David O’Meara and ridden by David Nolan. ‘Free Bets With BetUK Bet Club Handicap’ over 6f at Newcastle.
A small but fine field, with all 4 runners have been operating in great form on the AW throughout the winter. Our second runner in the race, and eventual third Rebel Empire, broke well from the stalls and disputed the lead with PALS BATTALION, settling in third.
The pace really picked up inside the final furlong, and it looked like it was going to be a battle between the first two, but Pals had other plans in mind, found the right gap towards the stand side rail and flew home inside the last 100 yards to win with his ears pricked by ½ length.
Our 4-year-old has been in fantastic and consistent form over the past few months, and yesterday’s victory marked his fourth success on the AW, with another three seconds and two more placings from a total of 9 runs. An incredible record.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Newcastle/13-March-2025/2000
Timeform rated his fifth overall victory with a t92, saying: "Was better off in the weights with the second compared to when chasing him home here 7 weeks and didn't need to improve to resume winning ways; raced in third, pushed along over 1f out, quickened to lead close home, won cosily; he can't go up much for this and should go well again, including back on turf."
Find the official gallery via the link here: http://https://www.grossick.co.uk/p/80532khg/C245150604/newcastle