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Tentyris and Mark Zahra are a winning team - image Grant Courtney

Tentyris winning the Coolmore

2026 Newmarket Handicap – Race Analysishttps://bitofayarn.com


Race Shape / Map
Typical Newmarket pattern: split groups across the straight, with tempo strong early because several horses like to roll forward.

Likely speed influences
Baraqiel
War Machine
Tentyris
Angel Capital

These horses ensure the race is run at genuine G1 tempo, which normally gives backmarkers and midfielders a chance to finish over the top if the pace collapses late.  Barrier and track pattern matter heavily at Flemington because runners often gravitate to the fastest strip.

Key Contenders


Tentyris
Lightning Stakes winner
Carries 57kg as a 3yo
Barrier around middle of line
Electric speed figures
Tentyris heads the market after a blistering Lightning Stakes win and could be even better over 1200m after running exceptional closing splits there.
Pros
Elite speed
Proven straight-track form
Best recent performance rating
Query
Big weight for a 3yo in a handicap
Verdict:
Still the horse to beat, but at short odds the handicap conditions create vulnerability.

My Gladiola
3yo filly
Huge weight relief (~50.5kg)
Grey speedster
Weight gives her a serious edge against older sprinters and she was competitive in top sprint races earlier in the prep.

Pros
Massive weight pull
Quick acceleration
Query
1200m may test her against stronger closers
Verdict:
Dangerous if the light weight allows her to sprint late.
https://bitofayarn.com
Caballus
Flemington straight winner
Drawn low
Maps perfectly behind speed
Several analysts are putting him on top because handicap conditions suit him far more than previous WFA races, and his recent G2 form is strong. 

Pros
Ideal barrier
Strong straight-track profile
Can get first run
Verdict:
Serious winning chance at value.

Angel Capital
Waller runner
Consistent sprinter
Strong closing sectionals
Carries a solid weight but has the engine to finish off strongly if tempo collapses.
Verdict:
Good each-way chance in a fast race.
https://bitofayarn.com
War Machine
Capable on best form
Forgive last run
Connections suggest the horse can bounce back after a disappointing effort and be competitive here.
Verdict:
A rough knockout hope if returning to peak.

Other Chances
Benedetta – strong mare, capable in big handicaps.
Giga Kick – class sprinter if lining up at peak fitness.
Sepals / Wodeton – progressive types who could improve sharply.

Tactical Factors
1. Handicap conditions
The Newmarket is a true handicap, meaning elite horses carry much more weight than emerging sprinters.  Historically this often produces upsets or lightly weighted winners.

2. Straight-track specialists
Some horses struggle down Flemington’s straight.
Key straight horses:
Tentyris
Caballus
My Gladiola

3. Track condition
Early predictions suggest Good 4, which suits high-speed sprinters.

My Ratings (Form-Based)
Tier 1 – Win Chances
Tentyris
Caballus
My Gladiola

Tier 2 – Each-Way 4. Angel Capital 5. Benedetta Rough Value 6. War Machine 7. Wodeton

Betting Strategy

Win Bet
Caballus
Saver
Tentyris

Each-Way
Angel Capital


Exotics
Exacta / Quinella: Tentyris – Caballus – My Gladiola
 

Summary:
Tentyris is the clear class runner but the weight makes him beatable.
Caballus profiles perfectly for a Newmarket upset.
My Gladiola has the dangerous lightweight profile that often wins this race.
https://bitofayarn.com  

2026 Newmarket Handicap – Speed Map

🟢 Leaders / Forward Group

These horses should drive the early speed and control the tempo.

Baraqiel (Barrier 3) – natural speed, expected to push forward early

Caballus (Barrier 1) – rails draw almost forces him to roll forward

Gallant Son (Barrier 10) – aggressive pattern

Pallaton (Barrier 6) – likely to go forward

Sghirripa (Barrier 9) – expected to push up early

👉 These runners should create strong pressure in the first 400–600m, which is typical in the Newmarket.

🟡 On-Pace / Just Behind Speedhttps://bitofayarn.com

These runners should sit just off the leaders and get first run.

Angel Capital (Barrier 2) – perfect stalking position

Sepals (Barrier 4) – midfield tracking speed

My Gladiola (Barrier 7) – likely midfield with cover

Disneck (Barrier 😎 – midfield runner

👉 Historically this “stalking” position wins a lot of straight races if the leaders weaken late.

🔵 Backmarkers / Late Closershttps://bitofayarn.com

These runners will drop out early and look for late runs.

Tentyris (Barrier 12) – explosive closer

War Machine (Barrier 11) – likely settle rear half

Benedetta (Barrier 13) – strong late finisher

Wodeton (Barrier 15) – wide draw means likely back

De Bergerac (Barrier 14) – will drift back

Geegees Mistruth (Barrier 5) – midfield to back

Tentyris famously came from last to win the Lightning Stakes, so expect similar tactics here. 

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