Oddschecker tips for every race at Sedgefield on Friday
12:10 Merry Christmas From Paxtons Mares' Handicap Chase
MIDNIGHT WALK wasn't far away when second at Southwell last time and most importantly the handicapper has only raised her 1lb for that effort which gives her a fantastic chance of going one better. Lochnell is a consistent alternative and looks the pick of Scottish handler Ian Duncan's pair, while Irish raider Sultana Belle could have more to come on just her second start for her Ronan McNally.
Prediction: 1st Midnight Walk, 2nd Lochnell, 3rd Sultana Belle
12:40 Sis Dylan Meale Memorial Novices' Handicap Hurdle
TEESCOMPONENTS MAX has knocked on the door the last twice over hurdles and has the chance to get off the mark here from an inviting mark for local handler Gillian Bonas. Charmant has been running better than the bare results suggest and he could provide the main opposition, while Hit And Run, Monsieur Murphy and Indian Reel are respected representing leading stables.
Prediction: 1st Teescomponents Max, 2nd Charmant, 3rd Indian Reel
13:15 Newcastle Flooring Maiden Hurdle (Qualifier)
Nicky Richards' Hello Fellas disappointed at Newcastle last time when sent off favourite. He was too keen in the early stages that day and a hood is now reached for which could help him travel better into the race. However, preference is for INNISCASTLE LAD, who was two places ahead in third that day, following up a respectable performance behind Ravenhill Road, and he looks to have plenty of ability. Desert Ruler has some smart Flat form and is another to consider on his hurdles bow.
Prediction: 1st Inniscastle Lad, 2nd Hello Fellas, 3rd Desert Ruler
13:45 Brian Ellison Racing Club Novices' Handicap Chase (Qualifier)
Local handler Rebecca Menzies can give her punters something to shout about here courtesy of SMILING JESSICA, who has knocked on the door the last twice and remains on a winnable mark here. Dick Darsie was still travelling well in a race which has worked out well when unseating his rider last time and has to be considered for Sue Smith, while Ask Paddy was a dual winner here last season and could be capable of more success at the Durham venue.
Prediction: 1st Smiling Jessica, 2nd Dick Darsie, 3rd Ask Paddy
14:20 Happy Birthday Vanya Handicap Hurdle
VISERION has been steadily dropping down the weights and shaped with some promise when sixth last time at Carlisle. Donald McCain's string seem to be an improved bunch, on the whole, this season and this looks a more than winnable race. Cape Of Glory has been in good form of late without winning and is respected once again, while Mac Cennetig makes some appeal on stable debut for Micky Hammond.
Prediction: 1st Viserion, 2nd Cape Of Glory, 3rd Mac Cennetig
14:55 Compare Free Bets At bookmakers.co.uk 'Hands And Heels' 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Cond/Amat)
CAPTIVA ISLAND improved from his hurdles debut when runner-up to Du Soleil at Uttoxeter last month and looks likely to improve for the step up to 2m4f for the first time. Contented was a beaten favourite at Taunton last time when second to Shoal Bay and looks a key player along with Haighall, who caught the eye when falling two out at Carlisle behind Count Meribel when relatively unfancied.
Prediction: 1st Captiva Island, 2nd Contented, 3rd Haighall
15:25 Auction House North East Standard Open NH Flat Race
THEATRE LEGEND improved considerably from his debut when winning a bumper over C&D in October and, despite carrying a 7lb penalty, the son of Midnight Legend looks capable of further improvement. Dunkereen can take a step forward from his debut when fourth at Ayr and has a first-time hood and tongue tie to assist, while Lucky Lucarno and Tab Hogarth are two newcomers worthy of interest.
Prediction: 1st Theatre Legend, 2nd Dunkereen, 3rd Lucky Lucarno
