UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

GRANIA O'MALLEY has been off the track since picking up some minor money over a similar trip at Southwell in August and is one to monitor closely in the betting. Evan Williams' six-year-old left a favourable impression when landing a novice hurdle at Uttoxeter last summer and is on a fair mark now moving back into a handicap. Rubytwo was touched off by a neck off 2lb lower over 2m4f at Musselburgh and is considered the main danger ahead of Emma Lamb, who has shown promise in novice company.
Prediction : 1st Grania OMalley 2nd Rubytwo 3rd Emma Lamb

ASCOT DE BRUYERE followed up his C&D victory in January with an 18-length romp here over 2m4f last month and could quite feasibly defy a 13lb rise to notch a hat-trick given the mood he is in. Recent 3m1f Catterick second Special Prep has a 3lb rise to contend with but is feared most, while Straidnahanna is running off his last winning mark and is also considered a live danger now eased into back into 0-140 company.
Prediction : 1st Ascot De Bruyere 2nd Special Prep 3rd Straidnahanna

CHRISTMAS IN USA arrives on a hat-trick after recent victories at Ayr and Carlisle and a 6lb rise for the latest of them is unlikely to prevent him from mounting a bold bid. Lostock Hall hinted his turn was approaching when beaten by under a length into second at Wetherby and is the one expected to put up most resistance. A big run from Gin And Tonic, who has picked up minor money at Huntingdon the last twice, is also forecast.
Prediction : 1st Christmas In Usa 2nd Lostock Hall 3rd Gin And Tonic

BAFANA BLUE ran a much better race to finish third at Musselburgh last month and could benefit from a combination of dropping in distance and a more forceful ride. Younoso underperformed at the same venue the selection contested last time on his most recent performance and returns to the scene of his C&D success in January, while Harleys Max showed some decent form last season and could go well despite this being his first run for almost a year.
Prediction : 1st Bafana Blue 2nd Younoso 3rd Harleys Max

RETURN TICKET has won two of his three hurdle starts to date and is likely to appreciate the softer surface he encounters on this occasion compared to what he faced at Musselburgh when last seen in November. Aiden Blackmore takes a handy 7lb off to negate half of his double penalty and he can prove too good for the likes of Oscar Wilde, who may benefit from the drop in trip, and Lucky Lover Boy.
Prediction : 1st Return Ticket 2nd Oscar Wilde 3rd Lucky Lover Boy

GLENDUFF showed a fair amount of promise on his racecourse debut to finish second at Kelso and, on that showing, looks capable of taking the step forward required to go one better. Theflickeringlight was beaten at odds-on first time out but ran well enough in second to suggest she can win a contest in this sphere, while Lemon T is likely to improve plenty from his debut when fifth at Market Rasen.
Prediction : 1st Glenduff 2nd Theflickeringlight 3rd Lemon T