UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

Robeam paid his way in moderate staying contests on the level during the summer but looked a completely different proposition when switched to timber, storming a long way clear of his Sedgefield opponents. NAVAJO PASS only had two rivals to beat on his jumping bow at Bangor, but was just as impressive and he was a much better Flat performer. His quality in that sphere earns him the vote, with the three NH newcomers also bringing good Flat form to the table, particularly Grazeon Roy.
Prediction : 1st Navajo Pass 2nd Robeam 3rd Grazeon Roy

CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL rarely runs a bad race and ended a 19-month drought when justifying favouritism over C&D a couple of weeks ago. He appeared to have a little bit up his sleeve so a 4lb rise may underestimate the merit of the performance and he can follow up. Western Rules never got going on his Kelso comeback, but better is expected now the run is under his belt. Up Helly Aa King lacks a recent outing but struck at Carlisle in March, and there is more to come from him over fences.
Prediction : 1st Charlie Snow Angel 2nd Up Helly Aa King 3rd Western Rules

GLENDUFF would be an apt winner of the race named after one of Nicky Richards' most admirable servants and he looked the part when turning over an odds-on favourite on his hurdling debut at Carlisle. The extra couple of furlongs here is in his favour and he appears to have a bright future. Smart bumper performer Imperial Alcazar showed that quality when making a successful jumping bow at Aintree and is a big danger, although Espoir De Romay and Checkitout can't be dismissed lightly in a potentially informative contest.
Prediction : 1st Glenduff 2nd Imperial Alcazar 3rd Espoir De Romay

River Frost has finally got his act together over fences and despite being 4lb higher than for his recent Market Rasen second, he remains well treated compared to his timber figure. Murphy's Law struck over the smaller obstacles at Kelso and seems to have more to offer, while Lord Du Mesnil has hit the crossbar twice this campaign and shouldn't be far away. JAMMY GEORGE was never really a factor on his chasing debut at Ascot, but he made some decent late headway in a competitive race and can take the necessary step forward, with the experience unlikely to be lost on him.
Prediction : 1st Jammy George 2nd River Frost 3rd Murphys Law

Buveur D'Air looks for a hat-trick of victories in the Newcastle feature after proving his class by reversing Aintree form with Supasundae in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle in May. However, his performances at the other spring Festivals, as well as his Kempton defeat at Christmas, leave the two-time Champion Hurdler with questions to answer as he rises nine. Therefore, a chance may be worth taking on LADY BUTTONS catching the defending champion cold and confirming her status as the queen of the north. Philip Kirby's likeable mare went from strength to strength when winning four on the bounce last term and returned in imperious fashion at Wetherby earlier this month. Champion Hurdle third Silver Streak can also get involved following his emphatic victory in a Kempton Listed race on his reappearance.
Prediction : 1st Lady Buttons 2nd Buveur DAir 3rd Silver Streak

Rare Clouds was sent off favourite when fourth at Wetherby last time and with the stable beginning to hit a bit of form (three winners this week), hopes will be high for a big performance from the five-year-old brother to the yard's Vintage Clouds. However, Ruth Jefferson is another handler among the winners recently and it may be worth siding with her LEMON T, who was an emphatic eight-length winner of a bumper here in March and could repeat the dose on his hurdling debut. Arnica was third in that contest and could offer a little value following a respectable debut over timber at Kelso earlier this month, while Baron De Midleton is worth a market check as the point-to-point winner makes his first outing for Brian Ellison.
Prediction : 1st Lemon T 2nd Rare Clouds 3rd Arnica

Jonniesofa could prove extremely popular having returned from 672 days off the track to romp to an emphatic 16-length success at Ayr earlier this month and, with testing ground in his favour, has the potential to make light work of a 9lb rise. However, it is hard to get away from TOP VILLE BEN, who impressed in the novice ranks last season and was a gallant third in a Grade 1 at Aintree in the spring behind Lostintranslation (first) and Topofthegame (second). That now looks a red-hot piece of form and he is more than capable of leaving his disappointing Charlie Hall reappearance in the past, now back amongst handicap company. Defending champion Lake View Lad is 17lb higher this time, but went from strength to strength last season and further improvement can't be ruled out, while Kilfilum Cross is interesting following an eye-catching preparation for this over an unsuitable distance at Stratford.
Prediction : 1st Top Ville Ben 2nd Jonniesofa 3rd Kilfilum Cross