UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

VILLAINESS finished a good second having been well supported ahead of her racecourse debut at Newbury in November and Jamie Snowden's mare is fancied to go one better with improvement likely. Femme Patronne shaped with promise over an extended 1m5f at Huntingdon two months ago and a step up in trip might enable her to step forward. Warren Greatrex often does well in these contests, so Ici La Reine must be taken seriously.
Prediction : 1st Villainess 2nd Femme Patronne 3rd Ici La Reine

TOMMY'S OSCAR faced a tough assignment in the Fighting Fifth last time out, but Ann Hamilton's stable star is fancied to show his class back over the larger obstacles. Since Day One can provide a stern challenge, though he will need to be more fluent than on his two chase starts to date, while fencing debutant Cormier shouldn't be underestimated either.
Prediction : 1st Tommys Oscar 2nd Since Day One 3rd Cormier

In an open event, a chance is taken on THE KING OF MAY. The nine-year-old has been largely consistent over fences, with his most recent success coming over C&D in April. Brian Ellison's charge remains fairly treated and he might prove too strong for the opposition. O'Toole showed a fair level of form over hurdles and, tongue-tied ahead of his chasing debut, must enter calculations. Hidden Commander ought to appreciate the forecast ground conditions and the son of Shirocco could play a leading role this afternoon.
Prediction : 1st The King Of May 2nd OToole 3rd Hidden Commander

TOP OF THE BILL recorded a first success over hurdles when improving for the step up in trip at Chepstow last month and, with a 6lb rise in the ratings looking potentially lenient, he could have more to offer over staying distances. Theme Tune came good at the second time of asking for the Nick Alexander team when scoring at Haydock and should be involved now back up in class. The in-form Tiger Jet is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Top Of The Bill 2nd Theme Tune 3rd Tiger Jet

Densworth should appreciate this drop in trip after taking a keen hold in his races over further, although the six-year-old does need to prove he can cope with the likely underfoot conditions. On that basis, ARTISTE D'AINAY rates a more solid proposition after shaping better than the bare form when weakening into third at Naas last month and should take some stopping. Sageburg County may prove more competitive once entering handicaps, but the Warren Greatrex inmate has the form to be involved today.
Prediction : 1st Artiste Dainay 2nd Densworth 3rd Sageburg County

HENRY'S FRIEND showed up well for a long way when runner-up in a Grade 2 at Sandown last month and this represents a steep drop in grade as he looks to notch up a second career win. Serious Operator is another that carries a penalty into this contest, but he must improve on an underwhelming effort at Cheltenham last time out. Bleu D'enfer is a key player as well on the form of his penultimate second at Punchestown.
Prediction : 1st Henrys Friend 2nd Serious Operator 3rd Bleu Denfer

Marginal preference is for FEVER ROQUE, who has run creditably since beginning his career over fences and his most recent effort at Wetherby hinted at a return to the winner's enclosure. That may be at the main expense of Gipsy Lee Rose, who is better known for her exploits over further but could be suited by this marked drop in distance. Knocknamona and Well Cliche cannot be underestimated either.
Prediction : 1st Fever Roque 2nd Gipsy Lee Rose 3rd Knocknamona