UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

EHTEYAT took a big step forward when running out a very easy winner at Southwell on Sunday and the four-year-old is tough to oppose, despite carrying a 5lb penalty along with dropping back in trip. Jubilee Girl shaped with some promise in novice/maiden contests last summer and she is likely to pose a threat on her handicap bow, while the consistent Selfish Brian is capable of another decent showing.
Prediction : 1st Ehteyat 2nd Jubilee Girl 3rd Selfish Brian

SELF ACLAIM benefited from his debut experience at Wolverhampton when returning to the same venue and claiming the scalp of a well-bred individual of Godolphin's last month. That performance sets a high standard for the opposition to beat and Hugo Palmer's colt is capable of giving away a penalty to all of his rivals bar one. Razoni was just denied on his debut at Wolverhampton over Christmas and the extra furlong is likely to see him progress, while any market support for Nuketown would make him of interest.
Prediction : 1st Self Aclaim 2nd Razoni 3rd Nuketown

LAST STAND has been prominent in the betting market on his last couple of starts and didn't run too badly when fifth at Southwell last Friday. This might end up being a contest that doesn't take too much winning and, in first-time blinkers, the son of Gustav Klimt gets the tentative vote. Maureen's Lass didn't stay 1m4f on the same card the selection ran at last week and is better judged on her effort here the time before, while Champagny may step forward with her attentions now switched to handicap company.
Prediction : 1st Last Stand 2nd Maureens Lass 3rd Champagny

EXCEL POWER arrives at the top of his game after recording a fine second at Wolverhampton last month and boasts leading claims now contesting a stakes event. The conditions of the race suit the five-year-old favourably and another bold bid looks assured. Fox Tal rates his equal on the ratings and merits respect, but may prove vulnerable on this return over a trip short of his best. Intuitive is 6lb better off with the selection after finishing three lengths behind him at Chelmsford in early December and may prove to be the biggest danger.
Prediction : 1st Excel Power 2nd Intuitive 3rd Fox Tal

JUMIRA BRIDGE recorded a never-nearer second in a similar contest at Chelmsford recently and compensation could await if gaining a smoother passage. Atrafan almost landed a shock result when narrowly denied over C&D last week and shouldn't be underestimated in the reapplied blinkers. Oriental Lilly finished in fourth behind the Alan Brown inmate and merits consideration if enjoying a better start, ahead of Jkr Cobbler, who could prove more competitive now dropped back to 6f in the first-time hood.
Prediction : 1st Jumira Bridge 2nd Atrafan 3rd Oriental Lilly

After John remains unbeaten on the all-weather after recording his third win at this venue last month and the seven-year-old isn't taken on lightly after another 4lb rise in the ratings. However, MACHO PRIDE finished third, one-and-a-half lengths behind the Iain Jardine inmate, on that occasion and, running off the same mark, could capitalise at the revised weights. Highjacked has run some good races in defeat at this track, in particular last time out over C&D when finishing second, and he shouldn't be underestimated despite moving up in class.
Prediction : 1st Macho Pride 2nd After John 3rd Highjacked

The hat-trick seeking Enraged has been a game winner on both recent wins, but he could face a tough assignment off top-weight in this contest, so it is easier to side with ELZAAL. Paul Midgley's charge is now rated 2lb higher following a half-length success over C&D last September and that may not be enough to stop him following up back off a short break. Embla is another to note on her return to handicap company.
Prediction : 1st Elzaal 2nd Enraged 3rd Embla

MEHMO just did enough to secure victory on his most recent run at Southwell on Tuesday and he retains the mark from that success due to it being an apprentice contest. Frederick Larson knocks off an additional 3lb with his claim, making the gelded son of Mehmas seem fairly well-in, so he must command respect with that in mind. Zoom Star was another fairly narrow winner on her latest outing at Catterick and is feared back on the all-weather, while Nellie French completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Mehmo 2nd Zoom Star 3rd Nellie French