UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

Dear My Friend made the frame in the Zetland Stakes at Newmarket last autumn, and also took third behind subsequent Breeders' Cup winner Victoria Road in France, and he sets the standard on official ratings. However, ROUSING ENCORE's second in the Mill Reef just shades things when it comes to prestige and the Richard Fahey-trained colt could be the one to side with now he steps up in trip. Obelix holds a 2000 Guineas entry and also has to be feared.
Prediction : 1st Rousing Encore 2nd Dear My Friend 3rd Obelix

PERDIKA has already faced some stiff tests on her travels this year but she has coped with them admirably, as is testified by her Listed triumph in France last month. This is tougher back against the boys, but her sex allowance creates strong hope that she will again rise to the challenge. Shouldvebeenaring, who wasn't beaten far in the Spring Cup at Lingfield, has progressed well and should be capable of another bold showing. Shaquille heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Perdika 2nd Shouldvebeenaring 3rd Shaquille

BERKSHIRE ROCCO has a touch of class and has scope to go further now he's proven he has the stamina. His last two performances suggest a race of this nature is within his compass and, with the in-form Oisin Murphy back in the saddle, all the pieces fit together well enough to expect a big run from the six-year-old. Earlofthecotswolds doesn't have much to find with the selection judged on their encounter at Kempton in February, while Nolton Cross is also fancied to be thereabouts.
Prediction : 1st Berkshire Rocco 2nd Earlofthecotswolds 3rd Nolton Cross

Freescape has failed to make much of an impact out in Dubai, but he shouldn't be underestimated now back home and he warrants respect. However, FOREST OF DEAN shaped better than the bare form when weakening into sixth in the Winter Derby - a prize he claimed in 2021 - and the John Gosden-trained seven-year-old is fancied to regain the winning thread in these calmer waters. His stablemate Harrovian finished ahead in fourth on that occasion, but could only manage third when the selection struck over this C&D in January.
Prediction : 1st Forest Of Dean 2nd Harrovian 3rd Freescape

BERKSHIRE SHADOW looked back to his best when winning the Lady Wulfruna Stakes at Wolverhampton last month and the 2021 Coventry Stakes hero can stamp his class on this contest too. Positive is rated 5lb inferior to the selection, but is clearly in good heart having completed a brace of handicap victories. He is feared most, ahead of Irish raider San Andreas, who struck over this distance in taking fashion at Dundalk last time out.
Prediction : 1st Berkshire Shadow 2nd Positive 3rd San Andreas

It is hard to look past MANAAFITH, who beat the boys in Listed company over a mile at Lingfield. A drop in trip may not be enough to stop the Roger Varian-trained filly adding to her tally because she accounted for Aramis Grey over this distance at Southwell on New Year's Day. Queen Aminatu progressed at a rate of knots towards the back end of 2022 and is feared most on her return to the fray. Aramis Grey has held her form since that Southwell defeat at the hands of the selection, and saw off last week's impressive Cammidge Trophy scorer Vadream at Lingfield.
Prediction : 1st Manaafith 2nd Queen Aminatu 3rd Aramis Grey

ANNAF has taken his game to a new level this winter and completed a hat-trick when keeping on strongly to land Listed honours at Lingfield. The son of Muhaarar can continue his forward momentum, but Vadream bounced back to winning form in emphatic style at Doncaster last weekend and can give him plenty to think about. Diligent Harry was denied by the selection at Lingfield and after then defying top weight in handicap company here, struggled in France. He still merits consideration, as does Mums Tipple.
Prediction : 1st Annaf 2nd Vadream 3rd Diligent Harry