UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

A Day To Dream struck by a length at Thirsk last time and has been raised 3lb for that effort, but he now switches to the all-weather and that could give the Sir Mark Prescott-trained TRUE LEGEND a big chance. The son of Camelot is bred to be a lot better than an opening mark of 63, and he fits the perfect type his master trainer does well with, as he takes a big step in trip for his handicap bow. Damascus Steel is also respected off the same mark as when a six-length second at Wolverhampton last time.
Prediction : 1st True Legend 2nd A Day To Dream 3rd Damascus Steel

A chance can be taken on BEARWITH, who returns from a break after failing to justify favouritism over C&D in November and was dropped 1lb for that display. The son of Brazen Beau finished well for second on his penultimate run behind a subsequent winner and if able to reproduce that level of form, he ought to go very close. Calcutta Dream would be foolish to dismiss, after only being beaten half a length at Wolverhampton last time and he goes off the same mark. Of the remainder, Gonnetot is the most interesting on his handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Bearwith 2nd Calcutta Dream 3rd Gonnetot

COPPICE was a disappointing favourite in the Nell Gwyn last time at Newmarket, but she raced on the wrong side of the track that day and has only had the two starts in her career. Therefore, another chance can be taken on the daughter of Kingman, who won well at Kempton on debut and she is in good hands. The main threat could be Rising Bay, who took a step forward when attempting to make all at Newmarket last time before fading into fourth and that form could be enough to give her a shout. Merrnaa is a newcomer to note.
Prediction : 1st Coppice 2nd Rising Bay 3rd Merrnaa

Odd Socks Havana has been a model of consistency lately, with a win and two seconds from his last three starts, but he has no margin for error off his current mark and will need a career-best effort to win this. He can still go close, but it may be worth taking a chance that MARTIN'S BRIG can defy top-weight. He ran on well into second over seven furlongs at Redcar last month despite being short of room, and this represents a drop in grade. Urban Road could be best of the rest in a closely-matched handicap.
Prediction : 1st Martins Brig 2nd Odd Socks Havana 3rd Urban Road

ANOTHER ANGEL has to carry a 4lb penalty after winning over C&D on Friday, but he did that very easily by five lengths when making all and, if the same tactics are employed, he may well follow up here. Imperial Khan looks interesting out of stall nine, with his best form being a second over this C&D in February off 4lb higher, and he can go well, along with Lancashire Life. The latter was second here in late March despite being left with too much to do.
Prediction : 1st Another Angel 2nd Imperial Khan 3rd Lancashire Life

Slippin Jimmy is well worth a market watch as the C&D winner has his first start of the season following a gelding operation. He could go well in this company, but BANQUO is narrowly preferred. Supported in the market and a beaten favourite when third at Southwell last month, he kept on late over shorter despite losing a shoe and may do better at this trip. My Honey B (also engaged to run at Hamilton on Sunday) wasn't beaten far on her Redcar return when fading late on and is another to consider dropped back a furlong.
Prediction : 1st Banquo 2nd Slippin Jimmy 3rd My Honey B

Many of these are old rivals and the margins are likely to be tight again. MUMCAT is a strong candidate judged on the pick of her form and, given she has gone well when partnered with Shane Gray before, the Jacqueline Coward-trained filly has a lot going for her running off 7lb lower than her only previous winning mark. Athollblair Boy was a half-length in front of the selection when scoring here in March and rates as the main danger, while Jems Bond also warrants serious consideration.
Prediction : 1st Mumcat 2nd Athollblair Boy 3rd Jems Bond