16:30 Newcastle

Despite being sent off at 18/1 on handicap debut DESERT GAMES ran a cracker to get within half a length of success at Beverley earlier this month. He was denied a run that day too but once he saw daylight he really picked up well to close on the winner Another Baar. He had Thankuappreciate held back in third and should confirm that form here with more to come now. Cruise won impressively at Southwell on penultimate start but she was entitled to and back in handicap company finished nearer last than first at Leicester so has a bit to prove. Beelzebub is probably a greater danger having won at this track before. He was a creditable fourth at Kempton last time but connections have reached for cheekpieces now and I’m not convinced he is the most straightforward of individuals.
Desert Games - 1pt @ 9/2