UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

Brunello Breeze got off the mark over C&D at the beginning of the month having appeared to improve for a step up in trip. Despite being impressive on that occasion, the four-year-old has an 8lb rise to contend with and a chance is taken on LETABA. Ed Dunlop's gelding went close at Chelmsford on his latest start and the manner of that performance suggested he was worth another chance over this distance. Restorer, Isle of Wolves and Bustaam complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Letaba 2nd Brunello Breeze 3rd Restorer

GOVERNOR OF INDIA improved from his first three starts to score on his handicap bow over C&D at the end of last month. Gelded prior to that display, that is also likely to have benefited him and a 6lb rise may not be enough to stop the son of Dubawi from going in again. Evening Story carries a 6lb penalty following last week's victory here, while others to note include Ayr Poet and Sagauteur.
Prediction : 1st Governor Of India 2nd Evening Story 3rd Ayr Poet

Mr Hampstead, a full-brother to Irish Oaks winner Savethelastdance, and Meydaan, a son of Frankel out of a Group 1-winning mare, both make plenty of appeal on paper ahead of their introductions. However, the experience gained by ASSAILANT when third on debut at York may give John and Thady Gosden's colt the edge. Tokyo Bay is another open to improvement following his second at Nottingham.
Prediction : 1st Assailant 2nd Mr Hampstead 3rd Meydaan

AQWAAM justified strong support in the market when winning with ease at Chelmsford recently and a 5lb penalty may not be enough to prevent Ian Williams' gelding from completing a quick-fire double. Haaland is clearly heading in the right direction after landing the spoils in some style over C&D last month and the three-year-old isn't taken lightly off 7lb higher in the ratings. Top-weight Balhambar may fare best of the remaining protagonists.
Prediction : 1st Aqwaam 2nd Haaland 3rd Balhambar

BERGERAC posted his best effort of the year after being collared in the shadows of the post and finishing second over C&D last Friday. The five-year-old may take plenty of beating if running to a similar level on this quick turnaround, with the drop in class a big positive too. Dickieburd opened his account on the all-weather at the same meeting as the selection, but a 6lb penalty may leave Craig Lidster's inmate vulnerable, with penalised winner Strong Johnson feared most.
Prediction : 1st Bergerac 2nd Strong Johnson 3rd Dickieburd

Debut winner INVOLVEMENT was quite taking in a Redcar maiden in September and the Lope De Vega colt could be capable of shouldering a 7lb penalty in this contest, despite there being some potentially useful recruits on show. Newcomer El Zoud, half-brother to French Group 3 winner Tantheem, warrants close inspection in the market for John and Thady Gosden, while fellow debutants Power Shot and Minstrel Knight cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Involvement 2nd El Zoud 3rd Power Shot

WELCOME DREAM has the experience edge over many of these rivals and this looks a good opportunity to shed the maiden tag at the fourth time of asking. Kevin Ryan's runner was only just touched off over 6f at Carlisle last time and he shaped as if this extra yardage would suit. Ten Dimes, a well-bred daughter of No Nay Never, is feared most for powerful connections, while similar comments apply to Roger Varian's newcomer Indalo.
Prediction : 1st Welcome Dream 2nd Ten Dimes 3rd Indalo

A typically competitive contest with the tentative selection being UPPER HAND, who ran on takingly over 6f at Chelmsford and the step back up in trip can see him to better effect. John Butler's colt was guilty of running too freely on that occasion which suggests that performance can be marked up and he'll go close with a more polished effort. Goldmine Girl was only beaten a length over C&D last time and she can have a say having escaped a rise in the ratings, while Fariha is also respected on nursery debut.
Prediction : 1st Upper Hand 2nd Goldmine Girl 3rd Fariha

Mart was a game winner over 6f at Lingfield last time and he is likely to be on the scene once more, but, having been raised 2lb in the ratings for that head success, he may be susceptible to rivals who are better treated, such as TORVAR. David O'Meara's charge has been given a chance by the handicapper after being beaten just two lengths over C&D last time and a repeat of that effort would see him get his head in front, while Pinpoint completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Torvar 2nd Mart 3rd Pinpoint