UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

There were plenty of positives to be taken from Saunton Surf's hurdles debut when runner-up at Ludlow last month and another bold bid from the Warren Greatrex-trained filly looks on the cards. However, CHOSEN HERO, who posted a second-placed finish on her opening outing over timber at Hexham recently, makes slightly more appeal. The 3m point winner should appreciate the step up from 2m to 2m4f here and conditions will be no issue. Take It Upstairs may fare best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Chosen Hero 2nd Saunton Surf 3rd Take It Upstairs

IMPERIAL ALEX's stamina may have been stretched by the 3m1f distance when runner-up at Warwick earlier in the month and compensation could await on this ease in trip, despite the handicapper having his say with a 5lb rise in the ratings. Elleon posted a string of second-placed finishes last season and the eight-year-old may give the selection most to think about on his return to action, while Augharue is a potential improver now upped to an extended 2m7f.
Prediction : 1st Imperial Alex 2nd Elleon 3rd Augharue

SOLWAY PRIMROSE reaped the rewards of last month's wind procedure when opening her account at Hexham recently and this lightly-raced mare must hold every chance of completing a double off only 4lb higher. Dequall offered something to work with when finishing a respectable third after a 556-day absence at Kelso last month. Stuart Coltherd's gelding is entitled to improve for that effort and he is one to consider, along with handicap debutant Tune In A Box, who may unlock some improvement now faced with a stiffer stamina test.
Prediction : 1st Solway Primrose 2nd Dequall 3rd Tune In A Box

EN MEME TEMPS finished second on his return from a break at Hexham last month and the nine-year-old, who remains on the same mark, gets the vote to go one better. Ex S'elance ran with plenty of credit when fourth at Ayr earlier in the month and the step back up in trip may yield further improvement. Others to note include Tom Cody and Eveque.
Prediction : 1st En Meme Temps 2nd Ex Selance 3rd Tom Cody

IT'S A LOVE THING got off the mark at the third time of asking in this sphere at Sedgefield before following up when switched back to the all-weather at Kempton earlier in the month. The five-year-old now makes his handicap debut over hurdles and is expected to take another step forward. Imaginary Dragon commands respect on his first start for Sandy Thomson, while Coral Blue and Grand Soufle are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Its A Love Thing 2nd Imaginary Dragon 3rd Coral Blue

A small but fairly open contest, in which a chance can be taken on PRESENT FAIR. Having undergone wind surgery in March, Donald McCain's charge made a pleasing chasing debut at Sedgefield last month, finishing third. He remains on the same mark and looks set to take a step forward, but recent Carlisle winner Hello Judge, Cruz Control and the ultra-consistent Glory And Honour are unlikely to be far away. Shadows In The Sky is worth a market check ahead of his seasonal return.
Prediction : 1st Present Fair 2nd Hello Judge 3rd Cruz Control

HILL SPIRIT (third) was pressed for the lead by Suleiman Artist (seventh) when the pair met on their respective debuts last month. Both will have learnt plenty from that experience but the former, who is related to some useful Flat types, can confirm that form en route to victory. The betting is likely to prove instructive regarding the newcomers, with She's Notjoeking making most appeal on paper.
Prediction : 1st Hill Spirit 2nd Suleiman Artist 3rd Shes Notjoeking