UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

This looks a good opportunity for INSANITY - Alan King's only runner on the card - to make a winning start over hurdles. The son of Nathaniel earned a Flat rating of 84 after a bloodless win on soft ground at Ffos Las in September and could have too much for these rivals. French recruit Ellerton shaped better than the bare result suggests at Cheltenham recently and shouldn't be dismissed lightly, while Midnight Lion is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Insanity 2nd Ellerton 3rd Midnight Lion

Quantity probably outweighs quality here and, if Florida Dreams doesn't turn up here following his Musselburgh engagement on Friday, it will be hard to look too far beyond dual bumper winner ESPRIT DU POTIER. Lucinda Russell's gelding wasn't quite able to justify favouritism on his hurdling debut at Kelso when taking a few flights a shade too carefully but, assuming he will be sharper for that experience, he should have too much for the likes of Coastal Rock and Raffles Wonder.
Prediction : 1st Esprit Du Potier 2nd Coastal Rock 3rd Raffles Wonder

Irish raider Dripsey Moon probably sets the standard but he didn't kick on as expected when only second to Cadell at Kelso last time and he may be vulnerable to an improver such as KERRYHILL. Ruth Jefferson's point-to-point winner went a long way to justifying a six-figure purchase price when obliging on his first attempt over timber at Kelso (edging out Cadell) and another bold showing could be on the cards. Big City Roller also merits consideration.
Prediction : 1st Kerryhill 2nd Dripsey Moon 3rd Big City Roller

NO CRUISE YET was just denied on his return in the Durham National at Sedgefield in October and the eight-year-old, who was raised 2lb for that effort, makes plenty of appeal in his bid to go one better. Silver In Disguise filled the runner-up spot in the Highland National at the end of last season and shaped well when third over a trip short of his best at Carlisle. Geryville and Lyrical Genius complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st No Cruise Yet 2nd Silver In Disguise 3rd Geryville

CONSTITUTION HILL is one of the best hurdlers we've ever seen and produced scintillating displays in this contest 12 months ago, the Christmas Hurdle and in the Champion Hurdle when brushing aside State Man before being more workmanlike to land the Aintree Hurdle. It would be a huge shock if he were to taste defeat. Love Envoi made Honeysuckle pull out all the stops in the Mares' Hurdle and had excuses at Punchestown. She is likely to chase home the selection, while You Wear It Well could put the pace to the race.
Prediction : 1st Constitution Hill 2nd Love Envoi 3rd You Wear It Well

DONNA'S DOUBLE put in a promising display when a close third on his seasonal return at Ayr a month ago and the seven-year-old merits the utmost respect here as a result, especially as he may improve in a first-time tongue-tie. Alnadam has struggled in France of late but should not be underestimated on his return to the UK, while Ribeye and Old Painless complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Donnas Double 2nd Alnadam 3rd Ribeye

Shishkin is likely to be very hard to beat if consenting to start but he is hard to recommend on the back of his refusal to race at Ascot last week. With that in mind, preference is for ELVIS MAIL, who won a valuable event at Kelso in October and races off just a 4lb higher mark here. Ga Law is more than capable of going well in a race of this nature but does have some questions to answer, while A Wave Of The Sea is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Elvis Mail 2nd Shishkin 3rd Ga Law