UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

DUKE OF OXFORD hasn't looked back since being upped in trip and defeated Enemy (second) at Kempton last month. The son of Kingman can continue his improvement and a hat-trick looks very much on the cards raised 5lb in the handicap. Roberto Escobarr was imperious when landing a Group 3 in Italy 44 days ago and must be respected back in a handicap. Others to note include Sir Chauvelin and fellow veteran Rainbow Dreamer.
Prediction : 1st Duke Of Oxford 2nd Roberto Escobarr 3rd Enemy

The vote goes to GREAT BLASKET, who was successful on his first start for Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole last month. Raised just 1lb and with improvement likely, he can score again. Frankel filly Flindrikin was a close-up third over C&D on her handicap debut four days ago, and a first-time tongue-tie might eke out further progress. Broctune Red has a good record here and should not be written off, while Sense Of Worth is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Great Blasket 2nd Flindrikin 3rd Broctune Red

TO CATCH A THIEF took another step forward to defeat the talented Sir Busker (second) over C&D last month and the unexposed son of Cracksman is fancied to complete a hat-trick from a 6lb higher mark. Penzance (winner) and Storm Catcher (second) square off once again having met at Chelmsford last time and both ought to give a good account. Queen Of Ipanema, King's Code and Wadacre Gomez each arrive on the back of recent victories and must also be taken into consideration.
Prediction : 1st To Catch A Thief 2nd Sir Busker 3rd Penzance

With Roger Varian's yard in fine fettle it may pay to side with FANTASTIC FOX, who was a C&D winner off 3lb lower in November and he short of room when fourth at Chelmsford last time out. The six-year-old may make amends for that unlucky run here and get the better of the recent Listed second Tempus and Dear My Friend, who has had wind surgery since his last start and is potentially well handicapped if that brings him back to his peak.
Prediction : 1st Fantastic Fox 2nd Tempus 3rd Dear My Friend

Shades Of Summer and Wild Side both merit plenty of respect following recent victories but they need to improve again to win here, and top-weight NINE TENTHS may have their beating. The only course winner in the field, the daughter of Kodiac won by close to four lengths at Wolverhampton on her most recent outing and an added 9lb may not stop her following up.
Prediction : 1st Nine Tenths 2nd Shades Of Summer 3rd Wild Side

SOMMELIER has made quite the impression since being gelded and the way that he has won his last two outings gives the impression that a mark of 96 may underestimate him on his handicap debut. Brave Empire is returning from a 191-day break but he looked good when winning at Redcar last time and could be the main danger. Another to consider is Blue Prince.
Prediction : 1st Sommelier 2nd Brave Empire 3rd Blue Prince

BREWING won a similar contest to this over C&D in November and that maintained his unbeaten record at this venue. William Haggas' charge remains thoroughly unexposed and is narrowly preferred to Gisburn, who was third in that contest, as well as the consistent but slightly frustrating Fivethousandtoone in a first-time visor. Completing the shortlist are the likes of Albasheer, Batal Dubai and Pendleton.
Prediction : 1st Brewing 2nd Gisburn 3rd Albasheer