UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

The combination of racing too keenly and an 8lb rise were enough to stop BRUNELLO BREEZE from doubling up here in November. However, he remains of interest, especially with a drop back in trip to suit, and he is expected to get back to winning ways. Isle of Wolves is capable of being in the mix following his second at Wolverhampton last time, while Ledger and Balqaa are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Brunello Breeze 2nd Isle of Wolves 3rd Ledger

GREENWICH has improved with each career start and was last seen filling the runner-up spot at Redcar in September. An opening mark of 60 may well underestimate his true ability and the extra furlong is likely to aid his cause. Van Zant scored at Wolverhampton on Boxing Day and has to enter calculations having only been raised 1lb for that display. Fitz Perfectly and Sparkling Spirit appeal most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Greenwich 2nd Van Zant 3rd Fitz Perfectly

FLETCHERS DREAM caused a minor surprise when making a winning racecourse debut over C&D last month and the son of Advertise shouldn't need to improve on that display to score under a penalty. Mattella has finished second on both starts to date and appears to be the most obvious threat on paper. Berrygate and Ruth Langmore are others likely to enter the reckoning.
Prediction : 1st Fletchers Dream 2nd Mattella 3rd Berrygate

PALLAS LORD has filled second place on his last two starts and this appears to be an ideal opportunity for the six-year-old to go one better. That said, Struck Gold has to be of interest having won twice in November and he was not disgraced when fourth here late last month, while Roman Princess and Reclaim Victory are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Pallas Lord 2nd Struck Gold 3rd Roman Princess

DESERT RAIDER had plenty in hand when winning at Lingfield on Thursday and he is hard to oppose on the back of that performance, despite carrying a 6lb penalty. Likeashadow has been running consistently well of late and has to be of interest in first-time cheekpieces. The rest all need to find some improvement to score but Polly The Rocket is the pick of them.
Prediction : 1st Desert Raider 2nd Likeashadow 3rd Polly The Rocket

MACHO MANIA was only beaten a nose when second over 6f in a similar race at Lingfield last week and the application of a first-time hood could help him to finally get off the mark. Noble Captain was not disgraced off a rating of 51 in handicap company last time and that form gives him a big chance, while Brookie Cookie looks next best.
Prediction : 1st Macho Mania 2nd Noble Captain 3rd Brookie Cookie

With recent solid form thin on the ground in this contest, a tentative vote goes to veteran ATRAFAN. Alan Brown's inmate hasn't been disgraced over 7f of late and a return to this distance may see him in a better light. A refitted visor and stiffer test of stamina should see an improved bid from Margot Robbie and she's feared most, ahead of seasoned handicapper Beneficiary, who should prove more competitive now entering classified stakes company.
Prediction : 1st Atrafan 2nd Margot Robbie 3rd Beneficiary

The Caltonian posted a career-best performance when scoring with ease at this venue over 6f recently and he merits respect on his current upward trajectory. However, an 8lb rise in the ratings and a drop in trip could leave the five-year-old vulnerable, with the returning QUANDARY shading the vote. Edward Bethell's filly may have found 6f at Haydock too far in August and a reproduction of her previous performance when scoring at Pontefract over 5f in May would give her every chance. Rory could fill the remaining place.
Prediction : 1st Quandary 2nd The Caltonian 3rd Rory