UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

KING VIKTOR clearly benefits from an artificial surface, having won three of his five starts on the all-weather, and Brian Ellison's gelding is taken to handle a 5lb penalty along with a drop back in trip following his win at Southwell on Tuesday. Carlton is 2lb higher than his recent C&D success and he is likely to give it his best shot from the front, while It's A Love Thing and Artisan Dancer complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st King Viktor 2nd Carlton 3rd Its A Love Thing

MINTNTHAT returned to winning ways over C&D in a classified event when just getting the better of Great Colaci by a head and the return to handicap company is unlikely to stop him from backing up that performance. The aforementioned Great Colaci would command plenty of respect if turned out quickly following his appearance here on Thursday, while the fourth from that contest, Wheres The Crumpet, is another likely to enter calculations. Others for the shortlist include Masham Moor and Martin's Brig.
Prediction : 1st Mintnthat 2nd Wheres The Crumpet 3rd Masham Moor

GUSTAV GRAVES arrives having won two of his last three outings at Wolverhampton and the six-year-old makes plenty of appeal in a bid to continue his excellent run of form. Blazing Hot had a valid excuse when running flat at Southwell last time, as it followed a victory at the same venue just two days prior, and it would be no surprise if he bounced back on this occasion. Dark Kestrel's recent C&D third would give him every chance of being in the mix.
Prediction : 1st Gustav Graves 2nd Blazing Hot 3rd Dark Kestrel

MERESIDE MADNESS ran with plenty of credit in defeat when third over 1m on his latest outing at Southwell and, easing in grade here, he can make a bold bid to go two places better. Noble Consort may find life a little easier pitched into a handicap for the first time and Julie Camacho's charge can make his presence felt in this company. The largely consistent Likeashadow finished second on his latest outing over 1m here last week and he could go well again having been nudged up just 1lb.
Prediction : 1st Mereside Madness 2nd Likeashadow 3rd Noble Consort

Cargin Bhui got off the mark over 5f at Wolverhampton earlier this month and, provided the step back up to 6f doesn't hinder his chances, he should be able to make his presence felt. That said, preference is for NOVARRO, who made a pleasing start to his career when third over 6f at Southwell. He ran on strongly when the penny dropped and he looks the one to side with. Of the newcomers, the 95,000gns purchase Wedding Favour appeals the most, particularly if the market speaks in her favour.
Prediction : 1st Novarro 2nd Cargin Bhui 3rd Wedding Favour

Tathmeen (fourth) finished a length and a half behind winner BENEFICIARY when the pair met over C&D last week and, despite the selection being 2lb worse off with that rival this time, the latter can confirm that form en route to victory once again. Sir Benedict ran admirably when second over 5f here on his latest outing and he appeals most out of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Beneficiary 2nd Tathmeen 3rd Sir Benedict

The Caltonian is respected in his bid for a sixth win since the beginning of October. However, he has gone up 32lb in the handicap during the same time period and, with all bar one of those successes registered in a lower grade, the latest 7lb increase for a C&D success 11 days ago leaves him vulnerable. ZARZYNI is competitively-weighted and can potentially spoil the party for the top-weight with cheekpieces back in place. The recent Southwell winner Rock Opera is also feared under a penalty.
Prediction : 1st Zarzyni 2nd The Caltonian 3rd Rock Opera