UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

RAVENSCRAIG CASTLE goes well fresh and with the in-form Hollie Doyle a notable jockey booking, he appeals strongly on his all-weather debut. Related to winners on synthetics, Iain Jardine's six-year-old faced stiffer tests on turf last year and, with the drop in distance not expected to be too much of an issue, this could be an ideal pipe-opener ahead of the new grass season. Of those lower down in the handicap, course winner Evening Story appeals most, with Armoured also considered now upped in trip.
Prediction : 1st Ravenscraig Castle 2nd Evening Story 3rd Armoured

The Gosdens have struck with a couple of three-year-olds in maidens in the past few days and CROWN ESTATE can follow suit, with the switch to the all-weather expected to be ideal. Having had a wind problem addressed since last seen, the now-gelded son of Dubawi, whose Classic-winning dam started off with an all-weather triumph, appears to be getting better with each race and could be too wily for this bunch. Native King is going the right way and is respected after last month's near-miss over C&D, while Infatuator warrants a betting check on debut.
Prediction : 1st Crown Estate 2nd Native King 3rd Infatuator

Albasheer appeals after scoring over 6f here under Hollie Doyle on New Year's Day and even a 6lb higher mark might not be enough to prevent him from following up, as long as dropping to the minimum trip isn't an issue. Brazen Bolt is also noteworthy back in the UK after wintering in the Middle East. However, preference is for BEDFORD FLYER, whose recent fourth-placed finish in the Hever Stakes reads very well and Mick Appleby's sprinter can build on that.
Prediction : 1st Bedford Flyer 2nd Albasheer 3rd Brazen Bolt

A 2lb rise for being touched off by an improver over C&D last time out might leave HURT YOU NEVER on a career-high mark, but she has been steadily progressive over the last year and is fancied to defy the hike en route to a ninth career triumph. Daytona Lady reached the frame in a class 4 at Chelmsford and she's worth a second look now eased in grade, and 1lb in the handicap. Others to note include Bella Kopella and Mattella.
Prediction : 1st Hurt You Never 2nd Daytona Lady 3rd Bella Kopella

Recent winning form can often be at a premium in this type of event so TRULIE GOOD, who landed a similar contest when dropped from a mile to the minimum trip at Southwell last month, might be the one to side with. Noble Captain must concede weight all round after taking a C&D handicap last week, but he remains of interest. Fircombe Hall is most appealing of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Trulie Good 2nd Noble Captain 3rd Fircombe Hall

The combination of a switch to more aggressive tactics and a step up in distance saw a much improved bid from EAST BANK last week, and a 6lb penalty may not be enough to prevent a quickfire C&D double for the son of Aclaim. Bits And Bobs posted his best effort of 2024 when a close-up second at Kempton towards the end of February. Jamie Osborne's gelding may serve the most resistance to the selection, ahead of the admirably consistent Likeashadow.
Prediction : 1st East Bank 2nd Bits And Bobs 3rd Likeashadow

A return to 7f proved a perfect tonic for ONE MORE DREAM, as evidenced by the five-year-old's ready victory at Southwell on Tuesday. Although a double penalty and quick turnaround will make this more difficult for the gelded son of Bated Breath, an eighth success on the all-weather could be imminent. Rocket Rod warrants respect on the back of a 1m second here, but this ease in distance may prove against him so a bigger threat might emerge in the shape of fellow C&D winner Novak.
Prediction : 1st One More Dream 2nd Novak 3rd Rocket Rod