UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

Now that the penny has dropped for UNIQUE SPIRIT after a comfortable breakthrough success over C&D, there is likely to be more improvement forthcoming from the son of Waldgeist off 2lb higher. A major improver on the rise in distance when second on his handicap debut at Ayr, Catalan King can give the selection the most to think about for his in-form stable. Val Bassett is another with the potential to do better over further.
Prediction : 1st Unique Spirit 2nd Catalan King 3rd Val Bassett

SOMETHING wasn't for catching when scoring with something in hand over C&D earlier in the week and Jedd O'Keeffe's charge is turned out again quickly under a 6lb penalty, which could prove manageable. Miss Monte Carlo has generally held her form well throughout her first season, while Glasses Up hasn't quite matched the performance that saw him score at Ayr over 1m2f in August but is now just 1lb higher.
Prediction : 1st Something 2nd Miss Monte Carlo 3rd Glasses Up

FACOULTY seems to be getting the hang of things since beginning life in nurseries and she looks the one to beat if building upon a strong runner-up effort over this distance at Southwell last month. Causin A Commotion ran well enough as favourite when fourth on his handicap debut at Wolverhampton and he must enter calculations, along with the unexposed Dutch Finale after a gelding operation.
Prediction : 1st Facoulty 2nd Causin A Commotion 3rd Dutch Finale

There were plenty of positives to be gleaned from TUNDRA ROSE's debut third at Glorious Goodwood and she rates as the one to beat. The David O'Meara-trained filly is not expected to have any issues with the Tapeta surface and she can fend off Storm Lady, who has done little wrong in her two placed efforts to date and another prominent showing is forecast. North Star is the most appealing of the newcomers and is worth a check in the betting.
Prediction : 1st Tundra Rose 2nd Storm Lady 3rd North Star

Layaali was a respectable fourth at Kempton on Monday and must enter calculations reverting to Tapeta. However, MONTICRISTO BOY is slightly more compelling after his latest C&D second and compensation could be on the cards racing off an unchanged mark. Better is expected from course winner Kilteel on her return to this venue and, despite the drop in distance being a slight concern, Ed Dunlop's filly isn't taken lightly.
Prediction : 1st Monticristo Boy 2nd Layaali 3rd Kilteel

JODHPUR BLUE has steadily improved with each run this season and posted a solid second at Southwell last week. This may prove to be his easiest assignment to date and a breakthrough victory could be imminent. Manhattan Mirage rates as an obvious threat on the back of his runner-up effort at Yarmouth recently, with Kisdon Force looking best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Jodhpur Blue 2nd Manhattan Mirage 3rd Kisdon Force

HURSTWOOD made the most of a lenient mark when he put a race to bed without much fuss at Redcar in August and, having been unfavourably drawn when failing to follow up at Ripon, this C&D winner reverts to Tapeta with solid claims from a still-workable rating. Variety Island is interesting with impressive apprentice Jack Doughty claiming 5lb, while the three-year-olds La Boo and Sergeant Mayer are other respected contenders.
Prediction : 1st Hurstwood 2nd Variety Island 3rd La Boo

TRIPLE FORCE has been threatening to win a race of late and is worth another chance after several good efforts in defeat. There are dangers aplenty, however, and support in the betting for the likes of Love Warrior, who swaps cheekpieces for a first-time visor, and recent C&D winner Barleybrown would also have solid foundations and will need serious thought. Pallas Lord loves this course and cannot be ruled out in his bid for an eighth win here.
Prediction : 1st Triple Force 2nd Love Warrior 3rd Barleybrown