16:15 Newcastle

The market is willing to forgive Dramatic Star for his below par performance in the Melrose Handicap but I am willing to take a chance on KING LEAR (best priced at 7/2) who should appreciate this return to the AW. The George Boughey trained four-year-old looked a smart horse last season when a four length maiden winner at Nottingham before slightly losing his way on turf on his first two starts this season.

King Lear put in a career best performance on the figures on his penultimate start at Southwell when only beaten ¾ length off a mark of 90 before finishing midfield back on turf at Doncaster on his next start. Back on the AW and now with the assistance of first time blinkers, he looks sure to be involved in the finish with Billy Loughnane back on board.

18:55 Newcastle

Owen Burrows is renowned as bringing his horses along slowly so it was encouraging to see PURSUIT OF TRUTH (best priced at 10/3) finish 2nd on his handicap debut last time. Well beaten on his first three career starts, he finished 2nd beaten two lengths on his handicap debut at Kempton earlier this month off an opening mark of 68 and he runs here off only a 1lb higher mark.

Pursuit Of Truth stayed on strongly that day over this mile trip as if he was still learning about racing and he should prove hard to beat with Jason Watson taking over on board.

19:25 Newcastle

The Kevin Ryan trained BARNABY (best priced at 15/8) was an impressive winner over this course and distance a month ago on his AW debut and he should hold strong claims of following up off a 5lb higher mark. The three-year-old gelding landed a gamble that day with him supported into 4/1 favourite despite having finished unplaced on his previous four starts on turf.

Barnaby won comfortably by 1 ¾ lengths that day under Tom Eaves and a 5lb rise in the weights could underestimate him if he is in the same form a month later. He steps up slightly in grade to this 0-58 handicap but it would be disappointing if he couldn’t follow up.