UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

Runner-up to a smart prospect of Nicky Henderson's at Kempton over Christmas, BEAU QUALI looks the one to beat if building upon that career-best effort. The five-year-old already has four hurdles runs under his belt and he can see off Broderick, who might have gone closer at Sedgefield if not for hanging left. An impressive winner when making all in a bumper at Catterick in November, Kids Say Lastgojoe is a player on his debut in this sphere.
Prediction : 1st Beau Quali 2nd Broderick 3rd Kids Say Lastgojoe

The Dan Skelton team has a good record here and point-to-point winner QUEENS WISH could be a smart recruit for the stable. A half-sister to Kerry National winner Potters Point, the six-year-old may have too much for fellow hurdling newcomer Rogue Sea, who was decent on the Flat. Clondaw Fame was a promising second on his timber bow at Ayr in November, with Blazer Two and Forsa Bay capable of being in the shake-up as well.
Prediction : 1st Queens Wish 2nd Rogue Sea 3rd Clondaw Fame

The form of JUVENTUS DE BRION's second at Chepstow has worked out well, with the winner going on to make the frame in a Grade 2. Dan Skelton's charge has undergone wind surgery since and he can get off the mark at the main expense of Benmore, who is entitled to improve for going up in trip if cutting out the mistakes he made when second at Southwell. Placed at Lingfield and Windsor, French Emperor cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Juventus De Brion 2nd Benmore 3rd French Emperor

RATTLING ROAD powered clear to score by just under four lengths on his second chase start at Hexham and the handicapper might have been kind to only put him up 6lb. Lucinda Russell's eight-year-old is likely to have more improvement in him and he will prove hard to beat. Coqolino finished a respectable third in a stronger contest at Kelso and could get into contention off the same mark. Reilly is another to keep an eye on.
Prediction : 1st Rattling Road 2nd Coqolino 3rd Reilly

Soldier's Leap only found a subsequent winner too good at Fontwell last month and boasts leading claims off just a 2lb higher rating. However, he might come out second best to HAWK STONE, who made every yard of the running to strike at Uttoxeter in April. Providing he is ready to go on his return to action, he could be the one to beat. Authorized Mission showed a lot more when runner-up over C&D and is one to watch in the betting ahead of his handicap bow.
Prediction : 1st Hawk Stone 2nd Soldiers Leap 3rd Authorized Mission

Prince Nino was no match for the winner when filling the runner-up spot at Sedgefield on Boxing Day, but that was a better effort and he could have a say off an unchanged mark. However, it's hard to ignore the claims of MISTER SMARTY, who justified joint-favouritism at Wetherby to supplement a victory here. Tina Jackson's eight-year-old is only a further 3lb higher and can complete the hat-trick. Brian Hughes keeps the partnership with On We Go intact on her comeback and she completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Mister Smarty 2nd Prince Nino 3rd On We Go

The application of a tongue-tie seemed to make all the difference for EMPTY NEST, who routed the opposition at Wetherby on Boxing Day. If in a similar mood, a 9lb rise may not be insurmountable for the seven-year-old. Any market support for chasing debutant Heads Or Harps on his first appearance since March 2023 would make him of considerable interest, while The Jad Factor wasn't disgraced when returning from a spell on the sidelines at Wetherby and could have more to offer.
Prediction : 1st Empty Nest 2nd Heads Or Harps 3rd The Jad Factor

There was plenty to like about BLUE CARPET's debut victory at Carlisle in October. The son of Blue Bresil travelled well throughout the contest before showing a nice attitude in the closing stages and he is taken to defy a 7lb penalty. Geordie Mackem was sent off favourite for his first start, when placed at Wetherby, and he enters calculations. Others to note are Soldier In Mayo and Stride On.
Prediction : 1st Blue Carpet 2nd Geordie Mackem 3rd Soldier In Mayo