UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

GAASSEE went desperately close over 1m3f at Kempton last month and, returned to further off an unchanged mark, he looks to hold every chance of going one place better. His closest pursuer could be the unexposed Plage De Havre, who finished first past the post at Southwell before later being disqualified for interference, although Knockbrex remains in good heart and should not be underestimated.
Prediction : 1st Gaassee 2nd Plage De Havre 3rd Knockbrex

Humble Spark (second) is 1lb better off with his recent conqueror Charlie's Choice, but the latter was arguably worth more than the winning margin that day and he is expected to confirm that form. That said, preference is for ASGARD'S CAPTAIN. Dylan Cunha's gelding hasn't quite seen out 1m3f and 1m4f recently, but the five-year-old, who was a winner over this C&D off just 2lb lower in December, may well fare better now dropped in trip.
Prediction : 1st Asgards Captain 2nd Charlies Choice 3rd Humble Spark

A low draw would have to be of some concern for recent course winner Pockley and the vote goes to HENERY HAWK. Linda Perratt's gelding was a touch unfortunate in a similar C&D event last month before failing to fire in a handicap last time. He's weighted to go well back in classified company and a high draw can only be viewed as a positive. Stallone might not be far away either.
Prediction : 1st Henery Hawk 2nd Pockley 3rd Stallone

There was a lot to like about the way BLAST THE DREAM landed a 1m novice event with plenty in hand last month, form which has been boosted by the fourth scoring since, and an opening mark of 75 may not be enough to prevent Roger Varian's improving filly following up on her handicap debut. Bantz was doing his best work at the finish when scoring over 7f here last time, so should appreciate the step up in trip and a 2lb rise doesn't rule him out. Lady Mariko should also relish moving up to a mile now tried in a handicap for the first time.
Prediction : 1st Blast The Dream 2nd Bantz 3rd Lady Mariko

Placed in a valuable handicap at Epsom on Derby Day, Redhot Whisper is a leading player here, but he has disappointed in a couple of maidens since that promising effort in June and it could be pay to side with one of the interesting newcomers. Nordic Norm falls into that category for Karl Burke, but preference is for fellow debutant WARRANT HOLDER, a brother to 1m4f all-weather winner High Order who represents a powerful Gosden stable with a fine strke-rate at this venue in recent years.
Prediction : 1st Warrant Holder 2nd Redhot Whisper 3rd Nordic Norm

GUSTAV GRAVES was only beaten a head into second off this mark over 5f at Wolverhampton last time and the in-form seven-year-old is hard to oppose on the back of that performance. Three Beauz also hit the crossbar on her most recent outing and could prove to be the main threat to the selection, although Forest Gunner and Sugar Baby should not be discounted.
Prediction : 1st Gustav Graves 2nd Three Beauz 3rd Forest Gunner

ORIENTAL PRINCE has won three of his last four starts, finishing second on the other occasion, and Jim Goldie's gelding is clearly the one to beat again here. That said, Captain Vallo just edged out Bella Kopella over C&D a couple of weeks ago and they both merit consideration, while Rebecca's Girl and Tomorrow Day are the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Oriental Prince 2nd Captain Vallo 3rd Bella Kopella