UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

Off the mark over hurdles in a maiden at Punchestown recently, DRUSILLA looks to have been found an excellent opportunity in which to double her tally. Cian Collins' filly receives a handy weight-for-age allowance and can use it to her advantage as she looks to repel the likely challenge of Surrey Belle, who struck at Uttoxeter a fortnight ago. Vienna Pearl warrants a market check ahead of her hurdling bow.
Prediction : 1st Drusilla 2nd Surrey Belle 3rd Vienna Pearl

A typically open renewal in which many will fancy their chances, including last year's winner Anglers Crag, who is only 4lb higher this time around. Bodhisattva kept on into second in the Edinburgh National last time and with a further step up in trip likely to suit on that evidence, he could have a say too. The vote goes to the progressive O'CONNELL, though, who completed his hat-trick at Sandown three weeks ago. His demolition job in the Lincolnshire National previously suggests he could be suited even more by this marathon, and an 8lb rise for that recent triumph doesn't look too harsh. Others to note include Collectors Item, Ilikedwayurthinkin and Passing Well.
Prediction : 1st OConnell 2nd Anglers Crag 3rd Bodhisattva

This won't take much winning and He's Bresilian holds an obvious chance. Third on his hurdling bow at Wetherby last month, the son of Blue Bresil should improve and go very close, but a chance can be taken on NEW INVENTION. The five-year-old is related to a few useful winners and, although his future will perhaps lay over further, it wouldn't be surprising were he good enough to land this. Young Getaway heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st New Invention 2nd Hes Bresilian 3rd Young Getaway

Prairie Wolf failed to back up his success at Haydock when finishing stone last at Kelso earlier in the month, but that run was too bad to be true and he could bounce back. Even so, GENOIS makes more appeal. The nine-year-old finished a well-held fourth in this class at Wetherby last time but he was dropped 2lb for that effort and now lurks on a workable mark. Brucio completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Genois 2nd Prairie Wolf 3rd Brucio

It's All About You finished a respectable third on his handicap debut at Catterick on his latest outing and should remain competitive off a 1lb higher mark. However, it may pay to side with BIG BOY BOBBY, who finished over two lengths clear of the third when hitting the crossbar at Kempton in December. The son of Vadamos might only need to reproduce that level of form in order to go one better, while Imperial Data is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Big Boy Bobby 2nd Its All About You 3rd Imperial Data

Not beaten far in third when jumping cost him at Down Royal last time, connections looks to have found an ideal opportunity for STEP OUT to get off the mark over fences. A mark of 118 seems manageable on his return to handicap level and he is preferred to Caldwell, who could not have won any easier over hurdles at Fakenham recently. Last-start C&D winner Coup De Coeur also warrants respect.
Prediction : 1st Step Out 2nd Caldwell 3rd Coup De Coeur

An easy winner over C&D in December and a highly consistent sort since, MISTER SMARTY continues to rise in the ratings but a mark of 88 still looks within his compass as he aims to land a third success in five starts. Kabuki is interesting making his handicap debut on the back of wind surgery, while V Twelve remains a capable sort on his day. Others to note include Chillhi, Skiddaw and Treasured Company.
Prediction : 1st Mister Smarty 2nd Kabuki 3rd V Twelve