UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

With five of the 12 declared runners set to compete from out of the handicap, carrying top-weight might not be too restrictive for STRATEGIC FORTUNE, who looks well worth a try over this trip at a modest level. Rubellite also appeals having started 2025 with two classified stakes wins (one over C&D) last month, and she was far from disgraced back in a similar handicap at Southwell most recently. Duchess and Fiftyshadesaresdev hold each-way claims.
Prediction : 1st Strategic Fortune 2nd Rubellite 3rd Duchess

PAYMENT PLAN has done nothing but improve since being tasked with greater stamina tests and, having won three times over similar distances since November, he is the most attractive proposition in this event. Reel Her In reverts to the Flat on a competitive mark and rates a serious contender, while similar comments apply to previous C&D winner Zephlyn, whose effectiveness on Tapeta is a handy asset.
Prediction : 1st Payment Plan 2nd Reel Her In 3rd Zephlyn

TOMORROW DAY went up 5lb after winning over C&D last month but has run with credit to be placed three times since. That reliability earns him the vote, while veteran performer Brian The Snail seems as enthusiastic as ever and is a must for the shortlist after going close at Wolverhampton 10 days ago. Just Ten High and Call Glory also merit consideration.
Prediction : 1st Tomorrow Day 2nd Brian The Snail 3rd Just Ten High

This is open and only a tentative vote can go to ORIENTAL PRINCE. Jim Goldie's charge has found considerable improvement since having a hood applied in December, winning three of his four starts since, and a further 4lb rise might not be enough to stop the progressive four-year-old. Maharajas Express left it late to get up at Wolverhampton on Monday. The gelding must shoulder a 5lb penalty today but merits respect in search of the three-timer, while fellow hat-trick seeker Castan and Leodis Dream are just two more to consider.
Prediction : 1st Oriental Prince 2nd Maharajas Express 3rd Castan

Oberon Hill (fourth) and Woodrafff (fifth) met over the mile here recently and both would need to improve, especially having to concede weight to a pair of interesting debutants in REGALIAN and Go Out, of which the former is preferred. The son of Kingman is a half-brother to the useful Theory Of Tides, who won his first two racecourse appearances for the Gosdens last year, and, if possessing anywhere near that level of ability, he might prove too strong.
Prediction : 1st Regalian 2nd Go Out 3rd Oberon Hill

Blackcurrent struck the woodwork at handicap level last time out and his claims are as strong as any eased into a classified event, while similar comments apply to Arlington. Bryan Smart's charge didn't fire last time but is perhaps best judged on his previous course second, and a return to that level ought to see him go very close. That being said, a chance can be taken on ATHOLLBLAIR BOY. Recent form figures aren't reflective of how well the 12-year-old has performed and, dropping in class, he edges it.
Prediction : 1st Athollblair Boy 2nd Blackcurrent 3rd Arlington

Fast Flo was only held by half a length when runner-up at Southwell recently and the winner boosted that form by subsequently scoring in style, but Christine Dunnett's mare remains a maiden after 33 attempts and preference is for BERNIE THE BEAR. This C&D scorer usually goes well in this grade and the booking of 3lb claimer Harry Burns inspires further confidence. Fellow track-and-trip winner Raft Up warrants respect in a first-time hood.
Prediction : 1st Bernie The Bear 2nd Fast Flo 3rd Raft Up

This looks like a good opportunity for BARNABY to complete a C&D hat-trick. Kevin Ryan's gelding accounted for three of these rivals when defying a 6lb rise to complete a double with plenty to spare 13 days ago, taking his track-and-trip strike-rate to 6-8 in the process, and a further 6lb hike doesn't look enough to halt him. The main threat appears to be Longhaired General, who also arrives on a course three-timer but his two wins came over 1m. William Dewhirst completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Barnaby 2nd Longhaired General 3rd William Dewhirst