UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

It wouldn't be a huge surprise if Maura Jeanne bounced back from her latest performance at Sedgefield. However, she remains 8lb higher than her success at Ayr the time before and may be vulnerable to an improver in the shape of BALLYHIHO. Her pedigree suggests the step up in trip will be very much in her favour in what appears to be a winnable contest. Joanna I'm Fine completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Ballyhiho 2nd Maura Jeanne 3rd Joanna Im Fine

MAXIMUM OFFERS got off the mark at the second attempt over hurdles at Huntingdon when stepping forward considerably. The fact he now goes left handed may be a concern, having hung right on both hurdle runs, but Jamie Snowden's gelding could have the edge over Small Town Kid, who arrives with something to prove. Mr Griffiths appeals most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Maximum Offers 2nd Small Town Kid 3rd Mr Griffiths

REGAL AND ROYAL won a brace of handicaps in the early part of the season at Bangor before returning with plenty of credit when runner-up at the same venue a fortnight ago and a 4lb rise is unlikely to stop his progression. Luminaries commands plenty of respect in his bid for a C&D hat-trick, while the application of cheekpieces might aid the cause of Time Was.
Prediction : 1st Regal And Royal 2nd Luminaries 3rd Time Was

FLIC OU VOYOU was unsuited by soft ground last time, but Henry Hogarth's veteran will be much more at home on this faster going. The 11-year-old landed a double last autumn that included a course and distance success, and he's preferred to Cerendipity. The latter narrowly beat Special Rate when successful over a longer trip here three weeks ago, while Choosethenews won this contest last year, although it was heavy going on that occasion and he remains 7lb higher.
Prediction : 1st Flic Ou Voyou 2nd Cerendipity 3rd Special Rate

BARON DE MIDLETON gave notice a return to winning ways was imminent when caught close home over 2m5f at Kelso in September. This shorter distance looks the logical move on that evidence and Brian Ellison's charge gets another chance. Thank You Blue looks to have solid claims, given he escapes a penalty for winning a conditionals' race at Kempton four days ago, while Turn And Finish was set a stiff task in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham last month and can fare better at this level.
Prediction : 1st Baron De Midleton 2nd Thank You Blue 3rd Turn And Finish

JAC JUMPER was his own worst enemy when he surrendered a handy lead to one who basically kept a straighter line towards the finish at Doncaster last month. However, this really doesn't appear to be any tougher and he can atone given most of the opposition have something to prove. Top Of The Bay is the pick of those on the back of filling the runner-up spot in weak event over C&D most recently. Ribeye is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Jac Jumper 2nd Top Of The Bay 3rd Ribeye

This might be best left to JAPETUS, who was a promising second when introduced at Kelso in February, before going one better in a similar race over C&D three weeks ago. The Nicky Richards-trained four-year-old looks to be well placed to brush aside a penalty. Coffee Boy, I Am Simba and Ben Reid are interesting newcomers to monitor in the betting.
Prediction : 1st Japetus 2nd Coffee Boy 3rd I Am Simba