UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

Already a dual C&D scorer, the Ewan Whillans-trained 10-year-old BILLY BATHGATE is only 3lb above his last winning mark, which came just last month, and his proven liking for Tapeta is a big asset in this company. Arcimboldo has shown promise since joining Mike Sowersby and is feared more than the code-switching pair Tarbat Ness and Young Merlin, whose previous form on synthetic surfaces is modest at best.
Prediction : 1st Billy Bathgate 2nd Arcimboldo 3rd Tarbat Ness

Bad Habits and Court Of Session are being kept busy and have each-way prospects, although TEARDROPS and Penny Mountain are suggested as the pair to focus on. The latter was a ready winner over track and trip on her penultimate start and wasn't beaten far when third back here on Saturday. However, Richard Spencer's gelding is less exposed and may have benefited from being given a bit more of a break since his bid for a C&D hat-trick went awry.
Prediction : 1st Teardrops 2nd Penny Mountain 3rd Bad Habits

Somebody has filled the runner-up berth in five of his 12 previous starts and scores highly for reliability. However, he was well held when upped to 7f at Southwell and needs to settle better if he is going to get home over this stiffer course. EVOLVE, by contrast, was in the process of rallying when finishing fourth over 6f here and stepping up a furlong could be ideal at this stage. Maria Da Silva and Populus are also potential improvers.
Prediction : 1st Evolve 2nd Somebody 3rd Maria Da Silva

DIGITAL has bounced back to form on his last couple of starts over C&D, winning just before Christmas before finishing second on New Year's Day. Ruth Carr's gelding makes plenty of appeal in his bid to go one better. La Rochette was one place behind the selection on the latter occasion and would be a threat if backing that performance up. Others to note are He's An Angel and Azucena.
Prediction : 1st Digital 2nd La Rochette 3rd Hes An Angel

A C&D handicap on New Year's Day might hold the key to this contest, with Flying Fletcher faring best of those who reappear in second. However, third home THE GREEN MAN can reverse the form. Slowly away before meeting trouble when attempting to challenge, Phil Kirby's gelding may well have won and is taken to gain compensation. Criminal Shore appears best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st The Green Man 2nd Flying Fletcher 3rd Criminal Shore

Having secured a second career victory over 6f here last month, a 4lb higher mark shouldn't prevent another bold showing from Heavenly Heather. However, a drop to the minimum distance could leave the Shamardal mare vulnerable, with preference for recent C&D winner KING'S CROWN. The six-year-old has been in fine fettle of late and a third triumph in his last four outings is a distinct possibility. Lethal Nymph is a feasible alternative.
Prediction : 1st Kings Crown 2nd Heavenly Heather 3rd Lethal Nymph

AISLING OSCAR hasn't looked back since switching to the Adrian Keatley yard and a five-timer could be on the cards. A 4lb rise in the ratings for the five-year-old's latest triumph over 1m here appears surmountable and he gets the nod over Wyvern, who arrives on the back of a C&D victory and another bold bid beckons. Fellow last-time-out winner Moyowasi completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Aisling Oscar 2nd Wyvern 3rd Moyowasi