UK Horse Racing Tips: Newcastle

L'Eagle Aid makes his return to the fray after winning twice last summer including over C&D in June, but he has 9lb more to carry here and may have to settle for a place. Alther Walden won a weak Catterick novice by 14 lengths last August and makes his handicap debut after wind surgery. He is certainly one to watch, but RASTNET is preferred. A neck second in a better race at Wolverhampton last month, an added 2lb seems fair enough and he could mow down the front runners late on.
Prediction : 1st Rastnet 2nd Alther Walden 3rd LEagle Aid

A tricky novice event to call with three unraced options, but it would be a surprise if STARGLOW doesn't come home in front. Charlie Appleby's Space Blues colt was slowly away before finishing second at Wolverhampton over a furlong shorter at long odds-on last month, but he will have learned plenty from the experience and could go one better. Showcasing Star was also second on his only start and is another likely improver, while Archie Watson's Sea The Stars colt Wareeth is one to watch for future contests.
Prediction : 1st Starglow 2nd Showcasing Star 3rd Wareeth

ZATSGOOD has the best form after finishing second on his only start for Andre Fabre, beaten a length by Uther who went on to win a Group 3 at Longchamp. If the son of Frankel is ready to go after 16 months off the track on his first start for George Boughey, he would prove hard to beat. Recency Bias was improving with experience finishing second at Doncaster last March on his second start but he has been off for close to a year, while Finally Escaped could also mount a challenge.
Prediction : 1st Zatsgood 2nd Recency Bias 3rd Finally Escaped

Secret Testimony sprung a 50/1 surprise when victorious over 7f here in November and is out to prove that was no fluke, but KINGOFTHECARNIVAL looks the more sensible option. Archie Watson's gelding won on handicap debut over the same C&D and the assessor was kind to only put him up 4lb. With a similar display, he could be the one to beat. Kameko Fever completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Kingofthecarnival 2nd Secret Testimony 3rd Kameko Fever

Mr Nugget has had a fruitful winter, winning on five occasions since November, and he is likely to be thereabouts once again. Boubyan got up towards the finish over 1m2f here on his most recent start, so the drop back in trip might not be the best move. Therefore, the one that appeals most is five-time course winner CONCERT BOY, who bounced back to form when second at this venue recently and remains on a workable rating.
Prediction : 1st Concert Boy 2nd Mr Nugget 3rd Boubyan

Cool Molly made it two wins from her last three outings, with her most recent success coming off a mark of 66 at Lingfield. She should remain competitive, but ALFA DUPLICATE beat Liverpool Star (third) when recording her first triumph over 5f at Southwell. The extra furlong won't pose her any problems and she looks the one to side with. Soul Warrior struck on handicap debut at Redcar in September and is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Alfa Duplicate 2nd Cool Molly 3rd Soul Warrior

The recently-gelded Thankfully Simmy is a potential improver to keep an eye on in the betting, while Southern Warrior and Everydaysasaturday aren't over burdened for their handicap debuts. However, BRAVE TRAVELLER seems to be getting batter with each run and a 3lb rise for his C&D success in December may underestimate him now that he has proven he has the will to win.
Prediction : 1st Brave Traveller 2nd Thankfully Simmy 3rd Southern Warrior

Instant Bond appreciated dropping back to 6f when he won over C&D 10 days ago and had more in hand over the runner-up, Tomorrow Day, than the winning margin suggests. However, that was his first win in 18 attempts and a 4lb rise could be problematic. On this occasion, slender preference is for the reliable PIT BOSS. A C&D winner who has also been placed here on nine other occasions, his course record is a highly persuasive factor. Jkr Cobbler is an appealing alternative.
Prediction : 1st Pit Boss 2nd Instant Bond 3rd Jkr Cobbler