2:45 Newcastle Tips

Not won a race yet, but has nearly always made the frame, so a reliable one. There are five places up for grabs, and the jockey's 5 lb claim could come in handy on these soft conditions. This could be the day the maiden tag finally breaks.

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The trainer is more known for his flat runners, but he actually has a better strike rate with his hurdlers. This unexposed horse has a serious chance here on her bumper second. A look at the subsequent runs of the first and third there gives major clues that she's been underestimated in her first handicap hurdles run here. She's hurdled well enough in her three non-handicap hurdle races, and she should improve for the switch to handicapping.

Just five hurdle runs for the 5yo mare. Two handicap runs this winter after coming off a seven-month break. Not beaten far when finishing 3rd and 4th; the form seems fine. She can have more improvement in her. She’s coming off an eleven-week break, and this is a weak-looking contest.

Glory Hights has shown improved form in the last two starts, the latest over CD. The 10-year-old has a good record at this track and will be suited by the ground today. Several recent form lines have been franked by horses placed around Glory Hights. This trip, combined with soft ground, is ideal. (Would have surely won a voided race here over CD heavy in 2024.) With a moderate field and only one or two real dangers, he looks good value for the win at 5/1.

Passenger On The Shi is a very reliable horse returning after a long break. Historically, he performs well in these track conditions. He has a TS of 75 and an RPR of 100. Although his pure speed figures are slightly lower than Snow Dragon's, his stamina is superior. Jonathan England and Sam England make a lethal team, boasting an impressive 66.67% rider success rate in their recent collaborations.

Knacker Trapper has been falling down the handicap but should come on from his first run of the season at Wetherby, where he was well beaten in January.