3:12 Newcastle Tips

The latest 3rd-place over C/D has convinced me that this one justifies the fav tag for this race. The form of that race is working out well, and a repeat of the latest run should be enough to win this.

Six career runs for the 3yo. Not great in four turf runs, but a big effort over this 12f course/distance in October. Beaten just a head that day. The form looked fine. Room for improvement. Questions about a few of his rivals. Strong jockey booking.

Has been given a 205-day break since finishing a good 2nd of 9, staying on well in the final furlong of 1m 2f 42yds here at Newcastle in a same-as-today Class 4 with a rating of 62. Rating today nudged up one to 63. The step up in trip to 1m 4f 98yds is sure to suit (has stamina as he’s run over hurdles). Interesting that B. Robinson returns to the saddle.

I'm surprised this horse is the price she is. It could be because it's the first run for this yard. Nevertheless, the horse ran well only six weeks ago and has form on Tapeta and over this trip. She may well be underrated here.

Jim Goldie's Trojan Sun is enjoying a fine season. He ploughed through the Nottingham mud over two miles two furlongs to win by twelve lengths last time out, following up on a Musselburgh win over two miles on good ground ten days earlier. The five-year-old is in the form of his life at the moment and goes on any ground. He is eleven lbs higher in the handicap today but has Paul Mulrennan, who rides this course better than any current jockey, taking over in the saddle.

Atlantic Sunset is a very versatile 3yo trained by Charlie Johnston, who has already shown me some good ability over middle distances, particularly around 12 to 14. He’s a consistent sort with multiple wins and placings this season, including a strong third in Newmarket. He has had some ups and downs but with Jason Hart taking the ride, he has every chance to run another strong race here

Have You Missed Me returned from nearly a year off in Sept. But when third up, he won a C5 off a 72. His win prior was in Sept last year in a C4 off today's mark, which I think makes today doable back in C4.

A Ewan Whillans-trained 6-year-old who has had 14 races on the A/W, winning 3 times and finishing in the frame 5 times. He won two races on the trot in May, both at Catterick on the grass over 2 miles on good and good to firm going. He has had a 175-day break and is reverting back to the A/W, having won his last visit here at Newcastle on the A/W in March in a Class 6 handicap over 2m 1/2f when winning by 3/4 of a length. He is up to a Class 4 handicap and dropped down in distance to 1m 4 1/2f and has P. J. McDonald in the saddle. He has an each-way chance in this race today.