3:35 Newcastle Tips

Better Be Definite is up seven pounds for his latest win at Ayr, where the margin of his win was flattered by a late faller. He could still follow up now that he has returned to form.

Lightly raced 6yo. Two runs this winter; only beaten a length four weeks ago over this 3m trip, on his handicap debut. He split two in-form rivals that day and can take a step forward. A capable apprentice is taking over in the saddle, and his 10 lb claim should improve his chances.

Broderick has had two runs since he came back from a 251-day break. The first was badly needed. The second was a much better showing in a more competitive race than today's. That run a fortnight ago over 2m 5f saw him stay on well, and he should be ready to race to his best now. He has won here before off a 10 lb higher mark on good-to-soft (albeit a fortunate win). With the ground ideal for him and the trip likely to bring out improvement, he has very strong claims for at least a place in this. 8/1 offers EW value.

The training team of this horse have a very good strike rate generally, which is even better both at this course and also when this jockey is booked. The horse makes his handicap debut here after some races in fairly decent novice company, and I'd argue that there are enough clues in those last two runs to suggest he's been let in lightly here.