5:45 Newcastle Tips

DARK CLOUD RISING has won three races at 6f. Fifth over 6f at Southwell on his latest outing last month. Dropped in trip to 5f and the surface should suit. Seems well treated and could well be able to win this race.

This horse was a good winner off 80 last time out, and his only other run over C&D was a close-up placed effort off 89. He's been raised to 84 now for that win, but the excellent Warren Fentiman takes over in the saddle now with his valuable 5lb claim. Both trainer and jockey are in decent form, so you'd have to say that, on balance, the 9/2 is a touch too big now that the horse has hit the winning trail once more.

The winner of six of his nine starts at this track, he is just a pound above the most recent of those which came in a better level of race than this. He has been given a wind op since he was last seen in action after three runs below par elsewhere. Should appreciate the return to this track.

Michaela's Boy is a 5-year-old gelding with a solid course and distance record. Previously won on similar going, surface, and in this class. Last race was below par, but capable of bouncing back over 7f on AW. Fair handicap mark.

Three-time winner here at Newcastle, Badri drops into calmer waters today and also drops 2 lb in OR. The type to bounce back.

CD winner who's turned out again quickly after running 19 days ago, finishing a not too bad 3rd of 7 here in a class 4, keeping on at the finish of 5f under 9st 1lb and rating 77. Steps up to a class 3 today, so 8st 10lb off the same rating, but interesting jockey change with D Fentiman coming into the saddle.

Grandlad was 2nd here at Newcastle 20 days ago with an RPR of 85. Not so good last time out at Wolverhampton after dwelling at the start. Won a class 2 at Hamilton in August and followed that up with another win. He is a 5f specialist and has Kevin Stott in the plate today. He has a 23% SR this last fortnight and 18% (+17.02 profit) here at Newcastle.

QUEENS GUARD looks well drawn, and even though she's been a little unpredictable for new connections, she is capable if we catch a going day. Now a pound lighter than a second-place finish on the Tapeta at Southwell in August. Some good runs here for the previous stable, and that, coupled with the favorable stall position, could work in our favor.

Yet to get going in handicaps but has at this distance earlier and can't be underestimated. Jack Callan takes over with his five-pound claimer.

Marching Mac has raced six times on the all-weather without success. His best place finish was a second at Chelmsford just over a year ago. This will be his first taste of the Tapeta at Newcastle. On his turf form, he has a chance with two wins and a second in his last three runs. Nudged up a pound since his last run. If handling the surface, then Marching Mac looks worth a shout with Grace McEntee once again doing the steering.

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