7:00 Newcastle Tips

Showcasing a gelding who's come a long way today from Cowell's yard to have a crack at this big pot. Last few runs have been in higher grades than this, and the jockey booking rates a plus also. I expect this to go off way shorter. The only thing we don't like is the draw.

Nearest at the finish in a Class 2 over 6 furlongs and 5th of 14 here last time out. The drop in trip and ease in grade appeal for this former course and distance winner.

Strong Warrior is a 4yo gelding trained by Richard Fahey. He is lightly raced, with just six starts, winning twice and posting a career-high RPR of 97. He returns to the track after a 132-day absence and a gelding operation, makes his AW debut, and is dropped into a Class 3 contest after competing in Class 2s in his recent starts. He can go well fresh ??' he won a novice last year after a 269-day break ??' and is interestingly out of a once raced dam related to a very useful AW winner for André Fabre in France.

This horse has a very good record over course and distance with several wins, including in December off only 2 lb lower than today's mark. He usually gives his running, and with the regular jockey on board he should go close. Decent each-way bet.

The 5yo ran well in four of his five turf starts in the second half of last year. Good quality Class 2 handicap races ??' no worries in this Class 3 handicap. He’s returning from a three-month break but is on a handy-looking mark. The trainer has had 3 winners from 7 runners in the last two weeks. The selection has had just three career AW runs, all at this track, resulting in two wins and a third.

Incredibly, of the last 44 races run by progeny of Starspangledbanner over this C&D, 14 have won, which is a real positive for this horse's first run here (and only his second on any AW surface). The trainer also has a terrific 10-from-35 record with his AW runners in the last year, and the horse has been lowered 2 lb after his last run. He was competitive in some big turf handicaps last year, notably at York, and should go close here.

No comment made

Pilgrim has won 2 and placed in 3 of 9 runs at this trip and has won 1 and placed in 1 of 2 runs in this class. Below form when 9th last time out at York. Returns after 267 day break and capable off this mark if running strongly from fresh.

Badri was close here last month when second in C3 off a 90, just missing out by a neck in the last 110 yards. It would not take much improvement to hit the top spot while up just 1 lb.

Mr Lightside was not great last year when mainly running in C2, but last April he did run to second in a C2 off a 102 after a break. He returns today off an 89 in a C3 and is worth a chance that he can do it fresh. EW 4P

Elegant Erin loves this Newcastle course and distance, with two course wins and a 22% strike rate here. She powered home late for a solid 4th in the Listed Rous Stakes off a 13 lb lower mark, which proves her class. Today's 95 handicap looks about right. Although it is going to be a testing mark today, Midgley and Nolan strike at 15% around here, and the pace should suit her strong finishing kick for a decent each-way chance at great odds.