7:15 Newcastle Tips

Has won on this course before and ran very well over the distance at Southwell in December, despite not enjoying a clear run. Only raised 1 lb for that effort and seems deserving of a win over this C&D. Stall 4 shouldn't be a hindrance, and market confidence is a promising sign. 2/1 Win.

This one is more progressive than most in this stagnant field. Her debut for the Joey Ramsden yard was very promising finishing second to a form horse. Some natural improvement is expected, and Lewis Edmunds is riding plenty of winners, she has the distinct edge over exposed veterans such as Spartan Fighter.

Spartan Fighter has 9 wins from 39 C&D starts (23% strike rate) and 10 from 55 overall at Newcastle. He's 18% at the trip and surface and did a hat-trick here before, two starts back scoring by 1 length off 54, then a neck second last time off 59 after being collared late. Same mark today with proven form.

Turned round quickly after racing over 7 furlongs here 4 days ago. He won over course and distance off a pound lower mark in December and will welcome the drop in trip.

Captain Vallo looks poised to run a big race back at Newcastle off this mark. He’s a proper track specialist with 3 wins and 5 places over C&D. That last run 6 days ago was better than the bare result, as he was trapped, had to wait for a gap, then finished off strongly to be beaten only 2 lengths. Back on his last winning rating of 60 also.

Showtime Mahomes came 6th by 4 lengths last time out at Southwell 28 days ago. Down 1lb from that and Grant Tuer yard has 67% RTF from 6 runners in last 14 days.

Last year's winner, which runs its better races at this time of year, now gets the blinkers on. So Blackjack looks a player after being sighted close up in its last race.