JIBBER JABBER

STENMARK is a previous Tapeta winner, having scored at Southwell last August on his stable debut for James Ferguson after a 139-day break. He won that race with something in hand, with the first three pulling well clear of the rest, which marked it down as a strong performance. He now makes his debut for the Denis Quinn yard after a 67-day break, and that return from a layoff could be a positive ??" his two best Racing Post Ratings have come when fresh. It’s also encouraging to see Jason Hart booked for the first time ever for the yard, especially for a trainer who does well with the limited number of runners he sends to Newcastle (3-13, 23% strike rate). Add in a decent draw and a return to Tapeta, and there’s plenty to like if the break has freshened him up.

WILDE AND DANDY could go well down in Class after being denied a clear run in the final half furlong over C&D last time. He is a C&D winner off a 2lb higher mark and should be shorter than 22/1 IMO. Each way for 4 places advised in this 12-runner affair.

EVE'S BOY was sent off at just 11/2 last time in a higher Class better race than this before being denied a clear run repeatedly late on and finishing with plenty left in the tank. Paul Mulrennan takes over in the saddle and dropped another 3lb he can go close.

RACEVIEW ROAD looks worth an each way interest at double-figure odds with 4 places on offer in this 14-runner affair. He has steadily dropped 9lb down the weights for his last five runs and he caught my eye last time running-on again late over hurdles over 2m4.5f at Ayr 32-days ago. This former multiple 3-mile point winner ran one of his best races over C&D over these fences when 2.5 lengths 2nd of 8 off a mark of 104 in a Class 4 (0-120) race back in November 2024. He runs in a Class 5 (0-105) race here off a mark of just 96. He admittedly hasn't been in the same form since but his last run showed promise and hinted at a return to form while he shaped very much like this step back up to this 3-mile plus trip would be very much in his favour. He'll need to improve again but fitter on his third start of the season that looks entirely possible. Now an 8 year old he should be starting to peak over the larger obstacles.

I like the each way chances of BALKO D'ANGE at his current Bet365 odds of 16/1 with 5 places on offer. The key piece of form for me is that 3rd of 17 here on 27/12/25 over the same trip. He was hampered early by a faller, shuffled back into a poor position, and had to come wide around the whole field in the straight. The first two got first run, yet he still finished off well to grab third, earning an RPR of 131 in a competitive handicap. Racing Post said he “ran well on this better ground, especially as he was hampered early on. He continues to improve.” That reads very much like a horse with more to come from his current mark. This has been backed up by the sectionals and RaceIQ data while I think today's deeper ground will suit him.

The 8 year old Liz Doyle trained mare BALLYBAWN BELTER could be well-in raised 7lb for her 11 length win over 2m3.5f at Limerick 5 weeks ago. She is a dual course winner who come here rock-hard fit on her fifth start of the season. I like the intermediate 2m5.5f trip for her as she hasn't quite got home over 3-mile in her three attempts at the trip. Each way advised for 6 places in this hugely competitive 23-runner affair.

HONEY DALE ran better than the bare result on her handicap debut here 63-days ago. Dropped 2lb, stepping up to 7f, with an apprentice taking 7lb off, better drawn here in stall 5, she may be able to take a step forward and get involved in the finish. Looks well-worth an each way bet for 4 places at around 40/1.