Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Newcastle on Saturday. View selections below.
SUEGIOO (3.50) is taken to confirm Chester Cup placings with gambled-on Angel Gabrial in the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle. The Pitmen’s Derby is always one of the most eagerly-awaited summer handicaps and Suegioo is nicely berthed in stall 10 to take up a stalking position. On paper, stall one seems perfect for Angel Gabrial but it presents its own problems if apprentice George Chaloner finds himself tight for room down on the rail in what is often a rough race. Sir Mark Prescott adds to the intrigue by coming out of hibernation to saddle Big Thunder, while David O’Meara’s talented but tricky Tropical Beat is also worthy of consideration. Ideally, strong traveller Suegioo would prefer slightly easier ground but, in the absence of rain, the track will be watered to ensure a safe surface.
KIMBERELLA (2.05) represents in-form Dandy Nicholls in the Betfred-sponsored six-furlong handicap. The four-year-old will find this slightly easier than his last two assignments at Newmarket and Thirsk, but a reproduction of the form he showed at Ripon in April when whipping Red Refraction by four lengths would put him right in the mix. Kimberella also made useful Lancelot Du Lac dig deep at Newmarket last summer, form which ties in with well-treated stablemate Lewisham.
MY FREEDOM (3.15) faces a tough task under top weight in the Betfred World Cup Double Delight Handicap but the Godolphin horse possesses a touch of class in this grade. This will be his first UK outing since wintering well in Dubai and My Freedom ran out a comfortable winner here last June over a furlong longer trip.
AMAZE (4.25) should prove popular for local trainer Brian Ellison, who always has his string spot-on for this fixture. The six-year-old is hard to win with and is usually at his best with some cut in the ground. However, he is undeniably well handicapped these days and is weighted to beat his Ayr conqueror San Cassiano. The booking of Oisin Murphy suggests Ellison means business, although money for stablemates It’s A Mans World and Red Inca would be significant.
AL GOMRY (1.35) can get Plate day off to a flier for Richard Fahey supporters as the Al Shaqab Racing colt is expected to overturn York form with Tim Easterby’s filly Short N Sweet. Fahey was Paul Hanagan’s boss and mentor in the north for several successful seasons and the former champion jockey has three good mounts on the card for his old guvnor.
Compare horse racing odds and bet at the best prices
Tally Ho
Alan
To compare the odds on all today’s horse racing, click here
