Newcastle’s Thursday evening card is sponsored throughout by BetUK & BetMGM, and with seven races during the meeting, there are plenty of competitive races for punters to get stuck into. Our resident tipster Joe Napier has provided his thoughts on each race, including a tip in each.
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4:30 Newcastle – BetUK. It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap
An open handicap with a fair depth of quality to open Newcastle’s card. Skye Breeze is on comfortably his highest mark to date, so despite being the only one in winning form, the one with most positives might be RHYTHMIC INTENT. The eight-year-old is without a win since September 2021, but that was in a significantly better race and his mark has declined a decent way since.
He races off just 85 here, the same mark off which he was runner-up over course and distance in December. He had three of today’s rivals in behind that day and that was easily his best all-weather run, suggesting he likes surroundings. At his best last year, he was still mixing it in high-quality turf handicaps off marks at least 4lb higher than he is on now and enough evidence suggests he retains enough ability to win here.
5:05 Newcastle – Find More Big Deals At BetUK Handicap
All three of Explorers Way’s career victories have come at this track, but it is difficult to see him winning off this mark, especially as both his past wins have been followed up by very poor efforts.
LOCHNAVER, on the other hand, could well take this off bottom weight. His best two efforts since the autumn have been at this venue by a long way, including a course and distance victory off this mark. His recent runs at Southwell and Wolverhampton have been well below his best, but they have been over further and it is probably worth forgiving him here.
5:35 Newcastle – Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Handicap
Running off the same mark on which he finished second over course and distance a month ago, BEYLERBEYI looks well set to win this. He was runner-up to Bobby Joe Leg that day, beaten under a length, and that rival has since racked up three more victories to be rated 12lb higher.
That Ian Williams’ four-year-old was able to go so close speaks positively to his chances in this race, with that having been comfortably his best run since coming over from France. He does not get Jack Enright’s 7lb claim here, but Billy Loughnane is a jockey booking with intent, so he should still have enough.
6:05 Newcastle – BetUK. Home Of The Acca-Fenwa Handicap
The two to focus on are HARVANNA and Torvar for almost entirely opposing reasons. The former is preferred as she retains significant potential after winning two novice events on turf last term, while she only faded in the closing stages over 6f on her return at this track on New Year’s Day.
The step back to 5f looks to be the right decision and she is down 1lb to a mark of 85, which she looks capable of defying. Torvar, on the other hand, has plenty of experience, which he recently came good on in some style at Chelmsford. He is up 11lb for a rampant success there, but may now have figured this game out.
6:35 Newcastle – Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap
Good Morning Alex is now 3lb lower than when third over track and trip last weekend, which is also 3lb higher than his previous winning mark. That could well entitle him to win again, but the ultra consistent LIKEASHADOW has been getting closer and closer at this venue and may finally get off the mark here.
He has been raised 1lb each time for his runner-up efforts the last twice, but he was beaten a neck and a short head in those races. Were either race a stride longer, he would have won both contests and Paul Mulrennan may be able to time it to perfection from the rear this time.
7:05 Newcastle – Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Restricted Maiden Stakes
The bar set by those to have run previously is extremely low, so it would be disappointing if one of the debutants does not prove talented enough. On pedigree, it’s difficult to get away from MEMORIES MAKER who is a half-sibling to seven winners including a Group 3 winner for Sir Michael Stoute.
It would be a surprise were Charlie Johnston not to have him in prime condition for his first race, so he is the safest bet. The wildcard could be Archie Watson’s Take A Pull, of whom we know less on breeding, but whose pedigree could well work out in time.
7:35 – Always Gamble Responsibly With BetUK Handicap
The final race on the card can go to URBAN DANDY who had already run credibly on two occasions over course and distance this year before getting absolutely no run at this venue on Sunday. If anything, he did well to avoid finishing last of 11, but he was travelling extremely well when inconvenienced as the race was unfolding.
Shuffled all the way back to the tale, the four-year-old ran on very smartly, and should be just as fit four days later. That performance suggested a win is incoming and it might not take too much to win this.
Wolverhampton Through-The-Card Tips
Memories MakerJoe Napier’s tips at Newcastle for Thursday, 8th February.
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