'He has a really strong chance and has improved since last run' - quotes and analysis for competitive Newcastle handicap
This Class 3 handicap hurdle is cracking betting heat in which all seven runners have a realistic chance.
David Maxwell will be having his first ride at Newcastle, but having ridden winners at 29 courses in Britain he should find Gosforth Park straightforward enough and his mount, five-year-old Joker De Mai, has put in good efforts on his last three starts.
He should also be suited by underfoot conditions having won in heavy ground at Auteuil, while trainer Harry Derham, who continues to impress, is 1-1 at Newcastle.
He won't have it all his own way though because there are some powerful northern stables represented, with the perennially in-form Lucinda Russell running Inox Allen, who will be making his handicap debut.
He found a 3m½f Grade 2 at Haydock a bit tough last time but a handicap over half a mile less here should suit him much better. The form of his maiden hurdle win over this trip at Hexham on his stable debut looks strong, as he comfortably accounted for two subsequent dual winners.
Olly Murphy is in great form and has a good course record. He saddles Booster Bob, Sean Bowen's only ride of the day. The six-year-old has already won a Listed contest at Sandown (won in 2021 by Constitution Hill) but needs to bounce back from a no-show at Carlisle last time.
Owner John Wade has two lively contenders in Rich Spirit and Rafferty's Return, both winners this winter, while the first in two in the weights, Pay The Piper and Impulsive One, neither of whom has been in the best form this season, have won seven races at this class and above in their time.
Analysis by Gary Savage
Ground and weather
The ground was described as soft, good to soft in places on Monday after a dry and breezy 24 hours, but rain was forecast and, if that is at the higher end of predictions, conditions will be slower as the water table is still high.
What they say
Harry Derham, trainer of Joker De Mai
He's got a really strong chance. I'm looking forward to running him and he's been in very good form this season. He's improved a bit since his last run, so he should go close.
Sue Smith, trainer of Rich Spirit
It was frustrating he fell at Kelso last time, but before that he was progressive and he's a nice horse. He's performed well over this sort of trip before so that's fine for him and the ground will probably be as well, but I wouldn't mind if it stopped raining sooner rather than later. He's well capable of running a nice race.
Lucinda Russell, trainer of Inox Allen
I really like this horse and in time he'll step up to three miles, but he was too keen when we ran him over that trip at Haydock last month. He'll love the ground if it's heavy and he's a horse I think a lot of, which is why we stepped him up in grade for that race at Haydock. I think he's got a bit of class.
Olly Murphy, trainer of Booster Bob
He came back with horrendously bad ulcers after his last run, which was way too bad to be true and nothing to do with the trip. He's been treated for those ulcers and he's well able to be competitive off this mark. I've left the hood off for the first time and, on his earlier form this season, he should be in the mix.
Reporting by James Burn
Read these next:
'He caught the eye on his stable debut' - Gary Savage with his best bets for Tuesday
'He should be coming fast and late' - Conor Fennelly with two fancies at Dundalk
The Punt Acca: Lee Sharp's three horse racing tips from Newcastle, Taunton and Southwell on Tuesday
Tuesday's free racing tips: six horses to consider putting in your multiples
Subscribe to Racing Post Members' Club Ultimate Monthly and get 50% off your first three months!
Available to new subscribers purchasing Members' Club Ultimate Monthly using code MEMBERS24. First three payments will be charged at £24.98, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter. To cancel please contact us at least seven days before subscription is due to renew.
inPreviews
- Watch live at 10am: Paul Kealy, Johnny Dineen and Nick Luck preview the Derby on The Morning Post
- Morning updates: ground set to continue drying with no further rain expected on Derby day at Epsom
- David Jennings found the 13-2 Oaks winner and is back with more tips for all five ITV races from Epsom on Derby day
- Watch: Derby day preview and tipping show with top tipsters Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- 3.10 Epsom: 'He's a seriously fast horse' - strong field of 19 get set for an intriguing three-year-old Dash
- Champions League final double odds boost: get 100-1 for Dortmund to win OR 40-1 for Real Madrid
- Epsom Derby betting offer: get £40 in free bets with Ladbrokes for the big race at Epsom
- Champions League final odds boost: claim Sky Bet's exclusive 50-1 odds for 1+ shots on target during Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid
- Jude Bellingham betting offer: get enhanced odds of 40-1 for Bellingham to have 1+ shots on target in the Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid Champions League final
- Epsom Derby festival Ladies Day betting offer: claim £40 in free bets from Ladbrokes for the Betfred Oaks and more
- Watch live at 10am: Paul Kealy, Johnny Dineen and Nick Luck preview the Derby on The Morning Post
- Morning updates: ground set to continue drying with no further rain expected on Derby day at Epsom
- David Jennings found the 13-2 Oaks winner and is back with more tips for all five ITV races from Epsom on Derby day
- Watch: Derby day preview and tipping show with top tipsters Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- 3.10 Epsom: 'He's a seriously fast horse' - strong field of 19 get set for an intriguing three-year-old Dash
- Champions League final double odds boost: get 100-1 for Dortmund to win OR 40-1 for Real Madrid
- Epsom Derby betting offer: get £40 in free bets with Ladbrokes for the big race at Epsom
- Champions League final odds boost: claim Sky Bet's exclusive 50-1 odds for 1+ shots on target during Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid
- Jude Bellingham betting offer: get enhanced odds of 40-1 for Bellingham to have 1+ shots on target in the Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid Champions League final
- Epsom Derby festival Ladies Day betting offer: claim £40 in free bets from Ladbrokes for the Betfred Oaks and more