Rude Awakening looks a typical Sir Mark Prescott improver

Newcastle

Mark Johnston has two of the seven runners in the 6f handicap and PRESTBURY PARK (6.40) looks his main contender.

The three-year-old came up short in three nurseries last year, but he was gelded during a winter break and made an encouraging comeback at Lingfield two weeks ago. Having taken a fierce hold, he established a clear lead at midway but tired close home and was caught by Desert Doctor. That should have taken some of the freshness out of him and he can land this if settling better.

There are three interesting handicap debutants in the mile handicap, with preference for RUDE AWAKENING (7.45). Sir Mark Prescott’s three-year-old finished down the field in three midsummer maidens last year, but he has been gelded since then and looks the sort who will make a big leap forward now that he moves into a handicap. His pedigree suggests he will enjoy the step up to this trip as his half-brother Prime Exhibit was a seven-time winner on the all-weather at around this distance.

DUBAWI FIFTY (5.35) ended last season with a fourth in the Cesarewitch and has looked better than ever on the sand after a short break. Karen McLintock’s five-year-old can complete a hat-trick in the opener.

Wetherby

DEDIGOUT (3.40) has suffered a couple of narrow defeats recently and may be able to land a well-deserved victory in the 3m handicap hurdle.

The 12-year-old has plummeted down the weights since joining Micky Hammond from Ireland and his two latest efforts at Ayr suggest he has found his level now.

He went down by a head behind The Delray Munky last month and was even closer last time out, pipped by just a short-head in a tight duel with Western Rules.

BANDON ROC (4.10) has been a slow learner over fences, but the triple hurdle winner ran much better here over 3m last time out, plugging on for second in a new visor.

That showed testing ground is fine and Kim Bailey’s charge can go one better if the headgear works for a second time.

CHRISTMAS IN USA (4.45) looks good in the novice handicap hurdle following his five-length second here last month over half a mile shorter. He was plugging at the finish.

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