Tom's a rock-solid bet to follow up at Newcastle

Brighton

KAFEEL (4.50) has struggled with the handicapper in recent years, but he has come a long way down the weights and suggested his turn wasn’t far away here last time out.

Making his debut for Gary Moore, the six-year-old never really looked like justifying favouritism and finished about three lengths back in fourth, but he still had a chance until his lack of recent practice told in the closing stages.

That run should have blown away any cobwebs and a change of headgear could also have a positive effect, so he deserves another chance.

Nottingham

Alan King has two runners in the 2m handicap headed by COEUR DE LION (3.00).

The gelding has yet to win on the Flat, but he was steadily progressive at the end of last season, finishing second here on his final start of 2016.

He then had a decent campaign over hurdles over the winter, winning two of his first four starts and running respectably in seventh when set a stiff task in the Triumph.

He could be well handicapped if producing a similar display back on the level.

Newcastle

Four last-time-out winners clash in the 1m2f handicap and TOM’S ROCK (3.10) is best placed to follow up.

The gelding flopped on his comeback at Windsor last month, but his profile in handicaps is generally one of steady improvement and he produced a career-best at Lingfield last time out, looking a cut above his rivals and winning more comfortably than the two-length margin suggests.

He can defy a 7lb higher mark with Daniel Muscutt in the saddle again.

Hexham

Maurice Barnes has a strong team at this meeting, headed by APACHE PILOT (6.15).

The nine-year-old has visited this track 11 times, winning twice and finishing placed on five other occasions.

He struck over course and distance in April and produced an even better effort ten days ago, losing out only to Hattons Hill and pulling clear of the rest. That form entitles him to go close in this slightly easier assignment.

Huntingdon

MIDNIGHT MONTY (8.05) was pulled up over fences at Newbury in March, but he produced a much better effort here just five weeks later.

Having only his second start for Tom Lacey and with blinkers added, he was always up with the pace and found plenty to seal victory in the home straight.

That was his first handicap hurdle and his first start beyond 3m so there should be plenty more to come.

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