8.15pm Newcastle Tips & Betting Preview 20/10/2017

8.15pm Newcastle tips for Friday’s Class 5 race. A maximum size field of fourteen line up for this six furlong sprint contest, chasing a first prize of just under £3,000. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: BENJAMIN THOMAS has been a little disappointing of late, but the handicapper has taken a chance dropping him to a mark of 70 given his eight length beating of the 68 rated Granny Roz in a maiden. Samarmadi is another who has not run to his peak in recent starts. His best run came on Tapeta at Wolverhampton and he strikes as the type for whom headgear would be beneficial. Athollblair Boy is one of just two here who doesn’t wear headgear, more straightforward than most, he should be in the mix once more.

1 MANATEE BAY –  A course and distance winner last November from the same mark, he has three strong runs in four appearances here. Cheekpieces now replace the visor he has worn of late which is a negative with five of six wins in that previous headgear.

2 MY DAD SYD – Disappointing the last twice after smart placed form in midsummer. He has been runner-up both runs here so if the blinkers replacing the visor has a positive effect, he has the form to get involved at the business end.

3 MR ORANGE – Three pounds higher than when below par on his only visit to this course. He is predominantly campaigned on stiff turning tracks so has enough to prove on both the surface and a straight six furlongs.

4 ATHOLLBLAIR BOY – Course and distance winner last time, getting the better of the re-opposing Major Crispies. More straightforward than that rival so should confirm the placings. Is one of just two without headgear in the contest, solid each way chance.

5 SAMARMADI – Career best came on this surface at Wolverhampton. Disappointing since and the yard aren’t in great form, but he shapes as if first time cheekpieces will bring better from him. Three pounds lower than at Wolverhampton, big player if finding that form.

6 PERFECT SYMPHONY – Shaped better than fifth suggests last time, finding trouble when behind Athollblair Boy. Won on his only other career start here so clearly performs on the Tapeta, frame claims if able to find a clear run.

7 SEE THE SUN – Should set the pace to the race, unlucky to be nailed the last twice. Still well treated on his old form despite creeping up for those places. Could make his presence felt if allowed his own way of things on the front end.

8 MAJOR CRISPIES – Not beaten far over this course and distance last time, now two pounds better off. He has made a living of flattering to deceive however so is no good thing to reverse the placings with just a 3/59 career record.

9 HAMISH MCGONAGAIN – Form on artificial surfaces is a little stronger than on grass, he is four pounds above his highest winning mark. Tapeta is no issue, but all wins have come at Class 6 level so this looks more competitive than is ideal for him.

10 CONTROL CENTRE – Has a win and a second in three runs on the Tapeta at Wolverhampton. They were both at selling level however so the form is nothing to get excited about. Both good runs in 2017 at Hamilton, needs a little more to get involved.

11 BENJAMIN THOMAS – Just a maiden win to his name but the runner-up is now rated 68. She was beaten eight lengths on that occasion so a mark of 70 makes him look well weighted. Plenty of placed form to his name, he looks massively overpriced here.

12 THE AMBER FORT – Yet to race at Newcastle but brings solid Tapeta form to the table from Wolverhampton. Has a few too many weak finishing efforts for comfort on his record but clearly enjoys the surface. Entitled to each way consideration.

13 ACE MASTER – Better on the Fibresand at Southwell, he has been a long way below his best so far in 2017. Off a workable mark as a result but hard to support on what he has shown this season.

14 AVENUE OF STARS – Beaten just six horses home in three starts here but he did break his maiden on the Tapeta at Wolverhampton. Placed off a similar mark in August but a little to prove on the balance of his form.