1.20pm Newcastle Tips & Betting Preview 30/12/2016

11 good sprinters go to post for the second race of the day at Newcastle, see our betting tips and the full race preview.

IN SUMMARY: Preference is for the lightly raced KING ROBERT, who has posted two good efforts after seven months off and those runs put him firmly into contention today. He should have improvement left in him with only 7 runs under his belt and has to have a good chance today. Unlikely to be far away is Amazour, whose a C&D winner and is in good form at present.

1 AMAZOUR – Previous C&D winner back in June and has run with credit the last twice, finishing 3rd and 4th respectively over 6f at Kempton. Unlikely to be far away but he’s hard to win with and may be fighting for places again today.

2 POYLE VINNIE – Hasn’t won since July 2015 at Hamilton (6f, Soft) and has been a mixed bag since, finishing 6th on his last two runs, never really getting involved. The step back up to 6f should suit but there are much likelier candidates for win purposes today.

3 OUTRAGE – Blinkers have caused further improvement and brought his record to 2-7 on the All Weather with two consecutive victories at Newcastle (5f, Std) and Kempton (5f, Std). Clearly is improving and could do so again, but he hasn’t yet proved his effectiveness over 6f which would be a concern, but does have a chance if staying the trip.

4 KING ROBERT – Had been off seven months from some credtiable efforts in listed races on the turf and has returned with two good efforts on the All Weather, finishing 5th here over C&D in November and most recently a close 4th at Wolverhampton earlier this month (6f, Std). Lightly raced compared to most of these and should still have further improvement in him, so he does need to be respected for the Bryan Smart team.

5 RELATED – Has been running with credit on a number of occasions of late, finishing 5th in a good quality race at Wolverhampton a few weeks ago (6f, Std). Seems to still be in the handicappers grip at present as his last win came back in March 2015 at Kempton (6f, Std), so probably best left alone today.

6 INTIBAAH – Dropped into claiming company on his latest start and couldn’t take advantage when finishing a very disappointing 2nd over C&D earlier this month, can be easily opposed today on the back of that.

7 CAPTAIN DION – Has won twice in his last three runs, front running his way to victory in decisive fashion at Chelmsford on his latest start (6f, Std). This is tougher and unlikely to get a soft lead, not least as he is drawn 7, and therefore he’ll need quite a bit of luck to take this race. Place claims but others look likelier for win purposes.

8 TATLISU – Has been disappointing this year, not managing to win any races and not placing either, with his latest 5th here over C&D somewhat a step in the right direction however on AW debut. Will need much more if he’s to feature today and doesn’t’ strike as the winner today.

9 HANDSOME DUDE – Form has been very erratic and has never been the most consistent horse to follow, with his win at Doncaster back in September somewhat out of character (6f, Good). Wasn’t disgraced here over C&D on his penultimate start but looks set to be the bridesmaid again at best today.

10 RICH AGAIN – Off 84 days since finishing 4th here over 5f, and did also win on his penultimate start over the same C&D. Goes up in Grade today in a bid to return to the winners enclosure and needs much more to take this, possible place claims however he does come on for the break.

11 EL VIENTO – Finally managed to take advantage of his dwindling mark when winning at Chelmsford 2 weeks ago with a perfectly timed run (6f, Std). Up in grade again today in a much tougher race and doesn’t strike as the type who is likely to follow up, probably best left alone today.