2.40pm Newcastle Tips & Betting Preview 03/01/2017

A 10 runner stayers handicap is race 2 on the card at Newcastle, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Medicine Hat blew out at Southwell latest with the surface an excuse so has to be respected as he bids to make amends, but preference is still for WORDINESS. David Evans’ 9 year old caught the eye when staying on here last time out 1m 4f, and the step back up to 2 miles is a big plus today. He does obviously need to improve on previous runs but he is off a very tempting mark in this and gets the vote today to finally get back into the winners enclosure.

1 MEDICINE HAT – Impressive winner at Wolverhmapton on his penultimate start, easing to victory by 7 lengths (2m, Std). Blew out at Southwell latest (2m, Std) with the surface being a valid excuse and the return to Newcastle is an obvious plus. He has to be respected on his bid to make amends.

2 WORDINESS – Had been badly out of form for a good while before turning in an eye catching performance when staying on well here over 1m 4f a few weeks ago, and steps back up to 2 miles again today. That is a big plus and that previous effort also could be signs of a revival, and if he is reviving himself he’s on a very tempting mark. With how well the David Evans yard is going at present he should put in a very good performance, with the inform Andrew Mullen on board which is another big plus.

3 CAVALIERI – Nearly reeled off a treble in his last three starts but turned in a poor display here over C&D latest, albeit in Class 4 company. This may be easier grade wise but the field is just as competitive, so will probably be settling for each way money today if bouncing back.

4 HALLSTATT – Remote 2nd when 7 lengths behind Medicine Hat at Wolverhampton in December (2m Std), and its unlikely he’ll reverse the form if that rival is back to form today as he’s on the same mark. Possible each way claims if showing more but vulnerable for win purposes.

5 PALINDROME – Showed a bit more when 3rd in a maiden here over 1m 4f, and makes his handicap debut today. By no means assured to stay and is likely to struggle against more established stayers today on his first attempt at 2 miles.

6 BURNSIDE – Placed the last thrice on the all weather, latest at this distance when a close 2nd at Lingfield. Clearly stays well and as a lightly raced 4 year old he is not fully exposed, but he has edged up the weights so will need to find a bit more. Not discounted.

7 MAPLE STIRRUP – 0-12 but has been putting in some good shifts, the latest when 2nd over C&D, just ahead of a horse who has now somewhat franked the form by finishing a length second yesterday. Obviously hard to trust her for win purposes but it is relatively early days and she has each way chances.

8 JAN SMUTS – Yet to win on the all weather after 10 attempts but has conditions to suit and was an okay 5th here over C&D last month, albeit in a lower grade. Could be in the mix off a basement mark with Hollie Doyle taking off another 5lb, so worth a second look.

9 MERRIMENT – 1st and 2nd on her two attempts at this C&D, not so good latest however when lowered in distance here last month (1m 4f, Std). Step back up in trip was a given and she should have a good chance of building upon that effort, so has to be respected with time still on her side.

10 ROCKY TWO – Last win came in May 2014 and has been mediocre over hurdles of late. Out of the handicap and best watched.