4.10pm Newcastle Tips & Betting Preview 03/01/2017

Just six horses go to post for the feature race at Newcastle today, a Class 3 handicap for horses rated 0-95. Read on for our expert’s thoughts and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: Atteq has shown good improvement in three runs so far finishing runner up last time out and he should have more to give entering handicaps from a handy mark. He may struggle to live with DR JULIUS NO however, who has won his last two races in comfortable fashion and he wouldn’t need to improve much from a 4lb higher mark to continue on the upgrade today. He should be tough to beat.

1 Monticello – Only five runs so far but won his first two in lesser company, the second at Musselburgh (Good) in good style by five lengths in June before a good runner up at Ascot in a Listed event. Hasn’t fared well in similar company since and stepped up into a Group 3 at Sandown. Down in grade and trip after a break of 78 days and more needed making his handicap debut.

2 Dr Julius No – Three runs so far but has looked in control in his last two starts up to 7f including when winning comfortably by ½ length when stepped up to Class company last month following a seven month absence. On a hat-trick now and only 4lb higher for that success. Big player.

3 Letmestopyouthere – Won on his second start at Nottingham (Heavy) in April but hasn’t really kicked on since then in ten runs up to Class 1 company. Tries this track for the first time and only his second run at this trip. Others look stronger for win purposes.

4 Atteq – Three runs so far in maidens and has improved for each start. Finished second behind useful looking Syndicate on his most recent start at Southwell last month over 7f, ten lengths back to third. Claims now handicapping from a decent mark of 78.

5 Whatsthemessage – Won on debut at Ayr (Good/Soft) over slightly further. Has gone a bit backwards stepped up in class since including when fourth of 5 in a weaker Class 3 at Catterick 91 days ago. Needs a career best to win this.

6 Alkashaaf – Three runs so far and showed improvement from his second start to win at the third time of asking at Chelmsford in a minor event over 6f last month, hanging on to win by a neck. Has a stiff opening mark to contend with and faces tougher opposition today. Hard to fancy and best watched for now.