5.30pm Newcastle Tips & Betting Preview 01/02/2017

Nine runners go to post for the third race of the day at Newcastle, see our betting tips and the full race preview.

IN SUMMARY: This really isn’t the strongest of races and could be an opportunity on handicap debut for Ann Duffield’s PORT MASTER to snatch a victory. He has shown promise on two of his maiden runs and his latest run at Newcastle was a decent effort. He should find this easier on handicap debut and dropping back in trip may well suit as he’s shown good early speed. With Rowan Scott claiming 5lb, a mark of 60 certainly isn’t insurmountable. Last time out winners Zandradee and Royal Celebration will be strong competition.

1 BISMARCK THE FLYER – Ran on well over the extended five furlongs when third at Wolverhampton two weeks ago (5f, Std) and dropping back to the five furlongs doesn’t look as though it’ll suit. Only two wins have come at the six and seven furlong trips and he’s needed every yard of them to stay ahead so its hard to see how this drop in trip will have a positive effect. Likely to be running on in the closing stages but hard to see him this winning this for Ollie Pears.

2 SPIN TOP – Earned his first and only win on the thirteenth attempt at Lingfield in December in a claimer (5f, Std), and was beaten back in handicap company last time over the same C&D when fifth of nine. A mark of 62 doesn’t look particularly harsh however as he’s is reasonably consistent and has run well of this mark in the past without winning. Overall record suggests he has place claims only though he is worth a second look.

3 PORT MASTER – Showed minor promise in maidens with a career best to finish third over 6f here in early January when given a hard task against a 1/4 favourite. Has to be considered on handicap debut off a mark of 60 in a weak looking handicap, as this three year old by Harbour Watch has likely more to give in time at this level. He showed enough early pace on his latest start to suggest the drop back in trip will not be an issue and Rowan Scott claims a useful 5lb on this Ann Duffield trained horse. Likely to throw a spanner in the works between the two fancied horses in the market and needs to be respected.

4 ZANDRADEE – Three year old by Zebedee who made the best possible start to her career when winning on debut at Southwell on New Year’s Day in a relatively weak maiden. It was however still a good start to life and she’s likely to come on markedly for the experience for David Barron with Andrew Mullen. An opening mark of 60 certainly doesn’t look harsh and she looks the one to beat as any sort of improvement from debut would see her in very good stead.

5 ROYAL CELEBRATION – Looked to be a static maiden before putting in a much improved performance to win over C&D in early January, holding a few of today’s rivals in behind. Will have to contend with a 4lb rise which may be tough if judged upon on his fourth of six over C&D a week prior off today’s mark, which has to be of concern. Conditions are fine again though and if improving further he’s likely to be a place contender under 3lb claimer Nathan Evans and deserves a second look.

6 LOCAL ARTIST – Now without a win in ten starts though she’s hit the crossbar on multiple occasions, including when third over C&D on his penultimate start behind Royal Celebration. She was however very disappointing when well beaten over the same distance in a maiden two weeks ago which tempers enthusiasm somewhat despite being on a career low mark today. If back to the form of her penultimate start then he’d have solid place claims but she remains vulnerable for win purposes again.

7 LITTLE KINGDOM – Well beaten at odds of 200/1 in three maidens though her latest fourth behind Royal Celebration two weeks ago wasn’t a bad effort (5f, Std). If building on that effort she’d be dangerous to discount off a mark of 54 though he and his pedigree seem to screaming out for a longer trip. Stall eight makes things difficult though and there are likely going to be better opportunities in the future and is likely best left alone today.

8 FLYING HOPE – Very poor maiden thus far and was beaten out of sight behind three of these over C&D two weeks ago, showing some hope before turning out like a light at the furlong pole. Dropped 3lb but that doesn’t seem enough on what he’s shown thus far and she’s very hard to fancy.

9 VOCALISATION – Showed some good early speed when fourth at Wolverhampton in early January (5f 216y, Std) and this drop in trip looks likely to suit if based upon that evidenced as she seemed to fold up in the final furlong. Dropped 4lb for that run which makes her even more interesting, as does the jockey booking of the ever inform Luke Morris. Looks set to go well and has to be respected for John Weymes.