2.20pm Newcastle Tips & Betting Preview 15/12/2016

A 9 runner handicap is on the agenda for the 4th race of the day at Newcastle, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Preference is for the 3 year old AIRTON who was a winner on the turf and ran well over C&D back in October, notably beating High Command who has followed up since. The champion apprentice Josie Gordon takes the ride again and James Bethell’s charge will take some pegging back today. Main danger could be  Tectonic who ran well enough over shorter latest but will need all the splits to feature.

1 TECTONIC – Multiple winner on the turf and hasn’t been running badly here the last four times, being a close 2nd over C&D back in October and a close 3rd over shorter on his latest start (1m2f, Std). This hold up horse will need all the splits which can be tricky but has to be respected.

2 BEAUMONT’S PARTY – Is on a decent mark these days but hasn’t been seen since the spring and yet to fully convince on the flat, being a very inconsistent performer.

3 AIRTON – 3 year old who’s been improving steadily at present, finishing a close up 2nd over C&D back in October with High Command in behind who has won since. He still has lots of room for improvement and has the Champion Apprentice Josie Gordon on again today which is a huge plus.

4 KICKING THE CAN – Won on the 28th attempt at this venue latest over 1m2f, and that form has worked out well which gives him claims. If showing more today he has definite place claims but has never been the most consistent of performers.

5 MASKOON – Has won on both the polytrack and turf but form has been very poor since his last victory in November 2015 and probably best left alone today.

6 HIGH ON LIGHT – Very consistent 3 year old who has finished inside the top 3 on all of his last 6 starts, winning two of them. Debuts for the David Barron yard today and is a very interesting runner, needs to be giving a huge amount of respect.

7 MERRIMENT – Running well over 2 miles here the last twice including one win, but this drop back in trip doesn’t look sure to suit and she may well find a few of these a bit to fast up the straight.

8 YOU’LL DO – Has shown tiny glimmers of ability on a few of his starts but has very poor form overall and easily opposed today.

9 PERCY VERENCE – Has run well enough the last thrice since switched to the All Weather but hasn’t really threatened for win purposes on any occasions. Should run his race again but seems to struggle with getting his head in front.