5.10pm Newcastle Tips & Betting Preview 03/01/2017

Only eight go to post in the lucky last at Newcastle today with £9,704 available to the winner. Read on for our expert’s thoughts and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: RED PIKE looked like he was coming back to the boil last time and if putting his best foot forward could be tough to beat with positive tactics suiting him last time over C&D. He should have the beating of Tatlisu who hasn’t won since landing the Silver Cup at Ayr in 2015 but wasn’t far behind in fifth over C&D four days ago and he should run the selection close.

1 Gentlemen – Been in good form with five runs from 14 runs this year all of them coming on Polytrack but showed this Tapeta surface was not a problem when third at Wolverhampton on Boxing Day. Yard remain in decent nick but needs to prove he is as effective over a straight 6f and others preferred today.

2 Poyle Vinnie – Losing streak stretches back twenty runs to 2015 now and has improved for the switch back to this surface when a little unlucky to get caught late on when second over C&D four days ago. Good chance on that form but 2016 form slightly off putting for win purposes and has been on the same mark for three races already now and others preferred.

3 Intransigent – Hasn’t landed a blow in twenty five runs since 2014 but is a multiple winner up to Listed level. Only mid-division in a stronger race forty seven days ago and plenty to prove on his only his second Tapeta start given the handicapper appears to have a grip on his mark at present. Can be ruled out today.

4 Red Pike – On a losing run of thirteen races now but benefited from being ridden close to the pace and when fourth of 13 over C&D forty seven days ago. Had some good placed form in some decent handicaps last Summer and if ridden prominently again could be tough to beat now 2lb below his last winning mark. Big player.

5 Doc Sportello – Won twice in four career starts including at Tipperary (Heavy) when trained in Ireland. Only sold for 3,200gns in July and won on his only start for Adam West when landing a seven runner claimer at odds of 66/1. Sold again since and now trained by Michael Herrington. Looks pitched in up 12lb for that win and in tougher company.

6 Tatlisu – Won the Ayr Silver Cup in 2015 but hasn’t really kicked on since then and hasn’t placed in thirteen runs. Looked a bit sharper when a close fifth of 11 (Poyle Vinnie second) on this track over 6f four days ago. Yard in good form and interesting on best form given he is now 12lb below his last winning mark.

7 Luis Vaz De Torres – Ran a career best when winning at Catterick (Good) over 6f on his last start in June. 5lb higher mark and a seven month absence to come today and he is one to watch at present returning from such a break. Yard in good form and also run Tatlisu.

8 Salvatore Fury – Been largely out of sorts since landing back to back wins in minor company in August and only just missed out when showing something like his old self at Lingfield two starts ago. Not the most reliable on this surface and last run at Wolverhampton was disappointing twenty four days ago. Looks held by the selection on most recent form.