It’s all about the North East today as Sedgefield and Newcastle host competitive racing.
2.40 Sedgefield – Last-time winners Enjoy D’Allen, Ballin Bay and Asa clash
A trio of last-time winners line up in the Winning Connections Conference Hire Handicap Chase at Sedgefield.
Enjoy d’Allen returned to form with an all-the-way success at Plumpton last month. The evergreen 12-year-old should remain competitive despite a 2lb rise, with Lily Jones set to take off a potentially crucial 7lbs for Neil King’s charge.
Ballin Bay, trained by Rebecca Menzies, arrives in red-hot form after back-to-back victories at this venue. Retaining cheek-pieces, he is the chief threat under Nathan Moscrop but must overcome a 10lb penalty if he is to go in again.
Philip Kirby’s Asa built on a solid Wetherby effort to win at Catterick and looks well placed by the step up in trip, with Joe Williamson booked to ride.
6.30 Newcastle – Fast Track Harry and Beauty Destiny headline
Fast Track Harry and Beauty Destiny head a quality nine-runner field for the feature Midnite, Building The Future Of Betting Handicap at Newcastle.
Clive Cox’s Fast Track Harry made a winning all-weather debut following a gelding operation at Lingfield last month and looks an obvious player under Rob Hornby.
Beauty Destiny makes his debut for Ed Bethell after a long spell in Hong Kong. A serial winner there, his form is hard to assess but he tops the weights off a mark of 102.
Tracy Waggott’s progressive Heavenly Heather has been a winter revelation with two wins and three seconds and is an each-way contender. Archie Watson’s Albasheer, once rated as high as 107 and now on 97, also merits interest with Hollie Doyle booked.
3.40 Sedgefield – A King Of Magic bids to follow up for Nicholls
A King Of Magic attempts to follow up his recent success in the Roxyfet Sports Lounge For Private Hire Novices’ Hurdle. Having finished behind Cheltenham winner Johnny’s Jury at Taunton previously, he improved to score at Taunton next time; Freddie Keightley claims 5lb, which helps his chance despite a penalty.
Buddah Castle, a point-to-point winner, made a winning hurdling debut over 2m4f here in December but disappointed at Newcastle in January. Dropping back in trip, he’s expected to bounce back. Passing Diamond and Desertmore News complete the shortlist for Ben Haslam and Tom Ellis respectively.