Sedgefield and Newcastle provide the focus today with several competitive contests across both tracks.
2.40 Sedgefield – Winning Connections Conference Hire Handicap Chase
Three last-time winners head the line in this handicap chase. Enjoy D’Allen returned to form with an all-the-way victory at Plumpton last month. The veteran 12-year-old looks likely to remain competitive despite a 2 lb rise, and Lily Jones will claim a potentially important 7 lb for trainer Neil King. Ballin Bay, trained by Rebecca Menzies, arrives in excellent form after back-to-back wins at Sedgefield; he keeps his cheek-pieces and looks the chief danger under Nathan Moscrop but carries a 10 lb penalty. Philip Kirby’s Asa built on a solid effort at Wetherby to score at Catterick and should be well suited by this step up in trip, with Joe Williamson booked to ride.
3.40 Sedgefield – Roxyfet Sports Lounge For Private Hire Novices’ Hurdle
A King Of Magic bids to follow up his recent Taunton success for Paul Nicholls. Having finished behind Cheltenham winner Johnny’s Jury on an earlier Taunton outing, he improved to win next time and Freddie Keightley takes off 5 lb, which offsets his penalty. Buddah Castle, a point-to-point winner, made a winning hurdles 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.
6.30 Newcastle – Midnite, Building The Future Of Betting Handicap
Fast Track Harry and Beauty Destiny top a strong nine-runner field. Clive Cox’s Fast Track Harry made an eye-catching winning all-weather debut after a gelding operation at Lingfield last month and looks an obvious player under Rob Hornby. Beauty Destiny arrives for new trainer Ed Bethell after a long spell in Hong Kong; a prolific winner there, his form is harder to gauge but he tops the weights on a mark of 102. Tracy Waggott’s progressive Heavenly Heather has been a winter revelation with two wins and three seconds and should be considered each-way. Archie Watson’s Albasheer, once rated as high as 107 and now on 97, also merits interest with Hollie Doyle booked.
Racing across the North East looks competitive today, with several proven performers and a few intriguing newcomers to follow.