Sky Sports Racing brings seven races from Newcastle and a feature at Hexham on Tuesday, with a headline showdown at 3.00pm at Gosforth Park.
3.00 Newcastle — Maneater takes on Littlecote in the fillies’ feature
Maneater, a 100,000-guinea purchase in 2023, returns from a break aiming for her first victory in the Mini Golf At High Gosforth Park Fillies’ Novice Stakes after two placed efforts. She’s a half-sister to Australian Group 1 winner Selino, who also performed well at Group 2 level in the UK.
Andrew Balding’s Littlecote looks primed to end a frustrating run of seconds after finishing runner-up three times in a row. The Camelot filly hung right in her recent Wolverhampton race and was beaten by a neck; if she settles better this time she’ll be a big threat for PJ McDonald.
Also declared are Karl Burke’s Frankel filly Hello Friend and Danseuse, making her first appearance under rules for Simon and Ed Crisford.
3.30 Newcastle — Seven go to post in the newcomers’ maiden
The Sunday Lunch At The Border Minstrel Maiden Stakes drew a competitive seven-runner field. Big Cigar, a £140,000 purchase for Richard Fahey, is one to note — rider Oisin Orr has been in good form and enjoyed a strong strike-rate at this track last season.
Karl Burke saddles Martial Order, a half-brother to juvenile winner Gold Digger. Andrew Balding’s Lehbab Prince, a €120,000 purchase, teams up with PJ McDonald, while Archie Watson runs Real Trouble, who cost 105,000 guineas at the sales. Several of these newcomers carry clear sales-room credentials worth watching on debut.
7.50 Hexham — Bold Step represents the King and Queen in the novices’ hurdle
At Hexham, the Northumberland County Show Novices’ Hurdle features Bold Step for Nicky Henderson in the royal silks. The six-year-old chased home Mortal Coil on hurdles debut at Exeter and steps up to two miles four furlongs.
Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen combine on Mister St Eloi, who was second in a recent point-to-point behind a subsequent Fontwell winner; that form suggests he could be competitive if he settles on this switch to rules racing.
Passing Diamond brings the most racecourse experience to the line and recorded his first win at Hexham recently. He was well supported in the betting that day, and another similar market move would mark him as a leading player for trainer Ben Haslam.
Sky Sports Racing will carry live coverage and related features throughout the day, including extended replays and reaction from other major meetings.