*All prices in copy are correct at time of publication but subject to change and they’re always bang on with our clever betting banners.
15:40 Idilico (NAP)
Idilico looked a promising hurdler at one point for Ian Williams, and caught the eye on just his second start for this yard when a close fourth over a mile and a quarter at this course last time. He was backed at long odds that day, and did well to finish as close as he did under the circumstances, finishing much the best of those held up in a race where it suited to be up with the pace. Idilico has been put up 1 lb in the weights for that effort, but he is very well handicap judged on the pick of his French Flat form and his fairly useful hurdles form, and is one to be interested in back at this longer trip.
- Check out Ruby Walsh and Frank Hickey’s latest Cheltenham antepost tips now
1800 Pholas (NB)
Pholas showed ability when trained by Amanda Perrett and ran her best race for these connections when beaten less than a length in third over this course and distance last week. She was easy to back in the betting on that occasion after just five days off, but it was a career-best effort, still holding every chance in the final furlong but just held by two who were prominent in the market. Pholas remains with few miles on the clock, particularly for this yard, so there is reason to think she can do better still, and has to be high on the shortlist having been dropped 2 lb in the weights, while excellent claimer Laura Pearson takes a further 5 lb off.
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READ MORE: Timeform take us through the card at Southwell on Thursday
19:30 Sharrabang (E/W)
Sharrabang resumed winning ways at Wolverhampton earlier this month and hasn’t been seen to best effect in two starts since. He was undone by a wide draw when trying to follow up under a penalty six days later, and wasn’t ideally placed away from where the action unfolded when below form over seven furlongs here last time. This represents a drop in grade, and Sharrabang would have to give most of these weight if it were a handicap, so has to be considered on these terms.
Timeform’s best bets at Newcastle
15:40 Idilico (NAP)
1800 Pholas (NB)
19:30 Sharrabang (E/W)
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