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12.25pm, Newcastle – Northern Falcon
Okavango Delta probably sets the standard after just being touched off in a jumpers bumper here last month but I prefer the claims for NORTHERN FALCON. Northern Falcon is certainly bred to be useful, being by Kayf Tara while his grand dam is Feathered Lady, who was unbeaten in 7 starts under rules – including the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle.
Northern Falcon made his debut at Sedgefield in November and was quite strong in the market. He travelled well into the race but was quite green when coming under pressure, yet he still was only beaten less than a length by Tardree who had the benefit of experience. Splitting the pair was Risk D’argent who was just touched off again on his next start, while the fourth Dobryn won his next start at Plumpton when sent over hurdles. That suggests the form is solid in the context of this race and there is every chance Northern Falcon will improve plenty for the experience considering how green he was under pressure.
1.25pm, Newcastle – Manjaam
This doesn’t appear to be a strong jumpers bumper and MANJAAM looks to hold strong claims of enhancing his course record. In the past two months Manjaam has won two flat handicaps at Newcastle over two miles, first off a mark of 69 and he followed that with a win off a mark of 74. His revised flat mark is 79 and considering the lack of depth in this race, if he can run to that sort of level here, he should prove very difficult to beat.
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6.40pm, Southwell – Mulzim
MULZIM won this race last year and is now 16lbs higher, which might appear to make his task very tough but he has won three of his subsequent five starts over this course and distance. Only last week, he beat Duke OF Firenze here off a mark of 80. He was a very comfortable winner, travelling powerfully and finding plenty when asked to go win his race.
He carries a 4lb penalty for that win but an extra 4lbs wouldn’t have prevented him from winning last week. Another massive positive is that Mike Murphy has his horses in excellent form. His last seven runners have yielded five winners and two seconds. Mulzim is capable of enhancing that impressive strike rate.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
Frank Hickey’s bet summary – Tuesday, February 2
12.25pm, Newcastle – Northern Falcon
1.25pm, Newcastle – Manjaam
6.40pm, Southwell – Mulzim
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