7.10 Newcastle: Imperial State 10/1
George Scott’s three-year-old went back-to-back at Salisbury & Thirsk from an opening mark of 70 in July, and he now sits on 84 having been handed a 10lb rise for winning on the bridle at the latter. He started favourite at Redcar last time suggesting he’s not hit his ceiling yet ratings wise, while this stiff mile looks tailor made for him. He can get back to the winners enclosure and get us off to a flyer.
8.40 Newcastle: Deansgate 5/1
It’s going to be lucky 13 for him! Deansgate is without a win in 12 attempts, but he can break his duck tonight in a very weak contest. His only run here was solid enough behind War Department where he finished fifth, and last time he bumped into one to good coming from well off the pace. That’s the key here, the track is favouring horses coming from behind and with plenty of pace in this contest it should be set up perfectly.
9:10 Newcastle: Fredricka 16/1
Fredricka is the well handidcaped runner in the line up – 5lbs below her rating when winning at Redcar at the end of May. Rich Again carries the penalty for winning at Newcastle last week, and he might struggle to give weight away all round perched up on a rating in excess of 80. The selection likes to be played late and all five of her wins have come under tonight’s pilot Jason Hart. Expect him to be swooping late at the line!
6:00 Dundalk: Matriarch 11/4
Matriarch has found a very weak claiming maiden to finally get her head in front. She’s coming here off the back of a solid effort over a furlong further at this track (finishing second) and this drop to the long sprint seven furlongs looks perfect. Famous last words I know, but this won’t take much winning and Matriarch looks a great punt.
7:00 Dundalk: Executive Force 10/3
Executive Force makes the trip over from the UK in an attempt to steal the Euros! He made a pretty big impression when a well punted winner of a tidy maiden at Newbury last time out, and the son of Sepoy was soon well clear when asked for his effort. He will have no problem stepping up with the extra furlong and the William Haggas team are in sizzling form.
8:00 Dundalk: Specific Gravity 5/1
Specific Gravity had a luckless run on the sand at Laytown last month, which was probably his own doing after a slow start. His previous run here was good, finishing second behind Six Silver Lane, and a repeat of that should be good enough. Jockey Danny Sheehy also takes off a valuable 7lbs which puts him on a very handy mark indeed.