Another weekend means more racing on terrestrial TV and this Saturday there are seven races on the main ITV network with four events from Newcastle and three from Newmarket.
Let’s get straight to it!
Newcastle 13.50 – Brando
We get under way with the Group 3 Chipchase over 6f. BRANDO ran a shocker on debut at Newmarket and at the age of eight he might well have gone at the game. That said, Kevin Ryan’s star is still rated 115 and would take all the beating if anywhere near his best. I will take a chance he will bounce back.
Newcastle 14.25 – El Hombre
Next at Newcastle a handicap over 5f. This is wide open. EL HOMBRE has not got much in hand on his current handicap mark but there should be a strong gallop here which will help a horse who stays further. He’s worth a few quid eachway for Keith Dalgleish and Joe Fanning.
Newcastle 15.00 – Aloe Vera
Back to Group 3 company here with the Hoppings Fillies’ Stakes over 1m2f. A classy contest and a big chance for for Harry Bentley and Ralph Beckett can land a nice pot with ALOE VERA. A topical winner she would be after the hot spell, my selection looked very promising in the Height of Fashion at Goodwood and could be anything.
Newcastle 15.35 – Cosmelli
And finally at Newcastle the big betting race of the day, the Northumberland Plate over an extended 2m. COSMELLI is quirky like his trainer, but he won the Vase consolation race here off a higher mark and loves Newcastle. Gay Kelleway’s charge would be a big-priced winner but stays well on a going day and with George Rooke taking 5lb off I’ll take a chance eachway despite a high draw.
Meanwhile, over at Newmarket, there are three races broadcast…
Newmarket 14.05 – Boccaccio
The coverage starts with a handicap over 7f. BOCCACCIO could be a star for Charlie Appleby and William Buick after a win at Yarmouth and on the all-weather last season. This trip is perfect and if he’s to be a Group horse he has to take this off a handicap mark of 95.
Newmarket 14.40 Mubtasim
One of the big ones here at Newmarket with the Group 3 Criterion over 7f. Old boy Limato loses Bentley but gets Adam Kirby on board so it’s not all bad for the old boy. I’m going to go for MUBTASIM under the excellent James Doyle for Appleby. He’ll probably go from the front and will be hard to peg back.
Newmarket 15.15 Volkan Star
And finally at Newmarket the Listed Fairway Stakes is teed up over 1m2f. Thunderous and VOLKAN STAR are the two to concentrate on here, and with proven stamina I’ll have the latter as another for Appleby although this time under William Buick. Has a fitness advantage over his main rival.
So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?
MC Yeehaa’s tips for Saturday racing on ITV
Newcastle
13.50 Brando
14.25 El Hombre
15.00 Aloe Vera
15.35 Cosmelli
Newmarket
14.05 Boccaccio
14.40 Mubtasim
15.15 Volkan Star
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