1.35 Newcastle – Strike Red (Each Way)
It’s a very competitive opener at Newcastle, but Strike Red makes some appeal each way. He hasn’t shown too much this season, but his fifth at Epsom earlier this month was a good effort. The six-year-old gelding is now back down to his last winning handicap mark of 95, which is the same mark he won off at the Curragh last year. Returning to the all-weather should be fine, as he’s won on the Taptea twice at Newcastle before. In a tricky race, I think he has a good each-way chance.
2.04 Newcastle – Kinross (Win)
This race revolves around Kinross, who is clearly the best horse in this race by 5lb. The son of Kingman has won two Group 1s in his career, and he has been a great horse for Ralph Beckett. My only concern is whether he will need the run, as he has often needed it in his career. However, I don’t think this is a strong race, and even an 80% Kinross might be able to get the job done. If that’s the case, I think he’ll take all the beating here.
2.35 Newcastle – Faylaq (Each Way)
Faylaq has always been a solid horse who often runs his race but often finds winning hard. However, I think this could be his day. Looking at the race, it doesn’t appear to be that deep, and he actually finished third in it last year off a 6lb higher mark. His trainer, Jim Goldie, is very shrewd, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this has been his target. For me, I think he’s got a very good chance of hitting the frame again.
3.10 Newcastle – Grand Providence (Each Way)
I’ve got a bit of pressure on me in this race, as I’ve found three of the last four winners. The one my eye is drawn to is Grand Providence for Andrew Balding. She progressed well for connections last year, and in her two runs this season, she’s not been disgraced, which included a fifth-place effort in the Chester Cup. You need horses that are going to stay well to win this race, and she’s proven over further. The daughter of Nathaniel is drawn in Stall 14, which isn’t terrible as most of the winners and placed horses have been drawn middle-to-high. Moreover, her record on the all-weather is decent, and I think this could be her time to shine.
3.45 Newcastle – Eldrickjones (Each Way)
I think it might be worth giving Eldrickjones a go as he now comes back to the all-weather. He was last seen running in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot last week, which was always going to be a hard task for him. However, if you go back three starts ago, you’ll see that he bolted up over this course and distance and won with plenty up his sleeve. His record on the all-weather speaks for itself, with three wins and three seconds from eight starts. Furthermore dropping back to 7f should suit. I can see him going very close.
2.15 Newmarket – Tales Of The Heart (Win)
I liked the debut effort from Tales Of The Heart when she won at Kempton earlier this month. That form has taken a bit of a boost, as some of the fillies that finished in behind her ran well in the Chesham at Royal Ascot last week. Moreover, she’s bred to be sharp, as her half-brother Caturra won the Flying Childers at Doncaster, so you’d like to think she can handle this rise in grade. Ralph Beckett won this race a couple of years ago with Lezoo, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he won it again in 2024.
2.50 Newmarket – King Of Conquest (Win)
This is a trappy race, but I am just going to side with King Of Conquest for Charlie Appleby. He showed a good battling attitude to beat Aimeric at Goodwood last time out and ended up winning comfortably. On ratings, he is 4lb clear of his nearest rival, and I’m going to back him to get the job done here.
3.25 Newmarket – Nostrum (Win)
Cases can be made for most of the field, but maybe the drop back in trip could be the making of Nostrum. He’s always been a promising horse for Sir Michael Stoute, but he was very flat on his return at Sandown in April. Since then, he has been gelded and given a bit of a break. I do think 7f could be his trip, as he’s always shown a lot of speed, and coming back to the July course at Newmarket will be a plus, as he won here last season. I’m just going to give him the nod.
