Newcastle is the venue for today’s all-weather fixture, with all seven races live only on Sky Sports Racing…
2.03 Newcastle – Fireblade and Royal Approval competition strong starter
A breakthrough rookie where Andrew Balding’s royal endorsement will suggest dropping weight throughout.
Royal Confirmation built on his debut run at Sandown when comfortably claiming a course novice over 10 furlongs and the distance this move should match.
John and Teddy Gosden trained FirebladeBrother of Superstar Cracksman, is struggling to break his maiden, finishing three of his four starts and should be again under Benoit de la Sayette.
Lord of the North One to consider as he makes his first start in Carl Burke’s yard joining William Haggas.He has shown plenty of ability in three starts to date but has been beaten short in his last two starts.
2.33 Newcastle v Mondamey v Al Farabi feature
Mondammej After undergoing wind surgery since November, winning twice and finishing 4th, it’s a good chance to extend his good form despite a 2lb mark.
Al Farabi ran a promising race when fourth to Brooklyn Nine at Southwell in his second start for trainer Stuart Williams and should be fancied as he drops in class under Clifford Lee.
Others to mention include a dual course and distance winner Strong Johnson! while Sugar Hill Baby can’t be ruled out given his all-weather success in the fall.
1.33 Newcastle – Percy Willis and Humble Spark clash
A trap affair that sees A humble spark looked to follow up on his recent course success as he steps into the ride under Paul Mulrennan.
Jedd O’Keeffe’s Percy Willis he is a six-time all-weather winner, including three wins at this track, but needs to improve on his fifth-place finish A humble spark here last month.
Illustrate and: Show without fear complete the four for Amy Murphy and Rebecca Menzies respectively.
The best of the rest
Paul Mulrennan has a nice book of walks at Gosforth Park, including a previous course winner Dandy Magic: at 13.03 in the competition. At 15.03 he also steps over Annandale, which could be dangerous if he breaks well from three stalls.
At Happy Valley, record holder Zach Purton has another full book as he chases Douglas White’s all-time record.He will ride alongside Andrea Aceni, whose mounts are also in with a chance.
Watch every Newcastle race live on Sky Sports Racing on Wednesday 8 January.
