Newcastle is the venue for today’s all-weather meeting, with all seven races live only on Sky Sports Racing…
2.03 Newcastle – Fireblade and Royal Approval contest strong novice
A cracking novice where Andrew Balding’s Royal Approval will bid to concede weight all round.
Royal Approval built on his debut run at Sandown when comfortably claiming a course novice over 10 furlongs and this step up in distance should suit.
The John and Thady Gosden-trained Fireblade, a brother to superstar Cracksman, has struggled to break his maiden, finishing placed on three of his four starts and should be on the premise again under Benoit de la Sayette.
Northern Ruler must be considered as he has his first start for the Karl Burke yard having joined from William Haggas. He has shown plenty of ability in three starts to date but has been beaten at short odds on his last two starts.
2.33 Newcastle – Mondammej and Al Farabi feature
Mondammej has proved a revelation since undergoing wind surgery, winning twice, and finishing runner-up in four starts since November and this looks a good opportunity to extend his good form despite a 2lb higher mark.
Al Farabi ran a race full of promise when fourth behind Brooklyn Nine at Southwell on his second start for trainer Stuart Williams and must be fancied to build on that as he drops in grade under Clifford Lee.
Others to note include dual course and distance winner Strong Johnson while Sugar Hill Babe cannot be ruled out given her all-weather successes in the Autumn.
1.33 Newcastle – Percy Willis and Humble Spark clash
A trappy affair which sees Humble Spark bid to follow up his recent course success as he steps up in trip under Paul Mulrennan.
Jedd O’Keeffe’s Percy Willis is a six-time winner on the all-weather including three wins at this track but will need to improve on his fifth behind Humble Spark here last month.
Illucidate and Show No Fear complete the quartet for Amy Murphy and Rebecca Menzies respectively.
Best of the rest
Paul Mulrennan has a nice book of rides at Gosforth Park, including aboard previous course winner Dandy Magic in the 1.03pm contest. He also gets the leg over Annandale in the 3.03pm, who could be dangerous if he breaks nicely from stall three.
Over at Happy Valley, the record-chasing Zac Purton has another full book as he pursues Douglas Whyte’s all-time record. He will be riding alongside Andrea Atzeni, whose mounts also hold chances.
Watch every race from Newcastle all live on Sky Sports Racing on Wednesday, January 8.
Source : Sky Sports
