4:16 Newcastle Racing Tips (3rd March) Alvediston Makes His Return after Disappointment

I can't say a 3yo 0-70 handicap is the kind of race I would normally review. However, it will be interesting to asses the possibility of one horse in the race over 1m. 

Namely, Alvediston, trained by William Haggas. 

This seven-runner race doesn't look anything out of the ordinary, in fact the favourite, Roxoff, trained by Charles Hills, has an official rating of just 69. No surprise when the race in a 0 - 70, you may say. 

Ridden by Tom Marquand, Alvediston, in the ownership of James Wigan, raced three times at two, starting at odds of 3/1 and less, when racing over 7f. This son of New Bay, out of a two-time-winning mare, was held in some regard by connections. In fact, this 135,000g foal held three Group class engagements. To be fair, he was a big disappointment, unplaced on all starts with little encouragements. His debut at Newbury, when well backed from 4/1 - 5/2, saw some promise. I was on course when this February foal raced at Great Yarmouth on his second start when a 3/1 shot, behind John Gosden's Millennial Moon who won ''impressively'' by two-and-a-half lengths. 

Very stylish! Millennial Moon impresses on just his second start, and this Dubawi colt wins for @CierenFallonJr and the Gosdens at @GTYarmouthRaces! pic.twitter.com/P2T24NgAVk

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 15, 2021

Nation's Pride, trained by Charlie Appleby, has progressed well from that initial second place, winning his next three start including a result success at three when trouncing the opposition at Meydan when pocketing almost £90,000. 

I thought Alvediston would go well at Yarmouth that day, back in September (2021), when fitted with the hood for the first time. There was no value in betting that day, although I had a small bet as I was at the course, which added to my irritation when seeing a dismal display. I really don't know what the issue was that day but confident the stable expected much more and that the colt at that time was fancied to go well. Shortly after in October (7th), there was a gelding notification. Some 21-days later, Alvediston returned to Newcastle when backed to 2/1 favourite (from 11/4). 

I'm reviewing the race this second. After leading at a study pace (if not a little keen), he then travelled well enough in second place, putting down a challenge, if not leading, at the furlong pole before tiring into fifth place, beaten a similar number of lengths. A vet said: ''The gelding was struck into on its right hind leg.''

Perhaps this was the issue. 

It will be interesting to see how Alvediston goes at Newcastle racing over 1m. A pretty poor race, not much better than plating class, you'd expect Haggis' gelding to show something after those initial high hopes held last season. It's possible that things didn't go right and this horse will be winning on this return to racing. It might be telling that Alvediston was entered to run in the handicap and a maiden, the former being taken, which, logically, make sense. A seven-runner race and a tissue price of 3/1 is what we would expect with a few ifs and buts. If a talent, this should be a comfortable return and, perhaps, a winning start to the new campaign. It is worth noting that a lot of well entered horses who disappoint at two often bounce back at three. This gives some hope.

I can't say I will be betting, as I'm not keen on Handicaps, but this really should be a race connections expect to win. 

Good luck to all. 

Update: ''Alvediston finished third, after looking to hold a chance but ultimately disappointing. He may pick up a race off his present weight (71) but I'm sure connections had much higher expectations.'' 

5:45 Newcastle Racing Tips (3rd March) MAIDEN FILLIES' STAKES (PLUS 10 RACE) (Class 5) (3yo) Winner £3,073 8 runners 1m5y Standard ATR

A Maiden Fillies' Stakes (Plus 10) over 1m 5y on Standard going.

Eight three-years-olds take part over this straight mile. 

This could, potentially, be a hot race with the Plus 10 being up for grabs. The betting suggests this is a four-horse race. Not that the betting always tells the story, of course. 

I will give a quick rundown of these. 

Kevin Ryan has Eyes Of Asha making her debut for loyal patron T A Rahman. This daughter of Redoute's Choice was a fantastic yearling purchase at 75,000E because she was sold at two for 775,000E. Purchased by Stephen Hillen. A colossal sum of money, and it looks like some pin hooker had it right off. Ryan is capable of winning with his debutantes although they can be a touch difficult to regard at times. With this mighty price tag for all to see I imagine connections will be wanting to enjoy a pretty smart performance.  

Mark Johnston fields Fiendish. This daughter of Street Cry is out of a dam called Evil. Fiendish is related to Tiz Wonderful. This homebred is well owned and pretty fancied in the betting at the time of writing at 5-1. Johnston is a trainer I respect, but one I find quite tricky to call with his debutants. As I always say, he has easy winners or poor losers. I'd take a watching brief. 

Hot Natured is interesting. Karl Burke is a fantastic trainer and if you take a look at his performance it isn't difficult to find how to win good money on his horses. John Dance owns this daughter of Canford Cliffs out of a mare called Teddy Bears Picnic. She cost £65,000 at the yearling sales. It was interesting how weak Hot Natured was in the market on her racecourse bow over course and distance. That had much to do with William Haggas' Signe who, if I remember correctly, cost over 1 million euros. She was very well backed and Hot Natured drifted to 12-1. I suspect, the way she ran, that connections quite fancied their chances that day although fearful of a potentially smart opponent. Burke's charge was beaten fair and square at the line. That initial experience will see her well today and if drifting in the betting to an each-way price (yes, I know it looks next to impossible) would be a good bet. 

John Gosden has teamed up well with Godolphin. Lady Hester has raced three times and a touch disappointing. An easily beaten favourite on debut, still out of the frame second and third start when no bigger than 5-1. She isn't a good horse being a few lengths behind a winner rated 71. This step up in distance may be something to grasp hold but probably a horse for handicaps unless she has been disappointing on course so far.

Magical Approach is priced on this racecourse bow as if not at all fancied. David Simcock is a talent and if the money comes worthy of respect. If a huge price at the off she must be limited or in need of the race.

KeithDalgleish can ready a debutante and he has done well for the owners of R U Mine [Wldspec Glasgow Limited]. This daughter of Elzaam cost just 11,000E when purchased at two. On balance, I would take a watching brief. 

Rosemay and Sulafah are best watched. 

Conclusion: If money talks there is a decent debutante chomping at the bit. Eyes Of Asha cost serious pounds, shilling and pence (I mean euros). A price tag of 775,000E is enough to make a buyer, trainer, owner, jockey and punters to think seriously about winning that all-important first race. That is particularly true of a filly. Definitely, a horse to respect although I am not keen betting debutantes at the best of times especially at cramped odds. Interesting horse to consider and she may well be smart. Fiendish represents Mark Johnston and a mighty owner. I find him difficult to judge with debutantes and would take a watching brief. I'm hoping there is a wealth of money for the favourite and Hot Natured drifts markedly in the betting. I think she will go well whatever price but if touching 7/2+ I'd be tempted to go each-way even if losing cash if placed. Intriguing race. 

2:40 Haydock Racing Tips (6th August) BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) (2yo)

Busy. Busy. Busy. Feel as though I've been stuck on an escalator and some nutter found a go-fast button just to give me grief. Clearly no amount of work is going to stop me detailing more juicy peaches of wonderment. 

Quite a big field for this maiden. Laughton ran well enough on debut behind a talent in Wayward Hoof. Kevin Ryan's bay colt, a son of Acclamation, will be primed today and I can confirm this two-year-old is high in the pecking order at Hambleton. A good bet if touching each-ways prices but that does seem a touch optimistic (time will tell). 

Spanish City could be a strong challenger from Roger Varian's stable. Their juveniles have been a little disappointing and I'm sure their string isn't as strong as previous years. This chestnut colt is held in high regard. He held an entry for the Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2), Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) & Middle Park Stakes (Group 1). That list brings confidence.

This home bred was meant to run the other week but withdrawn. It is worth noting that day the colt was extremely weak in the betting. That may simply have been due to the word getting out he was to be withdrawn but it is worth considering. Varian's charge will need to be primed to beat Laughton who has valuable race experience. I would certainly watch the betting just in case there is a weakness. Conversely, this may be good reason for bettors to take the earlier prices on Laughton. I respect Spanish City but whether I want to take 2/1 [at time of writing] against Ryan's talent I'm not so sure. Interesting. I'd be looking for an each way bet on Laughton, if available. 

6:35 Newcastle - Bryan Smart is a talented trainer and Extortion ran well when finishing second on debut at Redcar. This American bred colt was a cheap foal at 5,000gns, withdrawn as a yearling. This home bred was most likely sent through the sales to gain entry to these limited races. Strong win and place claims if each-way prices are available.  

6:50 Sandown - Seven lightly raced or unraced two-year-olds. Couple of interesting horses: Shahbar & Brorocco. The former is trained by Marco Botti for Al Shaqab Racing and an expensive yearling purchase at 320,000gns. He ran a fine race when second on debut at Leicester over 6f. Stepping up to one mile should see improvement. One of the best juveniles at Prestige Place. The downside, there is little meat on the bone at 8/11. Brorocco is trained by Andrew Balding for the Kingsclere Racing Club. This home bred has been going well at home. It should be noted that Balding's two-year-olds just don't seem to be running well, especially the debutantes, many of which have disappointed when relatively fancied in the betting. Their youngsters can go well when priced 10/1 on debut. However, I would have to take a watching brief until the stable hits form. 

2:40 Haydock    - Laughton - strong each-way claims 5th (disappointed)
6:35 Newcastle  - Extortion - strong win and place claims 4/1 2nd (drifted across track)
6:50 Sandown   - Shahbar  - worth a bet if 1/1 1st 

Small ew treble 

2:00 Chepstow Racing Tips (5th Aug) TRUVAPE MAIDEN FILLIES´ STAKES (Plus 10 Race) (CLASS 5) (2yo)

An intriguing maiden. At most a four-horse race. Not really telling you much there. Sirajiah was fancied to go well on debut for William Haggas but needed to be flying to beat WhatdoIwantthatfor. I'm not sure this drop back to 5f will suit. However, with a Lowther Stakes (Group 2) and Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1) entry has to be respected. 

Little Voice has been given a string of lofty entries but I can't help thinking this daughter of Scat Daddy is better on the gallops. The step up to 6f at Windsor, perhaps, didn't suit and this bay filly was put in her place by Justice Lass.

Rosie Royce and Apasiona contested the same race over 5f at Sandown. The former trained by Henry Candy was fancied in the betting but had no luck in running. She coasted home and is clearly capable of much better. I'd expect a bold show. 

Apasiona is held in some regard by Alan McCabe although his two-year-olds have been pretty poor this season and with a few gambles going astray I have the feeling their string hasn't lived up to earlier hopes.

I'm pretty sure connections of Sirajiah and Little Voice will be expecting a win. Little Voice is held in high regard but has had her chances and I would take a watching brief. Sirajiah will be primed. I wonder if 5f will be a touch too fast. On statistics Rosie Royce has the best chance - decent win and place claims although lacking Group entries.

At the odds I would have a small each way bet on Rosie Royce if priced 13/2 & less SP (no bet outside this guide). At 5/1 should be a no-lose bet if placed and hopeful of more. 

5:20 Newcastle - A very restricted race type. These limited races often go to a form horses and Dark Confidant is likely to go well for Richard Guest. This son of Royal Applause ran well on debut - traveled with ease - but slightly disappointed when dropped back to 6f. That shorter trip tapped his pace and probably made for a weak finish. I'd expect this bay gelding to travel with authority and touch shorter odds in running. Must have strong each way claims. Interesting to see how Micheal Dods' debutante goes. 

Wayside Magic is a cheap purchase and gelded. Denton Hall have good place claims with their two-year-old debutantes and they often go well at Newcastle and like softer going. I'd probably watch this horse unless 16/1+. Dark Confidant is a decent each-way bet. Might be worth a small rev f/c with Wayside Magic to pay a lot of money.  

7:10 Kempton - Nemoralia is held in high regard by Jeremy Noseda and withdrawn last time which suggests connections want to make this race count. This daughter of More Than Ready made a promising debut and sterling second start at Newmarket. She is sure to run well but the down side is the price. Not much meat on the bone. I'd hold out and hope this youngster drifts in the betting and step in if 1/1 is available. 

An outsider which may be worth a small bet is Henry Spiller's Star Glimmer. This daughter of Zodiac is a cheap buy for the rookie trainer and the only sign of ability is the knowledge she has been given a stakes entry. At odds of 100/1 she may get a place.      

2:00 Chepstow - Rosie Royce 5/1 [Paddy Power] small ew 3rd 
5:20 Newcastle - Dark Confidant 4/1 (NAP) decent ew bet 3rd
7:10 Kempton   - Nemoralia 8/11  bet if evens is available 1st (touched evens exchanges)

Small ew treble 

5:10 Newcastle Racing Tips (28th April) EBF STALLIONS/HARDWICK HALL HOTEL NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 4) (2yo)

An EBF Novice Stakes over 5f on good to firm going. Fair win prize money. Just four two year olds: two colts & two fillies, all with race experience bar one juvenile trained by Richard Fahey. 

Last year this race was won by Ko Cache, trained by Keith Dalgleish. This filly was successful on her second start, not disgraced when unplaced in the Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) at Royal Ascot.   

Gin In The Inn is unbeaten after a comfortable win at Leicester almost three weeks ago. This son of Alfred Nobel is a good-looking colt with some size and scope. There was a lot to like about that first effort where he traveled with ease and ran purposely to the line to win by two-and-a-half lengths. The form of that race has been franked to a point and this horse should take some beating. Interesting to see apprentice jockey Jack Garritty taking the ride from Hamilton who partners the stablemate. This is most likely to reduce the 5lb penalty for his first victory.

It's intriguing to see Richard Fahey has debutante filly Island Flame taking her chance at this grade. This daughter of Kodiac was purchased by the trainer at the yearling sales for just 6,000. It is interesting to note that Tony Hamilton takes the ride after winning on Gin In The Inn last start. It is most likely Fahey is racing this bay to pick up some easy prize money. The stable can ready a two year old for debut but this looks a tall order and best watched. Unless seriously backed, this filly is most likely second string. 

Ravenhoe [pictured] is trained by Mark Johnston and won the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster on the first day of the Flat turf season. This chestnut son of Bahmian Bounty was sent off 5/4f next start when competing at Newmarket in a Conditions Stakes race. Little went right that day when a slow start led to a myriad of problems. He done well to get as close as he did in receipt of a penalty and would have been second but wouldn't have hounded the easy winner Gifted Master trained by Hugo Palmer. This colt is a professional type who battles when asked. May have to play second fiddle to Gin In The Inn although he could well have the best form on offer to date.

Kystallite was noted before debut as she held a Scottish Brocklesby Stakes entry and backed for her first start at Wolverhampton. This daughter of Kheleyf looked primed to run a good race - knowing her job - but didn't help her cause pulling quite hard for a couple of furlongs. She held a lead out of the final bend but couldn't repel the stronger finish of Delizia. The Johnston stable could have a line with that form. This chestnut filly will need to have a touch of class to beat the colts and definitely need to settle. If pulling as seen on her debut it will make life hard work. 

Conclusion: Island Flame will need to be smart to win this on her debut and best viewed as the Fahey second string. Unless very short in the betting, best watched. Krystallite is an attractive filly. She has ability but needs to settle. Even if more composed I would still favour the two - winning - colts. Ravenhoe is a battling type who isn't likely to roll over. He had no luck at Newmarket and he sets the standard on form. Gin In The Inn gets the vote although at the odds I would just watch and enjoy the race. He is a good-looking colt with size and scope. He traveled like a talented horse at Leicester and won just out of a canter. The form has been franked to a point and he could have destroyed that field if pressed. Gin In The Inn could be heading to Royal Ascot from here.  

1:45 Salisbury Racing Tips (1st October) FRANCIS CLARK BRITISH STALLION STUDS EBF MAIDEN STAKES (Bobis Race) (Div I) (CLASS 4) (2yo)

An EBF Maiden Stakes for two-year-olds over one mile on good ground. Eleven juveniles take part: colts, one gelding and solitary filly. Six lightly-raced horses with a handful of debutantes from leading stables. Andrew Balding is a superb trainer and his youngsters are worthy of note on their second start. Brandon Castle is an Irish-bred son of Dylan Thomas out of Galileo mare, trained by Mick Channon. This 30,000gns yearling was purchased by the trainer from the Tattersall's October Sale 2013. This bay colt was relatively fancied on debut butin experience proved costly. On the positive side, there was much promise in that initial performance. The form of that race is nothing out of the ordinary but this February foal should improve a good deal for that first start. The betting is important and money is always a worthy of note. If featuring single odd starting price I would give this individual decent win and place claims. 

2:30 Newcastle - Alnashama (strong place claims)

1:25 Warwick Racing Tips From High Class Equine

All this week I will be making tip selections so remember to use your mobile phone if you are on the move. 

1:25 Warwick - Classic Image. Rae Guest has done well with his juveniles this year and they generally go well when fancied in the betting. Strangely, their win and place claims are pretty similar suggesting they either win or unplaced. I would go for a straight win for this bay filly.

2:15 Newcastle - Tonto's Spirit. Michael Dods is an exceptional trainer and so often ignored on debut. However, his horses have a fantastic win and place race on debut and often those of bigger odds go better than favourites. Has place claims at speculative odds. 

High Class Equine.

What's happening at Newcastle?

ARC and Newcastle racecourse have today launched a wide ranging consultation program to consider the development of a Floodlit AW track at the popular North East venue.

It is hoped that a planning application for the scheme can be lodged by 31st January 2014 and if successful racing on the new surface would commence in 2015.

The current proposals are based around replacing the existing turf flat track with an all-weather surface that would incorporate the only Floodlit straight mile in the world.

The existing turf jumps track would be unaffected, although the flat race program if run on the all-weather would increase the scope for an additional number of jump fixtures to be staged. The development would still leave the track with an option to host its principal race, the John Smiths Northumberland Plate on a turf surface. 

The proposals would also see much needed investment made at the track including a general upgrading of facilities and a new layout of the pre parade and saddling facilities. 

This announcement coincides with the start of a wide ranging consultation period with local residents, businesses and stakeholders in and around the High Gosforth area. The track will be hosting a number of meetings where the proposals will be discussed and explained. 

In addition the ARC executive will be consulting widely with interested stakeholders within British Racing, including the BHA with which ARC has had a number of initial discussions.

David Williamson, Executive Director at Newcastle Racecourse said "we are very excited by these proposals. We want to explain the benefits to the local community and Newcastle Racecourses" many supporters. We believe that should these plans proceed then they will enhance Newcastle Racecourse as one of the pre-eminent racing and events venue in the UK."

Tony Kelly, Managing Director at ARC said, "The development of an all-weather track in the north has long been an ambition of ours and this proposal would develop the best floodlit all-weather track in the world given the superb wide galloping track and our ability to incorporate a floodlit straight mile.

We have recently launched the ARC all-weather championship and that is an initial but very significant step in the move to improve the competitiveness and attractiveness of this important area of the sport. The increase in support and quality we have seen so far is extremely encouraging.

This track would fit superbly within the ARC all-weather Championship and would give us the ability to possibly share finals day with Lingfield Park.

We hope to lodge a planning application in early 2014 once we have completed our consultation exercise."

2:40 Newcastle (2nd October) Free Horse Racing Tips

An EBF Maiden Stakes over 7f on good to firm ground.  Eleven two-year-olds take part: six with race experience and a handful of debutantes. Three fillies challenge a field of colts. By all accounts this looks an open contest and it might just be worth a speculative punt on one of the outsiders. Alan Swinbank hasn't hit the grass running this year with his juveniles but he is a talented trainer who can often spring a surprise. In general, his youngsters are primed to run a big race on their second start but Newcastle is a course which he has a liking and a starting point for many of his better prospects. Stanarley Pic is a son of Piccolo, actually bred by ex-trainer John Dunlop. This bay gelding was a cheap yearling buy but related to a few fair types. As with all speculative bets you have to cross your fingers to some extent but with a tissue price of 20/1 there might be some meat on the bone. If touching huge odds on the exchanges it would be worth taking the price because there is often money for Swinbank's juveniles at this course. A horse that has win and place claims. 

2:15 Newcastle (26th August) Free Horse Racing Tips

An EBF Maiden Stakes over 7f on good to soft ground. A field of ten two-year-olds take part most lightly race bar two debutantes one of which - Coin Broker - has been backed to favouritism. Ed McMahon has had a relatively quiet season with his youngsters but they are always worth taking note on their second start. Archibald Thorburn was fancied to run well at Haydock on debut but looked in need of the experience when making ground all to late but finished a promising third. This brown colt cost 75,000euros as a yearling and quite an early foal [February]. An Irish bred out of  winning mare, he should enjoy this ground and likely to be much fitter and wiser for that initial start. In a race that looks quite limited he has fair win and place claims. The betting is important for this yard and would need to be priced 7/1 & less sp to give greatest confidence. If very weak in the betting I would take a watching brief.

2:30 Newcastle (27th June) Free Horse Racing Tips

A Median Auction Maiden Stakes over 6f on good ground. Twelve two-year-olds take part in this restricted race type. The majority of horses are raced and colts. A few of these have shown form but one of the of the more experienced fillies may just slip under the radar after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Lily Rules was unlucky not to win on debut when finishing strongly over the minimum trip at Beverley. One more stride would have sealed victory and her trainer, Tony Coyle, must have been ruing his luck considering she has failed to register a win in two more starts. This American bred daughter of Aussie Rules was a good yearling buy at 8,5000gns. An outsider on debut, she looked to have little chance, some way off the pace, but rallied in the closing stages to lose on the nod. Coyle didn't look for an easy target when sending this brown filly to race at Stakes class second start where she reversed the form with her old adversary [ Vine De Nada] but had little answer to the comfy success of Eastern Impact who since wasn't disgraced when third in the National Stakes [Listed] at Sandown. Lily Rules was fancied in the betting when returning to Beverley, which on paper seemed a regressive performance. In actual fact, she most likely run her race, it was simply a combination of a stiff contest and being found out by an insufficient trip. The third and fourth have franked this form and it was no let down to finish just less than two lengths behind that pair. The major problem is that this February foal simply needs to step up in distance and it was to her credit that she ran so well over the minimum trip. Bred to want a distance, this 6f will be much more suiting and this better ground will be a bonus. It wouldn't be a surprise to hear her trainer has been waiting for this better ground. It is always a slight concern when a horse doesn't race for a period of time because it could hide a problem. However, if touching a fair each way prices there are worse bets. If drifting to speculative odds on the exchanges, I would definitely put my hand deeper in my pocket. 

2:20 Newbury (17th August) Free Horse Racing Tips

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet. Today we will forward a solid each way treble, which has a great chance. 

2:20 Newbury - Pythagorean

Make no mistake this is a class act. This bay colt, a son of Oasis Dream, is a strapping sort who fluffed his lines with a slow start over course and distance. The form of that race is strong and Charlton will have this youngster primed for a big run. I would be amazed if he isn't placed and although a couple of the form opposition are no mugs it will take a supreme effort to deny Pythagorean his first victory.

3:00 Newcastle - Modern Lady

We go from one extreme to another with Richard Guest's filly who has an official rating akin to a plating horse. This daughter of Bertolini has always been considered up to winning standard but with one thing and another nothing much went right for this filly on her first three starts. However, on a handy mark, this good-looking bay showed a glimmer of ability from a high draw which meant she had to run wide for most of the race, just losing out at the finish. Guest does well with his handicappers and I expect a bold show.

7:55 Kempton - Blue Nova

Jeremy Noseda is a talented trainer and this filly has done little wrong with three creditable performances. This February foal will use that vital experience against these potentially fair debutantes and it will take a talented juvenile to steal her glory. 

HCE EW TREBLE

2:20 Newbury   - Pythagorean (5/2)
3:00 Newcastle - Modern Lady (7/2)
7:55 Kempton   - Blue Nova (11/8)

Alternative EW TREBLE

1:50 Newbury - Intimidate (9/2)
2:20 Newbury - Pythagorean (5/2)
7:55 Kempton - Blue Nova (11/8)