Thursday 13th February
Newcastle 3.25 - Handicap Hurdle - Class 4 - 2 miles 4 an 1/2 furlongs - Soft - 11 run
Authorised Mission is penalised 6 lbs for a Course win over 2 miles and 6 furlongs and Aire Spray is on a hattrick after wins off marks of 86 and 92, now up to 101 with a 3lbs Claim, both have excellent chances but may be vulnerable under penalties. Our Sam is out of form but a 10lbs Claim takes him closer to his last win mark, Lune De La Mer looked a very interesting prospect before a 2 year break but has disappointed in 2 return runs but has to be noted on the old ability.
There are three who caught my eye and I think that MY FRIEND YEATS is the best each way value at the top end of the market and looks ready to pounce now for the excellent Menzies yard. I think that Aquitaine Boy a Course and Distance winner off a mark of 95 on penultimate run but very disappointing off a penalised mark last time may well revive back here and he is my 2nd rated but at the prices, I think the better each way value may be PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL a winner over 3 miles at Musselburgh in the Autumn, poor is 2 runs since but worth an each way poke here at around 16/1 (Northern)
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Maiden Hurdles
Newcastle 1.05 - A very tight top end market with the likes of St Olans Well ; Jo Coko and Carrig Kate very likely to figure strongly. Famous Lass may need to wait for summer ground but is worth following, I will TRACK both King of Answers and Grangeclare Diego on some decent P2P profiles and both may be winning races soon as may Noahs Legacy.
On the day though I think the one with more than a bit of each way value to 3 places who may be ready to deliver already is DOUBLE DIGITS a 3 mile P2P winner whose collateral P2P form suggests he could end up being rated between 110 and 120, and that may be a higher ceiling than any of these can aspire to. (RJ)
Clonmel 12.35 -: Twentyfourcarrot, Reina Del Mar, Karamoja dominate the market all at 7/2 or lower. The likes of Neon Diamond and Are You Busy may deliver in the medium term future and at massive odds I would not be surprised to see better from Snowshaan in time.
A couple really caught my eye though for today and the next few runs and of them I think there is definite each way value today in WHATSUPNELLIE who ran on through the line at Punchestown last time and may be the one to challenge the very solid looking top 3 in the market. At around 40/1 I also think that PAULS DREAM will benefit from the stronger handling it will get today and is one to watch closely in the race for signs of progress but worth a few bob each way on the day. (MG)
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TRACKERS
Sandown 1.55 Xcitations
Leicester 2.05 Hill Of Tara
Clonmel 2.20 Snow Punt
Newcastle 2.50 Coqolino
Clonmel 2.55 Voice Of Reason
Clonmel 3.30 Pana To Milan / Kady's Dirha
Clonmel 4.35 Banprionsa