16:10 Fillies' Handicap Stakes
Did not winClass 5 · 1m4f99y · Standard · 7 ran
Our bet: Recobella (3/1)
Won by: Rubellite (IRE) at 4/1 · then Jujubella (IRE)
What we said: Her recent form line shows a clear upward trajectory (5-2-1), culminating in a course-and-distance-friendly win last time at 12f on good ground just 22 days ago, and the drop from good to standard today shouldn't trouble her given her going record. She's clearly on the up while carrying a workable weight, and the yard is sending out winners at a healthy clip right now.
16:45 Quinnbet Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Stakes
We named the winnerClass 6 · 2m56y · Standard · 4 ran
Not a bet. The horse we made most likely: Niffler (4/11)
Won by: Niffler (GER) at 1/4F
What we said: Strong recent form figures (89011) including a course win last time out, and the step up in trip suits a stayer type with a proven engine at this level. Claimer aboard keeps weight down, and the fair price already reflects a well-backed favourite in a small four-runner field.
17:20 Quinnbet Extra Place Novice Stakes (gbb Race)
Did not winClass 4 · 7f14y · Standard · 9 ran
Our bet: Foxy Night (13/8)
Won by: Reformation (GB) at 11/10F · then Hozam (IRE), League Of Justice (USA)
What we said: Drops back sharply in trip today (-2f) to a track that should suit a filly whose figures show she's quickest away of the pace-tagged runners, and she's been rock-solid all season (433233) without ever finding a bad run; first-time cheekpieces add a touch of sharpness to that consistency. She's already the shortest price in the field for good reason, and I'm happy to take it on a filly who keeps performing at this level.
17:57 Christmas Parties At Newcastle Racecourse Novice Stakes (gbb Race)
Did not winClass 3 · 7f14y · Standard · 8 ran
Our bet: Mr Minz (5/2)
Won by: St Helier (GB) at 9/2 · then Crystal Dark (GB)
What we said: Genuinely tried at this level with a pair of thirds to his name, including a 3/5 finish over course-and-distance-matching 7f last time, and he steps back into that same trip fresh off a rest that isn't long enough to count against him. Of the runners with a proper form line to judge, he shows the clearest evidence of ability at this class and distance.
18:30 Mini Golf At High Gosforth Park Fillies' Handicap Stakes
We named the winnerClass 4 · 6f · Standard · 7 ran
Our bet: Lady Kodiac (11/4)
Won by: Lady Kodiac (IRE) at 15/8F · then Ormolulu (IRE)
What we said: Top-rated in the field with a strong distance record (two wins from six starts at 6f, including on this exact going band) and a return of 2-6-2-5 across her last four before today, showing she's competitive back at this level. She carries the topweight but her PR90 comfortably justifies it, and the 5lb claim helps offset the impost.
19:00 Raceday Ready Handicap Stakes
PlacedClass 5 · 6f · Standard · 14 ran
Our bet: Great Profit (7/2)
Won by: Storm Esme (GB) at 9/1 · then Believeinmenow (IRE), Great Profit (IRE)
What we said: Won last time out over today's exact trip and the form figures read 8-2-2-2-1, a horse clearly progressing race to race with the assessor barely able to keep up.
19:30 Free Tips On attheraces.com Handicap Stakes (Div I)
Did not winClass 5 · 7f14y · Standard · 9 ran
Our bet: Sunriseontheboyne (11/4)
Won by: Spartan Fighter (GB) at 80/1 · then Jamaican Storm (GB), Enpassant (IRE), Yaajooz (IRE)
What we said: Beat this same field's second favourite Criminal Shore into third just three days ago over course and a similar trip, and quick backs-up on the same ground with a 5lb claim keeping the extra weight manageable. Top-rated in the race on official figures and the form since spring has been building toward this.
20:00 Free Tips On Attheraces.com Handicap Stakes (Div II)
Did not winClass 5 · 7f14y · Standard · 9 ran
Not a bet. The horse we made most likely: Benacre (9/1)
Won by: Finn Ironside (GB) at 15/2 · then Anthropologist (GB), War Howl (IRE)
What we said: Carries the best form figures in the race, with a PR79/SR80 that tops every other runner here, and the drop back from 8f to 7f plays to his quicker-away pace profile. He's been running with credit in minor-placed company (550545) rather than winning, but the class-within-race edge and market support into 9/1 (-17% overnight) make him the one I'd take a stand on.
20:30 Handicap Stakes
We named the winnerClass 6 · 1m5y · Standard · 9 ran
Our bet: Starliner (2/1)
Won by: Starliner (IRE) at 6/4F · then Second Fiddle (IRE), Look Back Smiling (IRE)
What we said: Third run in as little as 3 days back, consistent recent form (822622) with a runner-up last time at this same course, trip and going, and solid course record backed by a genuine market move in from overnight. Top-rated on the day and the clear market leader for good reason at this weak level of race.
