After a successful time down under, Billy Loughnane returns to the bread and butter of domestic racing with six chances at Gosforth Park.
5.45 Newcastle – Mondammej and Pals Battalion among eight in feature
Since wind surgery at the beginning of October, Mondammej has been a model of consistency having dropped well below his last winning mark. His recent form figures at his beloved Newcastle are 1, 2, 2, 1 and 1. He carries a 4lb penalty and will surely warrant his chance in this Weekly £5 Free Bet With BetUK Handicap.
Another horse who seems to have turned a corner recently is Pals Battalion for David O’Meara who seeks a hat-trick. His neck victory only nudges him up 2lb and go well for his regular rider David Nolan. Course and distance winner True Promise arrives for Kevin Ryan and is another that enjoys the course with a record of 3-6.
4.13 Newcastle – William Dewhurst looks to continue good winning run
William Dewhurst for Ben Haslam has shown a fond affection at Newcastle, winning three of his last four starts, and arguably a shade comfortably under Paul Mulrennan. He turns around quickly under a 5lb penalty and will be hoping to capitalise on his good form in this Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Handicap.
King’s School is an old foe of the aforementioned William Dewhurst and finished two and a half lengths behind him last time out. They basically re-oppose of the same weights given Warren Fentiman’s claim so may struggle to turn this around.
Starliner could be dangerous on the front end given the small, fielded nature of this race. If allowed to dictate he will go well having ran well behind William Dewhurst before. Billy Loughnane is on Swiss Ace here – one of six chances for the rider.
12.22 Southwell – Last-time-out winners Caramay and Always Waving clash
Some in-form fillies come to hand in the opening event at Southwell with Caramay coming here under a 5lb penalty after victory at Wolverhampton a week ago. Joe Leavy takes over the ride from Frederick Larson and has only ever had two rides for the stable, albeit unsuccessful.
The Andrew Balding-trained Always Waving got her head in front at the third time of asking and steps into handicap company. She has been allotted a mark of 68 and looks to kick on in this Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Fillies’ Handicap.
Another handicap debutant is Nala The Lioness, however she is more than experienced having ran and won in bumpers previously. She runs off a mark of 68 and could be dangerous to underestimate for an in-form yard.
Best of the rest
Also at Southwell, the uber-consistent Blue Lakota runs for the Kevin Ryan team in the Weekly £5 Free Bet With BetUK Handicap (12.52pm), having not finished outside of the placings since his wind surgery in September.
The well-named Cavolo Nero makes his debut for James Ferguson in the Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Restricted Maiden Stakes (1.22pm), alongside the promising Invited, who goes for Amo Racing.
Khangai and Come On John will be well-fancied for James Owen in the Gamble Responsibly At BetUK “Hands And Heels” Apprentice Handicap. before last-time-out winners Water Of Leith and Show Me Show Me face off in the North East (4.45pm £30 In Free Bets With BetUK Handicap)
