Willie and Patrick Mullins seek their first Gosforth Park success when Mr Escobar goes to post in the north-east on Tuesday afternoon.
2.25 Newcastle – Willie Mullins-trained Mr Escobar headlines
Patrick and Willie Mullins come over to Newcastle for the fourth time looking for their first win at the Geordie course. Mr Escobar gained his win over hurdles at Sedgefield when beating a smart rival by four and a half lengths. Rated 87 on the Flat he should progress even more over obstacles and sets a standard here for the Irish dominant force.
Smokinginthedark is an interesting runner for Nicky Richards. He battled well on his rules debut having been bought from a point-to-point. He rallied under pressure to win at Musselburgh and could pose a threat to Mr Escobar. Lawrenny got his head in front for Jennie Candlish at Wetherby. He won a shade comfortably and could easily improve upon that in this Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Novices’ Hurdle.
2.45 Chepstow – Booster Bob, Idy Wood and Cabhfuilfunghi lock horns
Booster Bob looked set to take high rank when winning impressively on novice chase debut as Ffos Las and has failed to kick on a little since. Having had wind surgery prior to his last run, the Olly Murphy trained seven-year-old will certainly be sharper for his second run after the operation.
The Kerry Lee-trained Cabhfuilfungi finally got his head in front over fences after being a shade unlucky in a few starts. He won by 33 lengths the last day at Southwell and has only been nudged up 6lb for that. Idy Wood ran a lot better than the bare result and possibly bumped into a smart horse at Doncaster last time out. His jumping needs sharpening up but is certainly a contender in the trappy 22nd February Chepstow Beer&Cider Festival Raceday Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.
6.30 Wolverhampton – Destructive makes handicap debut
The Michael Bell-trained Destructive did what he was named to do when winning impressively at Wolverhampton last time. Having being campaigned in Meydan in his earlier starts he was obviously held in high regard and the gelding operation seemed to help him last time when lowering his sights. He remains unchanged in his mark and is more unexposed than most.
Invincible Aura nearly made it 2-2 in 2025, when being run down late last time. Marco Ghiani gets on well with him and is sure to go well again. Fast Society is another unexposed one for Andrew Balding and owners Kennet Valley. He’s clearly had issues with long breaks between races but looks to back up a run in December.
Best of the rest
A trappy Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com Mares’ Handicap Hurdle sees Ascending Lark go for the hat-trick for Harry Derham. She faces Fromheretoeternity, who will be looking to bounce back from a fall the last day by carrying top weight of 12 stone to victory at Newcastle (1.55pm).
At Chepstow, the Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Handicap Hurdle (2.15pm) sees Listed runner-up Rula Bula take his chance in handicap company for the first time. David Noonan keeps the ride on Castelfort, who steps up in trip after scoring here last month.
The Scorpion King looks well placed to land the three-timer in the Congratulations 2024 WGN Winner Val Dancer Handicap Chase at 3.17pm, with Gavin Sheehan regaining the ride from Ben Jones.
At Wolverhampton, Godolphin debut winner Treasure Fleet goes again for Charlie Appleby. This son of Kingman is likely to go off a strong favourite for James Doyle, who replaces Charlie Appleby in the plate for this Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Novice Stakes.
