RACE PREVIEWS & TIPS (TUESDAY)

Market Rasen 14:50 Anchor Man was an eight length winner on debut over hurdles and although struggled in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham next time out he ran a credible second at Wincanton when last seen. Sam Twiston-Davies taking over in the saddle catches the eye, yet early odds of around 2/1 look a little short considering his only career victory came on good ground. Coole Cody and Kayf Adventure finished second and third behind Neon Wolf on New Years Day and Coole Cody has placed again since. Both have place claims once again, while trainer Harry Fry has sent five runners to Market Rasen over the last twelve months and three of these have made the frame, so Any Drama could also be capable of making his presence felt although would need to improve on his last performance. Preference is for Bastien who is unbeaten since going over hurdles, winning one on good-to-soft and the other on soft ground. He arrives here for an in-form Alan King yard looking to notch up his hat-trick and with the step up in trip promising to suit he is the selection here. BASTIEN (WIN)

Newcastle 16:40 Just six scheduled runners for the finale at Newcastle, yet with four previous course and distance winners in the mix it looks to be an intriguing race. The early favourite is Genres who was an impressive winner over track and trip last time out, under a confident ride from the very much in form amateur Simon Walker. However today sees a change in jockey, a 6lbs rise (to a mark he has been beaten off before) and a step up in grade which is enough to make me look elsewhere. Major Rowan has an excellent record on the all-weather and won over course and distance on penultimate run, his first visit to Newcastle, but is now on a career high mark and is another stepping up in grade. Persian Steel makes his handicap debut following a 66/1 maiden victory over track and trip last month and with trainer Brian Ellison in amongst the winners in recent weeks he isn’t dismissed lightly, however I am opting for the final previous course and distance winner as my selection. High On Light dead heated with an in form rival here in December, with her other rivals over five lengths behind. Although she was second by a nose off a 5lbs higher mark at Wolves last time out she beat a couple of last time out winners in the process so racing off the same mark today and with the most consistent form on offer (three wins and four seconds in her last eight races) she is taken to gain another course and distance victory here. HIGH ON LIGHT (WIN) – NAP

by Dean Kilbryde

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NAP’s Selections: Rory Paddock – 14:30 Newcastle: Victoria Pollard (E/W if 9/2+)