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19:30 Newcastle
The sixth of an eight race card at Newcastle this evening is where you'll find the first of my two selections and I'm opting for former course and distance winner Crownthorpe. It'd be foolish to act as if the six year old gelding is in a rich vein of form but he's only competed in this grade once in his last 25 starts. A return to this level is a massive boost especially as he's now off a 9lb lower mark than when claiming his last victory. It's also interesting to note his last success came with this jockey Connor Murtagh in the saddle and he climbs back aboard tonight. Having competed in listed company in the past he has a touch of class and looks a massive price now up against this level of opposition.
Fellow course and distance winner Soaring Star aims to make it back to back victories and couldn't be discounted and neither can the current market leader Serenading who should relish a return to the all-weather.
CROWNTHORPE (E/W)
20:30 Newcastle
The final race at Newcastle this evening is where you'll find my second of two tips and once again I find myself siding with another former course victor.
Trainer Keith Dalgleish has his yard in blistering form with 6 winners in his past 34 runners for a near 18% strike rate. I'm hoping he can add to his tally with Royal Advice. The three year old has been a shadow of his former self but if he can find anything like his best should play a major part in a race of this nature. With promising amateur Oisin McSweeney taking off 5lbs and a return to the weight he was when victorious over this trip and venue I'm hoping that should indicate a return to form. At a tasty double figure price I'm happy to side with this outsider.
At equally big prices Gowanlad and Dandys Gold couldn't be ruled out either and the more well fancied Captain Vallo and Spartan Fighter aim to build upon their recent course outing when both went close.
ROYAL ADVICE (E/W)
written by Rory Paddock