Newcastle
11.45pm
Castel Gandolfo
He is a brother to our very smart 2m hurdler Teqany and he made a promising debut for us when second to Breguet Boy at Musselburgh. I think it was a decent enough race too, so hopefully he has a fair shot of going one better here with that experience under his belt.
12.55pm
Ask A Honey Bee
He was a smart bumper who showed plenty of tenacity to win on his hurdling debut at Wetherby. He lost out by only a length under a 6lb penalty at Exeter last time, and that form puts him in the mix here. It looks a pretty hot race, though, it must be said, for all this has whittled down to just six runners.
1.30pm
Aye Aye Charlie
He has a good prize in him when he puts in an unblemished round of jumping, and I’d like to think he has a fair shot at this handicap off a mark of 127. I think that underestimates him and obviously the form of his Hereford second was franked when the winner followed up in the Badger Beers. I can see this race really suiting him.
2.05pm
Not So Sleepy
We may all be playing for second place if Epatante runs up to her best – well, I suppose we will be, on all known form – but she doesn’t have to underperform to a great degree to give a few of us a squeak. Not So Sleepy looked high-class when winning at Ascot last season and his form on the Flat this summer has to encourage you, as he stuck on remarkably well for fourth after going from the front in the Cesarewitch last time. Hopefully, he can transfer that form over to hurdles here, and give these something to think about.
3.15pm
Brave Eagle
Good ground is important to him, and he looks like getting that here. He has come down to a mark just 1lb higher than winning the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter last year and hopefully he will have come on for his Chepstow run last month. He has each-way chances in what is obviously a competitive race, with the conditions hopefully remaining in his favour. And, of course, the first-time blinkers, which replace the cheek pieces, could help, too.
