Good morning all,

Little to talk about today, but as luck would have it it was my turn to do a card for the Sporting Life today, which means I’ve got stuck into the Newcastle card. Hopefully it’ll still go ahead despite the threat of yet more snow on the way later.

The opening maiden at 5.15 looks a moderate affair and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Keir Hardie was good enough, but I’m surprised that Wise Coco has been put in at a huge price. I thought he’d be about 20-1, maybe a little bigger, but not 66s. Sure, he’s shown little so far but he’s bred to do well on synthetic surfaces and you might just see a different horse tonight. I’d take the chance at the price, with a small e.w bet.

The prices look about right in the next, so happy to pass that over, and in the next I was hoping that the books might miss the chance of Gloriux, who was hampered in running last time and without that, might have got a lot closer to Big Lachie, who looks the obvious choice. So at the prices, no bet.

Then we get really spoiled with the first of two Class 7 handicaps on the card. (As an aside, I used to love those Regional Racing meetings. 0-45s at Southwell, lovely). To say this lot don’t like winning is like saying I like cake. It’s blindingly obvious the moment you look. Sometimes something goes under the radar in these races but the books look to have got it about right at the moment, the obvious ones are all to the front end and I can’t see many of the outsiders making much appeal.

However, in the next I do like the chances of Nalaini on handicap debut for Declan Carroll. I was looking at Declan’s record with them first time up over the last year – he’s 1-5, but that must have been a 20-1 shot as you’re £16 in front to level stakes. So that’s promising, and Nalaini ran well over C&D last time, recording a good speed figure in a race that’s working out well. Shoould improve again and I reckon he can make all here.

Another Class 7 finishes the card off, and I thought Novabridge might be a little bit nearer the front of the market. He should get a good lead from Roy’s Legacy here and is perfectly capable at this level and trip if the mood takes him. Maybe a small win bet in an open race.

Today’s selection – Nalaini 7.15 Newcastle

Good luck with all your bets today,

David.