Thursday 20th March 2025
5.30 Newcastle: Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap: My first selection on Thursday comes within the 5.30 at Newcastle and this is a Class 4 handicap contested over a mile and two furlongs. I’m siding with Beraz here for Julie Camacho and Callum Rodriguez. He returned to the track last month following wind surgery when finishing fifth of seven over course and distance, four lengths behind the winner, with that run giving the impression that he’ll be much better for it. He’ll contest this affair off three pounds below his last winning mark and should be at least competitive at this level for a yard in great form. Beraz – 5/1 (Each-Way)
7.00 Newcastle: BetUK: It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap: Next up for me will be the 7.00 and this is a Class 2 handicap that’s ridden over seven furlongs. I’ve come down on the eigh-year-old here in Ventura Express for Paul Midgley and Warren Fentiman who takes off five pounds. He posted a very encouraging effort over course and distance when we last saw him back in October, finishing third of fourteen and just a length and a quarter behind Cover Point in a competitive handicap. He’ll effectively be running off a six-pound lower mark here with his rider’s claim and he’s gone well fresh in the past. I think he’s got every chance of having a big say. Ventura Express – 12/1 (Each-Way)
8.00 Newcastle: Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Classified Stakes: My third and final selection of the day comes in the 8.00 and this is a Class 6 classified event over six furlongs. I like Korroor here who’s another for Julie Camacho and this time the mount of Tom Kiely-Marshall who takes off five pounds. He went close over course and distance last month when finishing third of eleven and just three-quarters of a length behind the eventual winner Raft Up. A repeat of that level of form could be enough to take this and he’s won at the track previously off a mark of 60. Korroor – 7/4 (Win)
