Tuesday 20th January 2026
It’s over to Newcastle for our best bet of the day on Tuesday, and the 1.43, which is a Class 4 novice event that’s contested over a distance of five furlongs. James Owen could have the answer to this puzzle with STARRYFIELD, who’s set to be ridden by Luke Morris. He’s a Starspangledbanner colt who’s finished second in both of his starts to date, with his most recent effort coming at this track last month, where he was seven lengths behind a potentially useful type in Extremely Zain. That was the Owen charge’s first outing in over five months following his racecourse debut at Doncaster in July, and he should strip considerably fitter coming into this start. The drop down to five furlongs also appears to be the correct move, given that he travelled with fluency last time out. A bold showing would be no surprise.
The main danger appears to come in the form of Dandy Breeze for the team of Bryan Smart and Paul Mulrennan. He was a neck second on his racecourse debut over course and distance last month, and if taking the natural step forward coming into his second start here, he has to be considered as a big player. Andrew Balding’s Mad Dash has to enter calculations also; he’s run with credit in each of his three starts to date, and should come on for his recent run at Chelmsford, where he finished third of eight, given that it was his first run since July.
An outsider that could outrun his price here is Mr Dreamseller for David & Nicola Barron, who’s set to be ridden by David Nolan. He progressed notably on his second start to date to finish third of eight at this track earlier in the month, and just a length and a half behind the winner, with that run coming over six furlongs. If he’s to progress again, he could be on the premises.
1.43 Newcastle: Midnite: Built For 2026 Not 2006 Novice Stakes (Class 4)
Selection: STARRYFIELD
Dangers: Dandy Breeze, Mad Dash
Outsider: Mr Dreamseller