Yesterday’s Review

1pt e/way Bownder (95) – We were right to take on the short priced favourite It’s Only Fun (99) who found one too good on this occasion. Unfortunately, the selection never looked threatening at any stage in the straight having tracked the leaders. A big step back in form from his latest effort.

Today’s Advice

GRANT WOOD (6f Hcap) – This Paul Midgley trained six-year-old has shown a liking for tonight’s course and distance with a win and a place from two efforts in the past two years. He has improved sixteen pounds in the handicap since first placing here in December 2023 while winning four races. Last time out he performed with great credit when finishing runner-up beaten a length and three quarters behind Sir Les Patterson on seasonal debut over six furlongs at Wolverhampton. He raced in touch with the leaders on that occasion before making headway and leading over a furlong from home on the far rail. He was eventually headed inside the final furlong before managing to hold on for second place. This was a fine effort on seasonal debut considering he tried to lead down the unfavoured inside part of the track, and it should be noted that he won on his second run of the season last year. The handicapper has left him unchanged for tonight’s (7.00) Newcastle in the handicap ratings, and jockey David Nolan takes the ride again having won on him twice in the past. Everything looks in place for another solid performance with the likely pace coming from William Dewhirst and Solar Aclaim. I would have had him a few points shorter in the betting than he currently is. The two ahead of him in the market Jungle Land and Monks Dream are both stepping up in grade from Class 4 handicaps.

1.5pts e/way Grant Wood (15/2 William Hill, 6/1 General 4 places) 7.00 Newcastle