Today on Sky Sports Racing: Cracksman’s brother Fireblade wants to make it at Newcastle | Racing news
Newcastle is the venue for today’s all-weather meeting, with all seven races live only on Sky Sports Racing…
2.03 Newcastle – Fireblade and Royal Approval competition strong starters
An excellent starter where Andrew Balding’s Royal Approval will bid to concede weight in all circles.
Royal Assent built on his debut run at Sandown when comfortably claiming the novice over 10 furlongs and this step up in distance should suit.
John and Thady Gosden trained A blade of firebrother to superstar Cracksman, has struggled to break his maiden, finishing in three of four starts and should be on the premise again under Benoit de la Sayette.
Northern ruler must be considered as he makes his first start for Karl Burke’s yard after joining William Haggas. He has shown a lot of ability in his three starts so far, but has been beaten with little odds in his last two starts.
2.33 Newcastle – Mondammej and Al Farabi play
Mondammey he has proved a revelation since undergoing wind surgery, winning twice and finishing runner-up in four starts since November and this looks a good opportunity to extend his good form despite the 2lb higher rating.
Al Farabi ran a race full of promise when fourth behind Brooklyn Nine at Southwell on his second start for trainer Stuart Williams and must be imagined to build on that as he falls in the grade below Clifford Lee.
Among others to be mentioned are a double course and a distance winner Strong Johnson while Sugar Hill Babe cannot be ruled out given her all-weather success during the fall.
1.33 Newcastle – Percy Willis v Humble Spark clash
A trap that sees Humble Spark try to follow his recent success on the course as he progresses in travel under Paul Mulrennan.
Jedd O’Keeffe’s Percy Willis is a six-time all-weather winner including three wins at this track but will need to improve on his fifth deficit Humble Spark here last month.
Clarify and Don’t show fear complete the quartet for Amy Murphy and Rebecca Menzies.
The best of the rest
Paul Mulrennan has a nice book of rides at Gosforth Park, including a previous course winner Dandy Magic in the competition at 13.03. He also got a leg up on Annandale in 15.03, who could be dangerous if he breaks nicely from deadlock three.
In Happy Valley, record chaser Zac Purton has another full book as he chases down Douglas Whyte’s all-time record. He will ride alongside Andrea Atzeni, whose horses also have a chance.
Watch every race from Newcastle live on Sky Sports Racing on Wednesday 8 January.
