Eight runners, 0–110, and a race that should be run at an even tempo. Newcastle over this trip tends to reward rhythm and position. You don’t want to be making ground from miles back.
Passing Pleasure – short but solid
Passing Pleasure (6/5) is the clear form horse. Two wins since joining Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero, including a smooth chase debut at Catterick. He travelled, jumped well enough and found when asked.
The question isn’t ability. It’s price and stamina. This is a stiffer 2m7f and he’s carrying 12-0. He’s entitled to improve again, but at odds-on you’re paying for it up front.
If he settles and jumps cleanly, he’s the one they all have to beat. Simple as that.
Uptown Harry – proven here
Uptown Harry (7/1) is the interesting alternative. Twelve years old but in form, and crucially a course-and-distance winner in January. He followed that with a strong second at Carlisle off a higher mark.
He races handily, which suits this track, and he’s well treated relative to peak efforts. He won’t improve, but he doesn’t need to. If this turns tactical, he’s the one most likely to be in the right place turning for home.
Jamesieconn – ability, but not bombproof
Jamesieconn (9/2) has bits of chase form that give him a chance, but he’s been beaten favourite several times and didn’t build on his promise here last time. He’s capable, yet hard to trust fully in a finish.
Cowboy Cooper – bounce-back required
Cowboy Cooper (10/1) won well at Ayr in January over 3m, but was fractious and pulled up next time. On a going day he stays well and handles this level, but you’re relying on him turning up in the right frame of mind.
Others
Dollar Collar and Cosmic Blizzard have bits of form but arrive with questions. Valence D’Aumont is a veteran who can pop up, though he’s in and out. Joie More looks up against it.
Verdict
The favourite is progressive and the most likely winner. If he stays, he probably wins.
But at the prices, Uptown Harry makes more appeal. Proven over course and distance, suited by the likely race shape and arriving in form, he looks the value play against a short-priced improver tackling a sterner test.
Selection: Uptown Harry (win)
Saver only if you must: Passing Pleasure.