ANOTHER MATTIE, who has created a sequence of placed efforts, can finally get his head in front at Newcastle this afternoon, writes Tom O’Ryan.

Lucy Alexander takes the mount, as usual, on the seven-year-old, trained by her father, Nick, in the opening mtrec.co.uk Novices’ Hurdle.

Another Mattie finished third at Ayr last time out after occupying the runner-up on his previous two outings here and at Kelso. He is certainly capable of scoring in novice company and is napped to come good this afternoon.

The MTrec Recruitment & Training Handicap Hurdle could be a good opportunity for Circus Star to add to his excellent campaign.

Trained by John Dixon, who has only a handful of horses, Circus Star was a winner at Hexham and Wetherby before finishing second to Sam Lord here on his latest start.

He continues to thrive and although it is ten weeks sincewe’ve seen him, there is every chance of him improving once again.

Craig Nichol, who rode a double at Hexham on Thursday, can add to his growing tally of winners aboard Ryton Runner in the MTrec Search & Selection Handicap Hurdle.

Nichol, who recently reduced his claim to 5lb, rode Ryton Runner, trained by his boss Lucinda Russell, to a narrow victory at Musselburgh last week.

A quick encore would hardly be a surprise for the bottom weight.

Also worth noting at Gosforth Park are course-and-distance winner Cloverhill Lad (4.35) the consistent Bonnet’s Vino (5.10).

At Uttoxeter, the £100,000 Betfred Midlands Grand National takes pride of place.

Norton trainer Malcolm Jefferson aims to hit the jackpot with Sun Cloud, winner of the North Yorkshire Grand National at Catterick but a faller last time out in the Eider Chase at Newcastle.He could go well if putting in a clear round this time, as indeed should Wyck Hill, gutsy winner of the Eider.

Toby Lerone, trained by firstseason handler Dan Skelton, goes in the Betfred Mobile Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

Twice a winner earlier this season and a decent second atSandown on his latest start, Toby Lerone could well pop up at decent odds.

Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson have had a good week at Cheltenham, as indeed has owner JP McManus.

The trio join forces with Irish Buccaneer in the Betfred Goals Galore Handicap Hurdle.

Although yet to race this season, Irish Buccaneer is a smart horse in the making.

Winner of his only start in a bumper, he is one from four over hurdles and is open to plenty of improvement.

With McManus likely to travel on to Uttoxeter from Cheltenham to see his runners, including Wyck Hill, in action, it would be no surprise to see Irish Buccaneer go well.

Gentle Bob is overdue a winning turn and opportunity may come knocking for Tom George’s charge, while Relic Rock, who ran a fine race to finish second in a useful looking bumper at Doncaster recently, won by Zeroshadesofgrey, should be involved in the outcome of the Betfred National Hunt Flat Race.Sandown on his latest start, Toby Lerone could well pop up at decent odds.

Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson have had a good week at Cheltenham, as indeed has owner JP McManus.

The trio join forces with Irish Buccaneer in the Betfred Goals Galore Handicap Hurdle.

Although yet to race this season, Irish Buccaneer is a smart horse in the making.

Winner of his only start in a bumper, he is one from four over hurdles and is open to plenty of improvement.

With McManus likely to travel on to Uttoxeter from Cheltenham to see his runners, including Wyck Hill, in action, it would be no surprise to see Irish Buccaneer go well.

Gentle Bob is overdue a winning turn and opportunity may come knocking for Tom George’s charge, while Relic Rock, who ran a fine race to finish second in a useful looking bumper at Doncaster recently, won by Zeroshadesofgrey, should be involved in the outcome of the Betfred National Hunt Flat Race.

 

Racing selections

Newcastle today
2.15 Another Mattie (NAP), 2.50 Dingo Bay, 3.25 Circus Star, 4.00 Ryton Runner, 4.35 Cloverhill Lad, 5.10 Bonnet’s Vino, 5.45 Baraboy.

Uttoxeter today
2.05 Tracking Time, 2.40 Toby Lerone, 3.15 Irish Buccaneer, 3.50 Sun Cloud, 4.25 Gentle Bob, 5.00 Swing State, 5.35 Relic Rock.

Today’s other meetings: Fontwell and Kempton.

Tomorrow’s meetings: Carlisle and Ffos Las.