FIRST-TIME cheekpieces can do the trick for Wolverhampton contender Great Return in the Betway Casino Handicap.

The five-year-old son of New Approach is still a maiden after nine races in a nomadic career that has seen him end up at Warren Greatrex's stable.

Great Return has shaped promisingly for new connections, having hit the frame in three starts, but he probably still needs to step things up a bit if he is to get on the scoresheet.

The headgear could help in that respect, as might the return to two miles.

Samovar should be supported in the 32Red.com Handicap.

Scott Dixon's three-year-old has finished runner-up on his last two starts and was probably an unlucky loser at Southwell at the start of the month.

Samovar completely missed the break and was four lengths down from flag-fall. Jockey Kieran O'Neill never gave up, though, and his partner showed good pace to even get into contention.

The gelded son of Finjaan only went down by a neck to Magic Pulse and runs here off the same mark.

Samovar will obviously need to start better, but he will not get many better opportunities than this.

Spryt looked in good nick on his return from a long absence at Lingfield and should be a threat to all in division two of the apprentice riders' handicap.

John Butler's six-year-old came fast and late to take third spot in January – his first outing since he won at Lingfield last June - and should be ready to roll with that spin in safekeeping.

First Selection might be worth a bash against likely favourite Arcanada in the sunbets.co.uk Conditions Stakes.

Simon Crisford's five-year-old has kept good company for what seems like an age now, but has not been seen since he was gelded back in August.

His only run on the all-weather in Britain to date was a winning one, coming on his debut as a two-year-old.

Keel Haul looks poised to finally poke his nose back in front when he runs over fences at Southwell.

Henry Oliver's 10-year-old was a bright prospect way back in November 2015 when he won a big two-mile handicap chase at Cheltenham.

Sadly for connections, things have not gone to plan as that was the last time he claimed top honours.

There were, though, signs of a renaissance at Fontwell last month when he stuck valiantly to his task to finish second behind Atlantic Roller.

A scruffy leap at the last did him no favours that day, while an argument could be made that the two-and-a-quarter-mile trip was probably a wee bit too far for him.

Back over the minimum distance for what looks an eminently winnable handicap chase, Keel Haul can finally kick on off a mark of 112.

Titian Boy can make light work of top weight in the 188Bet-sponsored handicap chase at Newcastle.

Nick Alexander's nine-year-old has perhaps looked a touch sluggish this season, but he has only had two starts and is surely going to get sharper.

Titian Boy is nicely handicapped on his winning form last season, so it will be interesting to see how get on stepped back up in trip to two and a half miles.

SELECTIONS:

NEWCASTLE: 1.40 Hills Of Connemara, 2.15 Undefined Beauty, 2.45 The Young Master, 3.20 Sky Full Of Stars, 3.50 Titian Boy, 4.20 Absolutely Dylan.

SOUTHWELL: 2.00 Get On The Yager, 2.30 KEEL HAUL (NAP), 3.00 Don Lami, 3.35 Global Citizen, 4.05 Reckless Behaviour, 4.35 Tara Well.

WOLVERHAMPTON: 4.45 Burauq, 5.15 Spryt, 5.45 Beauden Barrett, 6.15 First Selection, 6.45 Great Return, 7.15 Natch, 7.45 Samovar.

DOUBLE: Keel Haul and Great Return.