Runner News

We have a busy evening on Friday at Newcastle with three runners representing three of our trainers.

First up sees a racecourse debut for Lakota Brave, who represents Archie Watson, in the Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Novice Stakes (7.00) where he is one of 10 runners, drawn four, with Hollie Doyle taking the reins on his first day at school.

It looks to be a pretty open affair with some interesting juveniles lining up including the twice-raced Eleutheromania.

She makes her first start for new connections after finishing a creditable second last time out at Lingfield when still seemingly green. This rival certainly stands out on paper and if taking another good step forward from her second start, she can’t be ruled out of contention.

Archie is hopeful that if the penny drops first time, Lakota can run to a decent level for his owners.

Our second runner of the evening is Belsito who makes his return to the racecourse in the BetUK Home Of The Acca Handicap (7.30) representing Kevin Ryan, where he is one of 12 runners, drawn four, with Tom Eaves taking the ride.

This looks a competitive heat with plenty of Belsito’s rivals either proven at the track or arriving in decent form. Of these, Maharajas Express has been running to a consistent level this winter since switching to current connections and met with trouble in running on his last start at Chelmsford. If suited by the set up here, he looks to be a leading force.

Belsito has handled conditions at Newcastle previously, though Kevin notes he is likely to come on for his first run back since last summer.

Rounding off the action on Friday night is Reel Prospect, who lines up in the Win £2,000,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap (8.00) for David O’Meara. Reel is one of 12 runners, drawn seven, with David Nolan on board.

This looks a typical Newcastle handicap with plenty of those having won over course and distance in the past. Of these rivals, Mercurius Power is an obvious contender having finished just ahead of Reel at Newcastle last time, though they meet on slightly better terms. He is creeping up the handicap since his last win however, he remains well treated if reproducing the level of his last two efforts at the track and can’t be confidently ruled out.

David is hopeful that if granted a clear run on Friday, Reel can make his presence felt there.

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish connections of all three horses the best of luck for Friday’s races.