Today's Horse Racing Tips: Spartan to Fight to victory

Flowery ran well for a long way at Warwick yesterday and looked to be making a strong challenge when short of room and squeezed on either side jumping the 11th fence. He couldn’t recover from that and weakened out of contention. The race was won by Two For Gold, who I have backed the last twice, and he looks to have a good future, especially as the race was probably over a shorter than ideal trip.

There are two bets for today’s racing at Newcastle.

Newcastle Tips

16:40 – 1m4½f Betway Handicap (Class 3)

Out of a mare that was beaten by just ½-length in a French Group 1 race, ALPHA THETA (NAP – 1 point win bet at 4/1) has made a fine start to her own career and comes here unbeaten in her two starts to date. 

Although those wins came in low-grade maiden and novice contests at Southwell, the manner in which she demolished the opposition was hugely impressive. Her eased down winning distances of 7.5-lengths and 8.5-lengths respectively showed her to be an exciting prospect, and she can defy her opening handicap mark of 89 before stepping up in class. 

There is no reason why the switch from Fibresand to Tapeta would be an issue and both her wins have been over this trip. If anything, the stiffer nature of Newcastle should be in her favour. 

The consistent King Of The South looks to be the biggest danger.

19:10 – 6f Heed Your Hunch At Betway Handicap (Class 4)

I had backed Kind Review when he finished third over this course and distance two starts back and then missed out when he made all to win over the minimum trip here five days ago. That was a surprising move given that I felt a step up in trip would be in his favour. He should go well again but could be vulnerable under a penalty.

Preference is for another last-time-out winner, SPARTAN FIGHTER (1 point win bet at 11/2). Anthony Brittain’s four-year-old has won two of his three starts since being fitted with a visor and showed a good attitude to repel a strong challenge over this course and distance three weeks ago. The front three pulled well clear of the rest of the field that day, and a 3lb rise looks fair given that one of the well-beaten runners has since won in a higher grade.

Devil’s Angel, returning from a 132-day break, completes the shortlist.