Timeform Shortlist: Newcastle, Thursday 28 March

2.00 Watch Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Mares' Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) (4) 2m98y

Timeform Top Rated:
128 5. RUBYTWO Nicky Richards Danny McMenamin (7)
127 6. LADY KYRIA Philip Kirby Thomas Dowson (3)
126 1. RIVER ICON Iain Jardine Bruce Lynn (7)

Analyst's Verdict:
Rubytwo's jumping still isn't foot perfect but her form is heading in the right direction and this may represent a decent opportunity for her to get off the mark. Grania O'Malley won twice in novice company when last seen in the summer and may provide the main threat if ready to roll after 7 months off.


2.30 Watch Sky Sports Racing Virgin 535 Handicap Chase (3) 2m7f91y

Timeform Top Rated:
144 1. ASCOT DE BRUYERE James Ewart Steven Fox (5)
143+ 3. SPECIAL PREP Pauline Robson Henry Brooke
142§ 2. STRAIDNAHANNA Sue Smith Danny Cook

Analyst's Verdict:
Special Prep has improved over fences since the turn of the year, scoring at Doncaster prior to a solid second at Catterick last month. He's fancied to make a bold bid. Ascot de Bruyere has similarly stepped up plenty of late and is feared most, despite a hefty rise in the weights for his latest success.


3.05 Isiris Remembers Lance Tate Tictac Man Handicap Hurdle (5) 2m98y

Timeform Top Rated:
111+ 2. LOSTOCK HALL Tristan Davidson Harry Reed (3)
110§ 12. DANCE OF FIRE N. W. Alexander Crawford Robertson (10)
109§ 13. FIRST OF NEVER Lynn Siddall Blair Campbell (5)

Analyst's Verdict:
Lostock Hall shaped well when runner-up to First of Never at Wetherby last month, and with drying ground very much in his favour, he can reverse that form and gain a first success since his switch to Tristan Davidson. Gin And Tonic was too free last time but Brian Hughes takes over and he may emerge as the chief threat.


3.35 gentingbet.com Handicap Chase (5) 2½m19y

Timeform Top Rated:
109 5. BOCASIEN DESBOIS Martin Todhunter Danny Cook
108 4. CHASMA Michael Easterby Harry Bannister
107 6. OUTNUMBERED Chris Grant Sean Quinlan

Analyst's Verdict:
Bocasien Desbois should be all the sharper with an outing over hurdles last month behind him and could be the answer to a trappy heat. Younoso disappointed last time but had made a solid start to his chase career prior to that, including a C&D win, while Bafana Blue arrives on the back of a decent effort last time and this represents a slight drop in grade for him.


4.10 John Waterworth Novices' Hurdle (4) 2m98y

Timeform Top Rated:
131 8. OSCAR WILDE Sue Smith Danny Cook
130 1. RETURN TICKET Ruth Jefferson Aiden Blakemore (7)
129 10. LUCKY LOVER BOY Oliver Greenall Henry Brooke

Analyst's Verdict:
Lucky Lover Boy has shown plenty of ability both starts over hurdles to date, only collared late on at Huntingdon latterly. In receipt of his handy weight-for-age allowance, he could well be the answer to what rates a tricky puzzle. Return Ticket is feared though, despite the burden of a double penalty, ahead of Oscar Wilde and Capton, who caught the eye last time.


4.40 Equine Products Standard Open National Hunt Flat (5) 2m98y

Timeform Top Rated:
114p 2. GLENDUFF Nicky Richards Brian Hughes
109+ 6. THEFLICKERINGLIGHT Philip Kirby Sean Quinlan
108 1. ARNICA N. W. Alexander Lucy Alexander

Analyst's Verdict:
Both Glenduff and Theflickeringlight found one too good when heavily backed last time and look the pair to focus on switched to the AW. There's more depth to the race Glenduff contested and given that was his debut he should step up, so he is preferred.