Friday Racing Tips: Timeform's three to back including an eyecatcher at Newcastle

Haydock, 14:52 - Venetian Lion still on a good mark

9 (5)

Venetian Lion

• J: Tom Marquand
• T: William Haggas
• F: 79621113

• SBK 3/1
• EXC 3.85

Venetian Lion has shown much improved form since entering handicaps, opening his account in style at Nottingham at the beginning of August, and he completed a hat-trick at Pontefract last month.

He was unable to complete a four-timer at Kempton last time, but he still went like the best horse at the weights, just not as well positioned as the two who finished in front of him.

Venetian Lion was given the Horse In Focus Flag as a result, highlighting him as one to keep on side and, provided much more testing conditions aren't against him, he can prove himself still ahead of his mark.

Haydock, 15:27 - Resemblance can keep on progressing

2 (2)

Resemblance (Ire)

• J: Hector Crouch
• T: Michael Bell
• F: 0271

• SBK 9/4
• EXC 1.14

Resemblance shaped well in a good race over six furlongs at this course in May and, though she underperformed next time, she made no mistake on her handicap debut at Ffos Las three weeks ago.

That was a good performance following a four-month break, always travelling well in soft conditions, and comfortably picking up the pace setters inside the final furlong.

She proved her opening mark an inadequate one and a subsequent 5lb rise in the weights likely underestimates her. Resemblance is 3lb clear on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings and has the Timeform 'small p' attached to her rating, denoting she's open to further improvement.

Newcastle, 19:15 - Coulsty Exchange caught the eye last time

7 (5)

Coulsty Exchange (Ire)

• J: Andrew Mullen
• T: Iain Jardine
• F: 7366

• SBK 9/4
• EXC 3.6

Coulsty Exchange showed glimpses of promise in three starts at up to a mile at Dundalk in Ireland earlier this year and she shaped with plenty of promise on debut for these connections over six furlongs at this course a fortnight ago.

That was her handicap debut and first start for eight months and she left the impression she would have been suited by a stronger gallop following an awkward start which put her on the back foot.

She did finish her race in eye-catching fashion under a hands-and-heels ride, though, leaving the impression she's on an attractive mark. There should be more to come from her and this step up to seven furlongs should also help.

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