✔ Sunday’s NAP 5/1 Won: Monday’s only selection is 11/2 at Newcastle
Following Sunday’s NAP winner, Monday sees one advised selection at 11/2 for members at Newcastle in the form of a course lover that can be excused last time and is advised a 1pt win.
16:00 Newcastle – Back Fingal’s Hill @ 11/2 1pt
The only race on Monday that interested me was the 16:00 at Newcastle, where Nicky Richards’ Coniston George heads the market. He ran a fine race 22 days ago in a first-time visor, but whether that is enough for him to reverse form with Horn Cape from their last April meeting is another matter.
Fingal’s Hill loves Newcastle, and you can cross off the brain-dead front-running ride at Uttoxeter in the Morebattle Hurdle last time by five-pound claimer Charlie Maggs over three miles.
The drop back in trip is a significant positive, as is the booking of Brian Hughes and the return to Newcastle, where his form figures over hurdles read 112. The second was a power-packed finish from off the gallop.
Today is the first time he has returned to Newcastle since 2023, and he is fairly treated by the handicapper.
Today also represents a drop in class from his last two outings, and he is a versatile ground horse, so he ticks plenty of boxes provided he is in A1 form following his outing at Kelso 16 days ago.
Pay The Piper is worth a try again at this trip, and he came out of a good race over 2m here 16 days ago. Still, he is hardly improving, but if he were at his best, he would be the one to beat.
Take no less than 11/2.
*Top price a general 11/2 with five firms, shortest price 9/2.