Newcastle Racecourse - September Racing

A busy afternoon of all-weather racing in store from Newcastle as they host an eight-race card that stretches into the early stages of Friday evening.

They get underway in the north-east at 2.10 with the Northumbrian Wateraid Handicap and conclude at 6.10 with the Northumbrian Water & Wateraid Partners Since 1981 Handicap.

We've got expert tips for all of Friday's races at the Gosforth Park circuit.

2.10 - Northumbrian Wateraid Handicap (1m4f)

Ben Curtis is a jockey riding with enormous confidence at the moment, boasting a strike-rate in excess of 31 percent (18-57) across recent weeks and he could add to that in the opener with CRYSTAL GUARD for trainer Iain Jardine. He is a former C&D scorer and he caught the eye coming from a long way back when fifth at Ayr recently in an amateur riders contest. The consistent Prince Achille rates a key danger.

Selection: Crystal Guard @ 5/1

2.45 - Mott MacDonald Bentley Handicap (1m2f)

A trio of fairly interesting 3YO contenders take on their elders here. Fleur De Mer knows where the winning post is, while Queen Of Sparta could take a jump forward now sent handicapping by George Boughey but BARROLO edges the verdict. Grant Tuer's charge is now 4-5 since moving into handicaps (second in the other run) and he won with some authority at Newmarket over this trip three weeks ago. That was his first go at the distance and he's got more to come from 4lb higher.

Selection: Barrolo @ 10/3

3.20 - United Living Group Handicap Division 1 (7f)

Rockin Rosa won over C&D last month and cannot be discounted from 4lb higher but preference is for EMPEROR CARADOC. He is a dual turf winner at 6f/7f and has been third in two starts at Doncaster and Pontefract since joining Paul Midgley. He is down in class and up in trip for this Tapeta debut and is on what is a very workable mark if taking to the surface.

Selection: Emperor Caradoc @ 8/1

3.55 - United Living Group Handicap Division 2 (7f)

There are reasons to be sceptical on plenty of the field here and so a chance is handed to SPARTAN FIGHTER for Anthony Brittain. He is a six-time winner around here and while he's been waiting a while between drinks (15 runs) he ran well at Redcar in May, finishing second, and likely had soft ground against him on his most recent outing at Doncaster last month. He's a better horse on synthetic surfaces and is now 15lb below his previous win-mark over track and trip.

Selection: Spartan Fighter @ 10/1

4.30 - Gowland & Dawson Nursery (1m)

DARK ENCOUNTER took a step forward when fourth of 20 in a valuable nursery event at York last month. Karl Burke's youngster made up some good late ground in that contest and, rated just 2lb higher, should shed his maiden tag before too long judged on that fine effort.

Selection: Dark Encounter @ 7/4

5.05 - ESH Construction EBF Novice Stakes (6f)

Trefor scored in a Windsor novice last month over this trip on second start and that form looks solid but, even so, he has to concede 6lb to the field here and APOCALYX looks the sort to take advantage for Richard Fahey. The Calyx colt was second on debut at Thirsk (6f, good) last month despite showing signs of inexperience and the winner of that race has gone in again since at Hamilton. The selection should be more streetwise now and will be hard to beat with normal improvement.

Selection: Apocalyx @ 7/4

5.40 - Northumbrian Water Novice Stakes (6f)

Archie Watson's LOVE LIES scored with some purpose at Ayr (6f, good to firm) three weeks ago on her second start and the Dandy Man filly has to be taken very seriously despite her penalty now. This isn't a deep race, but the likes of Thunder Princess and Charencey are both capable of improvement and deemed likely to give the selection most to fear.

Selection: Love Lies @ 10/11

6.10 - Northumbrian Water & Wateraid Partners Since 1981 Handicap (1m)

Global Tycoon heads the market after finishing a close third at Windsor over this trip on his first start for new trainer Joseph Parr. He is on a lenient mark and is respected but this is no penalty kick for him. RUM RUNNER is a previous C&D winner and has been in good nick in recent months, knocking on the door before last month's win at Catterick. He ran well since off this mark at Beverley and will have strong claims if bringing that form to the table back here.

Selection: Run Runner @ 9/1