NEWCASTLE'S testing two-mile circuit should bring out the best in Aston Lad (3.20), who normally requires a right good gallop before getting up a head of steam.
Micky Hammond gave his six-year-old a blow over hurdles up at Perth 19 days ago, a run which will have cleared the winter cobwebs from the gelding's lungs in preparation for today's long-distance slog.
By finishing third Aston Lad ran way above expectations and as the selection seems in excellent heart he warrants each-way support.
After a sparkling three-timer on Wolverhampton's polytrack surface, Blue Sky Thinking (2.50) returns to the grass for the one-mile Claiming Stakes.
Pat Cosgrave's mount is equally effective on turf, so it'll be no surprise if many punters make him their banker bet of the afternoon in a race where he's fancied to defy top-weight with the minimum of fuss.
Former champion jockey-turned-trainer, Pat Eddery, sends Secret Tune (3.50) from his Lambourn stronghold to contest the mile-and-a-quarter Maiden.
Although Secret Tune was no match for the winner on his Windsor debut, he still had the rest of the field well beaten when securing second place.
Rider Richard Hughes had to roust his horse along for much of the race - a clear sign the three-year-old didn't really know what was required until the penny finally dropped in the closing stages.
Secret Tune will be a lot more streetwise as result of that first foray to the racecourse, a factor which won't be lost on those backers prepared to take what will likely be pretty miserly odds.
Even though the competitive six-furlong Fillies' Handicap doesn't appear the easiest of nightcaps, I'm fairly confident of a major effort from Petite Mac (4.50).
Neville Bycroft's Malton-based seven-year-old came up trumps in a similar standard event over course and distance last autumn, scoring off a rating of 59.
Considering Petite Mac is now only 4lb higher, she must have a great chance of posting another rock-solid show, especially as the game mare goes particularly kindly for apprentice Suzzanne France.
The nape vote belongs to Classic Role (7.35), who heads to Huntingdon with better-than-average prospects following his Plumpton triumph.
The Lawrence Wells-trained raider took an age to get off the mark over hurdles, but now he's broken the ice the floodgates might well be about to open.
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