NEWCASTLE are hopeful today’s race meeting gets the go-ahead, despite calling an inspection at 7.30, writes NIALL HANNITY.
The six-race card is due to get underway at 1.15 and clerk of the course James Armstrong explained: “There are no problems at the moment and we should stay dry.
“The temperature is forecast to drop to 0C overnight, which would not be a problem. But when we have been forecast that before we have dropped a degree or two lower. It is purely a precautionary inspection.”
Trainer Howard Johnson and stable jockey Dennis O’Regan will certainly be hoping the fixture gets the thumbsup as the pair have a handful of live chances.
The combination that should be followed throughout the day start in the first race with Stormy Weather in the juvenile hurdle.
Runner-up on both his starts over timber, the grey four-year-old should go close. Bocamix from the Andy Crook yard has the form in the book and could prove the biggest danger.
The second race, the three-mile novice chase, has only attracted five runners. But it’s still a competitive affair and Johnson and O’Regan unleash one of the stable stars in the shape of Door Boy, who was so impressive on his chasing debut at Aintree, back in October.
The seven-year-old son of Dr Massini could well enter the Cheltenham picture if able to get home in front today.
Similar comments apply to Washington Irving, who runs in the 2½-mile novice hurdle at 3pm.
The ex-Aiden O’Brien useful flat performer took to hurdles like a duck to water when making a winning debut at Carlisle.
The five-year-old managed to finish fifth in the Epsom Derby two years ago behind New Approach and connections will be hoping he can go on to bigger and better things after today.
He’ll certainly need to if he is going to repay the price tag of £300,000!
The duo aren’t finished there as they hold solid chances with Blacks Bridge and Jack The Blaster, on what could be a very good day for them and their followers.
Sedgefield are also hoping to race tomorrow. After being hit hard by the recent cold snap the track is also raceable and the six-race card is set to start at 1.30pm.
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