Newcastle

2.10 This is a fairly mixed bag of form and we probably will not go too far wrong by concentrating our efforts on two from the field. Creative made a very nice switch indeed to handicapping last time out and looked for a moment as if he was going to take the race.

He looks like the sort to find a small race sooner rather than later. He is proven at this distance which is important at 7f, as it can be a very specialist trip – a big run is expected.

My tip however goes to Kiwi Bay who was very impressive on debut when not surprisingly lacking the speed of the winner inside the final furlong. He followed that up a slightly disappointing run last time out when he still looked lacking in a little fitness, we can forgive that performance and he should run well today.

Salisbury

2.00 There are a few un-raced horses in this sixteen runner maiden so we should pay attention to the betting market for any patterns that may develop. On form however, like the previous race, this looks like it may well come down to two from the field.

Yathreb is a nicely bred sort who looked very green first time out and ended up being held up that day when the front runners prevailed. He followed that up – again looking green – when well supported in the marketplace once again failing to make the places. He is obviously well thought of as he holds some big race entries and it will be interesting to see how he runs today.

The one I like is the Sir Michael Stout trained Doctor Fremantle who ran well enough on debut and looks like the sort to develop into a decent prospect when tackling the middle distances next year. He is closely bred to winners and looks to have enough in his locker to take a race like this.

4.00 This has the makings of a nice encounter with a number of horses quite closely rated. Aide Memoir has been relatively competitive at group level and she should give a good account of herself today.

I am going to go for Berbice who has been ultra-consistent and has shown his talent when placing at Group 2 level. He has a good chance today. Of the rest Oasis Wind makes most appeal.

Stuart Eaton is the author of forthcoming book “Class Figures” published by Raceform. Stuart’s website can be found at www.classfigures.com