Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Newcastle & York Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Newcastle 2.10 – Chipchase Stakes
I’m going with Marvelman (9/2) for Andrew Balding.
He’s had a small break since he was last seen in Riyadh – where he didn’t disgrace himself by any means in what was a pretty hot sprint – and was a winner at this level last year.
A stiff six furlongs could suit him and I imagine PJ McDonald will try to be fairly positive on him and sit up in that front rank.
I think this horse has got further scope for improvement too.
He’s not had an awful lot of racing, especially for a sprinter, and I just think that the conditions could well suit him.
Megan’s Tip: Marvelman WIN
York 2.25 – Dash Handicap
Over in the Dash at York I’m going Naana’s Shadow (5/1), who won the 3YO Dash at Epsom pretty nicely. Another sharp track should suit.
She did get a bit of a rise in weight for that but is an improving filly who only joined Katie Scott’s team this season and is proving to be a bit of a yard star for them.
She’s got another big opportunity here; and another positive jockey booking too with Oisin Murphy back on board.
It’s a very different track to Epsom but, again, the sharp track should suit her.
Megan’s Tip: Naana’s Shadow WIN
York 2.58 – Criterion Stakes
I’m going to take on the favourite Never So Brave (EVS) with Saber Strike (11/8).
It’s a no-nonsense approach from William Haggas in turning this horse around quickly after Ascot, when he was favourite but beaten in the Jersey Stakes.
He was a bit immature that day but will have learned an awful lot from a tougher race where he had to really knuckle down – plus I think that the smaller field here at York will suit him better.
Never So Brave is clearly a talented horse. He was electric over course and distance in the City Of York Stakes last season but he’s just not fired this year and possibly didn’t love the ground at Epsom in all fairness to him.
He’s got to prove he can bounce back. Saber Strike is my pick.
Megan’s Tip: Saber Strike WIN
Newcastle 3.15 – Northumberland Plate Handicap
Ride The Thunder (7/1) for me, who didn’t particularly handle the track at Hamilton last time out but ran with credit.
He’s a very consistent horse who’s obviously got to prove himself at this new trip but, if he stays, he’s got a solid chance.
My each-way selection here is the Sir Mark Prescott-trained Synergism (11/1) – a horse that goes well on the all-weather and won last time.
Sir Mark’s horses are starting to get going now and Synergism has only gotten better with distance and age.
I imagine this has been a long-term aim for him and he is probably overpriced out of a nice draw in stall nine.
Megan’s Tip: Ride The Thunder WIN & Synergism E/W
Newcastle 3.45 – Handicap
Power Fizz (9/4 fav), for William Haggas and Cieren Fallon, was a winner over course and distance when we last saw him back in March – that was following a bit of a break.
He was really impressive that day and looked like he could end up being better than handicap company down the line.
He’s still off what could be a winnable mark if he is to be a black-type horse.
I think he’s the improver of the field here and, if he can produce the same type of performance as over course and distance last time, then he will take all of the beating.
Again, he was very impressive that day, showed a great turn of foot and was well on top of the line.
Megan’s Tip: Power Fizz WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
