Racing

Saturday’s Racing Preview: Five Horses to Follow at York and Newcastle

By Steven Dowler

Saturday Preview

After a tremendous four winners from my four best bets in my Royal Ascot article, I have picked out five to follow for Saturday’s racing across York and Newcastle.

Nikovo (Education Network Handicap, 13.40pm Newcastle)

In the opener at Newcastle, I’m interested in NIKOVO. The seven-year-old has a good record on the all-weather, especially at this venue being a C&D winner, and is only 2lb above his last winning mark. He’s a smart horse on his day and has been solid all year. He caught the eye when fourth at Redcar eight days ago and could have a say in the outcome.

Andesite (Dubai Mile, 13.50pm York)

ANDESITE takes my interest in York’s opener. He’s not won since scoring here on debut but has some good form in defeat to his name and ran a big race when second to Extremely Zain over C&D two weeks ago. He stayed on strongly from an impossible position having been short of room two furlongs out and has only been raised a pound as a result. I think he’s a major player with a repeat performance.

Poet Master (Chipchase Stakes, 14.10pm Newcastle)

If POET MASTER is allowed to take his chance in the Chipchase at Newcastle, then I think he holds a better chance than his odds suggest. He is a rock-solid operator and his latest third At Epsom was boosted when the winner scored at Group 1 level at Royal Ascot. This Group 2 winner has placed several times in Group/Listed events and hasn’t been disgraced at the highest level either. I can see him running really well if given the green light.

Never So Brave (Criterion Stakes, 14.58pm York)

It’s hard to see past NEVER SO BRAVE in the Criterion. This Group 1 winner has yet to score in two starts this year but landed the City Of York Stakes over track and trip last year and that is easily the best form on offer. Back at the scene of his career-defining moment, Andrew Balding’s high-class five-year-old should be able to make his class count and return to winning ways.

Ride The Thunder (Northumberland Plate, 15.15pm Newcastle)

In the main event, RIDE THE THUNDER could be the answer. This four-year-old has built up a solid CV and shaped really nicely when third on his reappearance at Hamilton. He looks sure to improve for that return to action, while his previous second at Haydock is solid, too. I think he has the right profile for this contest and is open to improvement, so he’s worth a second look.