3 minute read

Sam King returns with two all-weather selections at Newcastle.

There are plenty of risks attached with Spirit Of Ash, but he looks to hold decent claims in the TIG Accountants Handicap at 5.30.

The daughter of Teofilo shaped as though the drop back in trip would be a benefit when fourth over a mile and a quarter on soft ground at Hamilton last time. She remains relatively unexposed on the all-weather and I wouldn't be surprised if that were her cup of tea over the winter.

Tristan Davidson's fillies' only win came over course and distance in June off a 2lb lower mark. That success came when sporting the tongue-tie and it's interesting connections have opted to deploy that piece of headgear once more having removed it at Hamilton last time.

There should be enough pace on for her to get a decent toe into the contest and although she's likely to need things to fall her way at the business end, there could still be some slight improvement from her returning to this surface.

Selection: Spirit Of Ash – General 5/1

Later on the card, in the QuinnBet Handicap at 7.30, I'm hopeful Blackcurrent can get back to winning ways for the first time since February.

The likeable seven-year-old signified his turn was near when posting a good runner-up effort over this trip at Southwell last month. He's been nudged back up a 1lb to 47 but that should pose no issues given Alan Brown's contender is still 3lb lower than his last winning mark. That success came over today's course and distance under Paul Muir, who rides this evening, back in February and he seems to have plenty in his favour.

It's likely he'll be situated towards the fore and from stall nine it's entirely possible he could work his way over to that favoured stands' side rail. There doesn't look to be all that much pace opposition on his side of the draw and the gelded son of Kuroshio gets the nod to record a sixth-course success.

Selection: Blackcurrent – General 7/1