bet365 Chase (Novices' Limited Handicap)

Off time: 13:25 | Winning time: 6m 20.00s

Point The Way²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: C O'Farrell| T: B Ellison| OR: 126| D

9/2

Made a few errors in justifying short odds on his chasing debut at Kelso in October (3m good) and backed out of things quickly when set a stiffer task here earlier in the month; 23¾L third to Lake View Lad.

Form: 3635-13

Central Flame²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Miss C Walton⁽³⁾| T: J Walton| OR: 125

28/1

Paid the price for forcing the pace with Point the Way over C&D last month (eventually pulled up) and hasn't looked the same horse as in the spring of 2015 (over hurdles). Dropped 5lb by the assessor.

Form: 225/4-PP

Very First Time³¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: B S Hughes| T: T D Easterby| OR: 124| C

5/2

Hit the floor when firmly in contention on his chasing debut at Wetherby in November (3m), but made amends with an all the way success in a deep ground egg and spoon race at Hexham latest (1/9f).

Form: 9882-F1

Teddy Tee⁴³

Age: 8| Weight: 11-4| J: R D Day⁽³⁾| T: N G Richards| OR: 122

9/2

Has recorded just the sole career success in 12 attempts, over 3m in heavy ground at Ayr in January 2015. Has the potential to offer more over fences and ran well enough when 5+L third to Western Jo in a Hexham slog in November.

Form: 2244/4-3

Crest²²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Jamie Hamilton⁽³⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 122| BF

12/1

Yet to win over fences despite turning in some useful efforts when with his former yard. A litany of short-priced in-running defeats do spell a note of caution. Pulled-up when last seen in May and one to be wary of on his first start for a new yard.

Form: 35223-P

Bako De La Saulaie³⁶¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Craig Nichol| T: R Dobbin| OR: 120| D

16/1

Made good strides last autumn/winter, winning his two most recent hurdles and going up 30lb in the process. Almost a year since he was last seen, so has fitness to prove, but fences (rules debut) should show him in a positive light.

Form: 73/5611-

Just Georgie¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-6| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 110| BF

9/4

Amazingly is still yet to win under rules despite showing some clear signs of ability. A runner up at Bangor on his penultimate start (2m4f), he was on the heels of the leaders when departing five out at Haydock latest (2m7f heavy).

Form: B33-62U

Forecasts

Just Georgie (9/4), Very First Time (5/2), Teddy Tee (9/2), Point The Way (9/2), Crest (12/1), Bako De La Saulaie (16/1), Central Flame (28/1)

The fences at Newcastle tend to take some jumping for a novice, and this could prove to be an eventful affair with a few of these inexperienced chasers prone to give the odd fence a nudge, so mistakes could be prevalent if Point The Way and Central Flame choose to do battle up front again. Very First Time is the most obvious winner granted a safe passage, but this race isn't a gimme. Bako De La Saulaie should strip fitter for his first start in 12 months and is one to keep a close eye upon for the future, so a chance is taken on TEDDY TEE at decent odds. He arguably isn't the most resolute, and could ideally be suited by more testing conditions, but this galloping track will suit his unlimited stamina reserves, and he could stay on strongest of all late to pick up the pieces.