MAWKEB should be up to shouldering top weight for a first career success in the MansionBet Proud Partners Of AWC Handicap (4.50) at Newcastle.
After failing to make the frame in three outings for Owen Burrows, the son of Kitten’s Joy was picked up by Mick Appleby for 16,000 guineas at the sales last October.
And Mawkeb came within a short-head of getting off to the perfect start for his new trainer with a second to Old News over Newcastle's seven furlongs 11 days ago.
If the way my selection powered home is any guide, then this one-mile trip will be just what the doctor ordered.
The handicapper has nudged Mawkeb up 2lb as a result of his latest run, but it will be surprise if Frederik Larson’s mount can't defy his BHA nemesis to go one better.
At Catterick Bridge, TUMBLING DICE is fancied to build on a first career triumph, over course and distance on New Year’s Day, as he takes on eight opponents from the Millbry Hill Novices' Handicap Chase (1.40).
The fitting of cheekpieces triggered a personal best from the Sue Smith seven-year-old, who beat Spot On Sophy by three lengths.
A 5lb higher mark still leaves Conor O’Farrell’s partner 11lb shy of his peak hurdles rating and Tumbling Dice is taken to exploit similar conditions to double his career tally.
Thursday tips
CATTERICK BRIDGE
12.40 GUERLAIN DE VAUX
1.10 TANORA
1.40 TUMBLING DICE (NB)
2.10 A DIFFERENT KIND
2.40 SIDI ISMAEL
3.10 ART OF DIPLOMACY
3.40 PEARL WARRIOR
BANGOR-ON-DEE
1.30 ALTUMANINA
2.00 ONE FER MAMMA
2.30 REILLY
3.00 GREEN VAULT
3.30 EATON COLLINA
4.00 ROCK OF FAME
NEWCASTLE
1.50 WADACRE GOGO
2.20 ORIENTAL LILLY
2.50 JOMONT
3.20 AL ZARAQAAN
3.50 NEPTUNE LEGEND
4.20 STORMY OCEAN
4.50 MAWKEB (NAP)
CHELMSFORD CITY
4.30 CINZENTO
5.00 SHIN SAW GYI
5.30 SHE GOT THE LOOK
6.00 HATHLOOL
6.30 CAPTAIN ST LUCIFER
7.00 GOOD HUMOR
7.30 MILLION REASONS
