IT JUST TAKES TIME should thrive for the return to six furlongs in the Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football Handicap (6.30) at Newcastle.
The Nigel Tinkler-trained son of Power showed modest form in three outings over this course and distance at the back end of 2020, earning a handicap mark of 61 in the process.
It Just Takes Time put that assessment to the test in a nursery over Gosforth Park’s five furlongs on New Year’s Eve.
And Rowan Scott’s mount came up triumphs with a two-and-a-half-length humbling of Boot Scootin Baby.
The handicapper wasn’t best pleased - my selection is 9lb higher here - but going back up in trip is definitely the right move and It Just Takes Time can follow up.
Later on the Newcastle card, the twice-raced MONDAMMEJ has the potential to improve past his BHA rating of 82 in the Betway Handicap (7.30).
Gary Moore is knocking the winners at a near one-in-four strike rate, and his RAFIOT gets a confident vote to continue his good run of form by capturing the #betyourway At Betway Handicap (12.30).
At Wincanton, Colin Tizzard’s Premiumaccess has been chalked up the early favourite for the Follow @RacingTV On Instagram Novices' Handicap Chase (2.50).
Those considering a plunge on the jolly should bear in mind he was the stable’s last winner, when scoring at Wincanton three days before Christmas.
With that in mind, I’ll stick with hat-trick seeker LAMANVER BEL AMI.
Ludlow’s jumps card must pass an inspection at 7.30am. If it does, ENZO D’AIRY should be up to giving his rivals weight and a beating in the C.G.Rickards Ltd Handicap Chase (2.10).
Thursday's tips
LINGFIELD PARK
12.30 RAFIOT
1.00 SPACE KID
1.30 FILLES DE FLEUR
2.00 GHAITH
2.30 TOMMYTWOHOOTS
3.00 DOUBLE DEALING
3.30 POWER OVER ME
4.00 EVERKYLLACHY
LUDLOW
1.10 HEROSS DU SEUIL
1.40 SEVEN NO TRUMPS
2.10 ENZO D’AIRY
2.40 SANDYMOUNT ROSE
3.10 FACT FLOW
3.40 HAZEL HILL
4.10 BALCO COASTAL
WINCANTON
1.20 STEADY THE SHIP
1.50 SUPREME ESCAPE
2.20 GLOBAL FAME
2.50 LAMANVER BEL AMI
3.20 ROSIE AND MILLIE
3.50 GLENO
4.20 OFFYOUPOP
NEWCASTLE
4.30 BROCTUNE RED
5.00 JACK OF TRADES
5.30 CAPTAIN COOPER
6.00 NORDIC FIRE
6.30 IT JUST TAKES TIME (NAP)
7.00 PEARL OF QATAR
7.30 MONDAMMEJ (NB)
DOUBLE: IT JUST TAKES TIME and MONDAMMEJ
