A bumper eight race card has been set down for Newcastle on Friday for a two-day Carnival for the Newcastle Cup, with the Friday meeting showcasing the major races. The track as of Wednesday night is Good 4 and with fine weather forecast, the track will be on the firm side.
Find Adam Page's best bets for Newcastle below, and be sure to head over to our Racing Tips page for more free tips this week!
Newcastle Racing Tips: Friday September 20th 2024
Race 3: Gateshead Traffic Solutions Maiden Handicap 1400m - 2.10pm AEST
I am a bit surprised that (1) Extreme Diva isn't a dominant favourite. She has excellent form from the Autumn and I think she has had excuses in both runs back, the latest in the San Domenico when run off his legs and outclassed behind Storm Boy. Even with the weight, she just looks better than these IMO.
(8) Shes Wondering looks an improving type for Chris Waller. She debuted over 1250m here where she got back, was never really a winning threat but did make up some level of ground and wasn't too bad in defeat. Might want one more and 1600m+ but not penning a Waller horse.
(5) Alice Mae would be a good thing in a country/weaker maiden. She's flying for Angela Davies, just missing out on the win fresh at Taree before going to 1250m here where she got back and was good late, clocking good late splits. Dangerous if she can get a drag into the race.
(1) Extreme Diva
$4.55 (3 units)
Race 6: Newcastle Cup 2300m - 4.05pm AEST
(9) Etna Rosso has been well found early and I can see why given he was a total forgive in the Wyong Cup last time. Market took a heavy set against him and it was proven right given he got back in a slowly run race and I am not sure he was 100% happy around the tight track behind Lion's Roar. He'll love getting to the bigger track, more genuine tempo and his win at Rosehill prior was that of a Stakes class horse.
(4) Touristic is a Peter Snowden trained gelding that is racing very well. He did a good job in defeat two back in the Grafton Cup before having a freshen up and going to Randwick where he tried hard but couldn't quite get past Eliyass. Fitter and up in trip and I don't think there is a horse with the quality of Eliyass engaged here. Commands respect.
(7) Think N Fly ran fourth in the City Tatts Cup at Randwick behind race favourite Redstone Well and I think he ran an honest race, with excuses. He is a horse who does race best when leading and rolling in front, which wasn't able to occur at Randwick. If it can eventuate here, I think he'll run a much improved race at odds.
(9) Etna Rosso
$4.20 (2 units)
Race 7: Cameron Handicap 1500m - 4.40pm AEST
(3) Berkshire Shadow just looks completely set for the race. He resumed three weeks ago at Rosehill and he was one of the eye catchers of the meeting, closing with purpose late when eventually clear behind Ceowulf. J Mac on signals intent and Australian Bloodstock love to flex on their hometown Cup Day.
(17) Bear On The Loose is one of the more interesting runners in the race. GaiBott trained gelding that resumes, having not raced since the Winter when far from disgraced in defeat behind Aramco. He looks prepped right up for a fresh assault and with an on speed racing style, he appeals.
(16) Floating is a big price but he does love Newcastle. He wasn't too bad at Randwick last time albeit he had every chance from behind the speed and just battled late, but he was only second up and with good improvement to come, I wouldn't pen him.
(3) Berkshire Shadow
$6.70 (2 units)
Race 8: NZ Bloodstock Handicap 1500m - 5.20pm AEST
Tricky race to close out the meeting but am leaning towards (10) Irish Kisses for Tracey Bartley. Didn't do a bad job in defeat last Wednesday on the Kenso when leading and just feeling the pinch. On a dry track, Newcastle can suit on speed runners so if that eventuates, this mare takes beating I say.
(4) Cormac T is an interesting runner. He resumes for the Neasham/Archibald after doing some nice things when last in work, winning a couple of races on the bounce over further, so 1500m fresh signals some level of intent IMO and his trial work has been encouraging.
The gate makes things tricky for (3) Mondo but Nathan Doyle has him humming. He gapped them two back here, aided by a peach steer. He then went to Hawkesbury where he got back but was good late in the piece when third. Dangerous if he can get luck from the draw.
(10) Irish Kisses
$6.00 (1.5 units)
