Newcastle best bet (1830): Illusionist looking to conjure up win over preferred trip

18:30 Newcastle: Find More Big Deals at BetUK Handicap (6 furlongs)

In three of his last four races, all of which were at this track, Illusionist has strongly hinted that he will be winning again soon, and now off a career-low mark of 76, he has to be of strong interest in lower-tier Class 4 company.

His last two runs over this course and distance, in November and December last year, were off two pounds higher.

In the first of his last two course-distance outings in November, he finished a never-nearer fourth of 11 in 0-82 company, missing the places by just a head, while two of the three who finished in front of him were rated higher than any of today’s opposition.

Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Illusionist finishes in the first 4 places, get a £5 Free Bet

Given that he came out of the worst draw in stall 1, and the trio in front of him were drawn in the three highest stalls, his effort needs marking up significantly.

He was back again on his next outing a month later, beaten by two progressive three-year-olds to come third of 11 in a stronger 0-85 handicap in which he was again disadvantaged by his stall 2 draw

With no three-year-olds to worry about today, and back over this trip for the first time since, he must warrant serious interest in this easier race off 2lbs lower, and although his stall 5 draw is still far from ideal, it is much better than he had for those previous runs here.

Twice a winner on uphill tracks, including over this trip in a 0-84 off the top mark of 84, he looks poised for a big run in this 0-80 off 76, and the faster they go, the better his chance will be.

Suggested best bet: Illusionist each-way in the 18:30 at Newcastle

• Tips and analysis provided by Steve Jones who runs CD Systems Daily Bargain on Tipstrr

Of the others, Sir Maxi has the inside draw to overcome, but he remains of interest as he drops back to six furlongs for the first time since last October, when he won a 10-runner handicap on the uphill track at Pontefract.

A real uphill track specialist, five of his six career wins have been achieved on uphill tracks, with three of them coming over this distance.

He also won at this venue over seven furlongs as recently as last November in what was a stronger 0-86 handicap which he won off just a pound lower than today, so if he overcomes stall 1, he should be right in the mix.

Next Best bet: Sir Maxi each-way in the 18:30 at Newcastle

 

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