Newcastle best bet: Mai Alward lined up for improved run over shorter distance

19:30 Newcastle: QuinnBet Handicap (6 furlongs) 

The four market leaders are separated by barely a couple of points, and at the time of writing Magic Gem has been attracting significant market support, despite switching yards twice the as many months, and is now less than 3/1 in places after opening up this morning at 8/1.

That market movement suggests a big run is expected, but if that confidence is misplaced, then it only adds value to his rivals, and that includes Tristan Davidson’s three-year-old filly, Mai Alward, who opened her account at Lingfield in June last year, and it has taken her a while to rekindle that kind of form following more than a year away from the track.

Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Mai Alward wins, get a £5 Free Bet!

She looked out of sorts on three turf efforts, and it was only on her return to Newcastle’s artificial track in mid-August that she put herself in a position to challenge, although ultimately the seventh furlong proved too big an ask and she had to settle for third place.

She was allowed to race too freely when sixth of nine at Musselburgh last time out 13 days ago, again over seven furlongs, so this step back to a shorter six-furlong trip should suit with in-form all-weather specialist PJ McDonald booked to get the best out of her.

Davidson does not saddle a prolific amount of runners on the flat, but remains profitable over the last five years, and most of his charges are selectively aimed at Newcastle’s all-weather track when they have a good chance of producing a good run. 

Of the others, Mutabaahy and Sharrabang have caught the eye of some of Tipstrr’s each-way brigade, and should any of the market leaders falter,  they could pinch one of the four each-way places widely up for grabs.

Suggested bet: Mai Alward each-way in the 19:30 at Newcastle

• Tip advised by The Banker on Tipstrr