Newcastle best bets: Stallone looking to take top billing in high-octane thriller

15:20 Newcastle: Download The Racecourse App Raceday Ready Handicap (5 furlongs)

With Rainbow Rain and Herakles jostling somewhat uncertainly for the early favourite tag, their current price offers little appeal in what appears to be a wide-open contest.

Standing out rather, in terms of both form and value, is the Michael Dods-trained Stallone, who will line up boasting arguably the best credentials to give a good account of himself here.

Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Global Humor finishes in the first 3 places, get a £5 Free Bet

The capable eight-year-old has made the frame in four of his last five outings this year, bookending a couple of close-up places with two hard-fought victories over this course and distance.

The latter of those two successes came last time out a fortnight ago, when he showed off his finishing strength to take the lead on the final nod, winning by a nose and a neck from second and third, with another ten rivals stretched out behind.

This higher-grade affair is likely to present more of a challenge, but with Willam Pyle still bringing his five-pound allowance to offset Stallone’s two-pound rise, they remainn competitive enough to be a good each-way prospect at the very least, especially with four places widely available for this 12-runner handicap..

Suggested best bet: Stallone in the 15:20 at Newcastle

• Tip advised by EachWayMorningTips on Tipstrr

The same argument could be made for the each-way chances of a few of those lower down the betting, with Jim Goldie’s Global Humor catching the eye at close to double-digit odds at the time of writing.

Raced exclusively at this venue since November, the last five of those nine outings have yielded four frame finishes, including a tidy 1¾-length victory over six furlongs in February, while last time out two weeks ago he finished the best of those held up to come a respectable third of nine.

This drop to the sharper minimum distance should serve the nine-year-old well, while the significant first-time presence of Hollie Doyle in the saddle looks to be a booking of intent, so connections will be hopeful of another prominent run here.  

Each-way punt: Global Humor in the 15:20 at Newcastle

• Tip advised by PicksnTips Selections on Tipstrr

 

READ MORE: Lingfield racing tips: Best bets for Monday April 8