ALI PACKS A PUNCH

Crisford star to deliver KO blow

NEWCASTLE

1.00

BAVARDAGES

is two from two in handicaps – and the hat-trick beckons. Having started his career from a handicap mark of 59, Mark Johnston’s (below) son of Dream Ahead now competes from 72 after all-the way scores at Kempton and Chelmsford, and will once again be hard to pass.

1.35

BRUNCH

clearly found his debut an education – and there’s no reason why he can’t carry on learning.

He was more bucking bronco than thoroughbred racehorse when fifth at Doncaster in October, but Michael Dods worked his magic with victory in a Newcastle novice stakes two weeks later.

2.10

TILSIT

looks to have found a good opportunity to make his first start a winning one.

By American Grade 1 winner First Defence, the Charles Hills three-year- old is out of Multilingual, a once-raced half-sister to star miler Kingman.

2.45

DEVIL’S ANGEL

is fancied to get his jockey Megan Nicholls’ tie-up with owner John Dance off to a flying start.

His sole win from four attempts came over course and distance after a break and his handicap rating of 65 looks within range.

3.20

SOLEMN PLEDGE

was out of her depth on his final outing last year, but this is a more realistic target.

Karl Burke’s daughter of Showcasing was down the field in a big sales race at Newmarket in October, but she had lifted a Redcar handicap earlier and the all-weather debutant should be competitive despite off 7lb higher.

3.55

A’ALI

has a Group 2 penalty to carry – but that may not be enough to stop him. Simon Crisford, now training in partnership with son Ed, saddled the Society Rock colt to victory in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, Deauville’s Prix Robert Papin and the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster at two, so Silvestre de Sousa’s partner is

the clubhouse leader.

4.30

HIGH PEAK

receives the vote in a race where there is only one piece of form among the 12 participants. My selection is a son of first-season stallion Fascinating Rock out of a mare who has produced seven winners.

5.05

BOSSIPOP

is much better known for his turf exploits but is capable of defying top weight if he can take to this surface.

5.40

ACCESSOR

has had a profitable 2020 and his record at Newcastle shows a half-length success and a head defeat.

6.15

MABRE

came off worst in a four-way photo at Kempton in March, so is due a change of luck. David Evans’ grey – gelded in the interim – was two noses and a short-head behind winner Red Jasper, but he did best of those to come from off the pace and competes from the same rating here.