Right in contention at Newcastle

RIGHT TOUCH could be the solution to a fascinating sprint at Newcastle’s evening meeting.

Richard Fahey’s seven-year-old has not won for an age - last July, to be precise - but he came reasonably close in the autumn and should once again be not too far away.

The gelded son of Royal Applause struggled in the summer, though the changing of the seasons brought with it an upturn in form.

After having finished second in a deep race at Musselburgh in October, he then did just as well in a similarly competitive event at Doncaster on November 11.

Right Touch was knocked off his stride late on, too, so must have pleased Fahey by finishing fourth in a seven-furlong handicap, in which he was beaten under two lengths by Speculative Bid.

The Malton handler will also be quietly satisfied by the fact the assessor has left him alone on a mark of 89, which is 6lb lower than the last time he returned to the winner’s enclosure.

Perhaps just as importantly is a return to six furlongs for the Betway Casino Handicap as he has done most of his winning over that distance.

Muwalla deserves a change of luck when he vies for top honours in a two-mile handicap chase at Musselburgh.

Lisa Harrison’s 10-year-old has made a reassuring return to form of late, having finished runner-up at Market Rasen and then at Newcastle.

His last effort two weeks ago was especially pleasing as, despite running from 5lb out of the handicap, he still got to within a length and a quarter of Rear Admiral over two and a half miles in a much better race than this.

The return to two miles will also hold no terrors as Muwalla occupied second spot over that distance at Market Rasen, while the prospect of drying ground can be considered a good thing.

Cosmic Diamond can back up a stout performance at Huntingdon with victory at Towcester.

Paul Webber’s mare is hardly a handicap snip, but connections will be expectant of a big show after she got to within a length and a half of Occasionally Yours in a decent race over an extended two and a half miles.

This mares’ handicap hurdle over two miles and five furlongs could be there for the taking.

Ramses De Teillee won so well at Chepstow on November 22 that it is not a surprise to see David Pipe have him out quickly under a penalty at Towcester.

The five-year-old grey landed a novice handicap chase by a carefree 17 lengths and will no doubt be a warm order for a similar sort of race over a similar sort of trip. (23) M Appleby 4 9-12 (D) ........................ A Rawlinson (112) R Fell 4 9-11 (CD2) ....... B Sanderson (3) (14) M W Easterby 3 9-9 . Harrison Shaw (3) (27) Julie Camacho 3 9-8 ................ Phil Dennis (47) Mrs A Duffield 3 9-5 ............................ C Lee (6) J Goldie 6 8-10 ................................ R Scott (15) Miss T Jackson 4 8-10 (D) ................. ................................................................ Sophie Ralston (5) (108) S Regan 7 8-10 (D) ....................... J Duern (20) W Storey 8 8-10 (C, D) .... Nicola Currie (3) (96) J J Quinn 3 8-9 .................. William Carver (5) (103) Barry J Murphy (IRE) 3 8-9 ............ E Greatrex BETTING: 5-2 Kafoo, 4 Chaucer’s Tale, 5 Justice Pleasing, 6 Jessie Allan, 10 Dandy Bird, 12 Tom’s Anna, 14 Nelson’s Bay, 16 She’s Zoff, 20 Others.

6-1 Handy, ridden and headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 11, 3/4l behind Grey Destiny at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6). 14-1 Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 12, 1 1/4l behind Queens Royale at Southwell 7f app hcp 0-60 (6) fbs. 11-1 Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 12th of 14, 19l behind Angel’s Acclaim at Newcastle 7f hcp (6) in Aug. 16-1 Slowly away towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Breathoffreshair at Newcastle 6f app hcp 0-55 (6). 20-1 Held up in mid-division, driven over 1f out, headway entering final furlong, never on terms, no extra towards finish, 7th of 14, 4l behind Lady Of The Lamp at Newcastle 6f app hcp 0-70 (5). 7-1 Clear with leader, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 10, 6l behind Euro Mac at Ripon 1m app hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Aug.

33-1 Slowly away, in rear, pushed along over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Tifl at Newcastle 1m hcp 0-60 (6). 16-1 Mid-division, outpaced when not much room over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, soon driven and kept on same pace, never near leaders, 13th of 18, 8l behind State Residence at Redcar 6f hcp 0-55 (6) gf in Aug. 25-1 Pushed along from early, soon chased leaders, 10th before halfway, no impression over 1f out, 11th of 20, 8l behind Sweetest Taboo at Curragh 5f hcp 45-70 in Aug. 20-1 Took keen hold in mid-division on inside, some late headway, never threatened, 10th of 14, 5l behind Broughtons Knight at Kempton 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Oct.

16-1 Chased leaders on near side of group, weakened 2f out, 10th of 14, 11l behind Pitch High at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-50 (7). (442) D Cantillon 8 9-12 ....... Nicola Currie (3) (6)RCGuest49-10(CD) ................... JOsborn(3) (17)TCoyle39-9 ....................................... PVaughan(3) (23) Roger Fell 4 9-8 ...................... B Sanderson (3) (5) M Appleby 3 9-2 (BF) ........................... A Rawlinson (6) Kenny Johnson 6 8-10 ................. Aled Beech (3) (30) J Goldie 5 8-10 (C) ............................ Phil Dennis (26) D Thompson 4 8-10 ....... J Gormley (3) (89) N Bycroft 4 8-10 .............. Harrison Shaw (3) (26) A Whillans 3 8-9 (CD) .................... R Scott BETTING: 15-8 Hisar, 4 Western Way, 6 Lukoutoldmakezebak, 7 Lotara, 8 Mr Potter, 12 Tan, 16 Vecheka, Taskeen, Peny Arcade, 33 Shudbeme. 5-2fav Raced wide tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, not quicken towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1/2l behind Hidden Stash at Lingfield 7f hcp (6) pol. 66-1 Held up in rear, never on terms, 7th of 8, 12l behind Fastnet Tempest at Yarmouth 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Sep ‘16. 66-1 Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well to chase front pair inside final 100 yards, held towards finish, 3rd of 14, 1l behind Breathoffreshair at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-60 (6). 4-1 Behind, outpaced halfway, never dangerous, 9th of 10, 8l behind Zenovia at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) in Oct. 20-1 In rear, effort over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 9th of 13, 11l behind Insurplus at Newcastle 7f hcp (6). 14-1 Led, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, no extra, 4th of 7, 5l behind Roaring Rory at Southwell 5f Apprentice Claiming Stakes (3yo+) (6) fbs. 7-1 Mid-division, lost place over 2f out, no danger after, 12th of 14, 11l behind Breathoffreshair at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-60 (6). 40-1 Always in rear, 13th of 14, 24l behind Break The Silence at Redcar 7f hcp 0-70 (5) sft. 28-1 In touch, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on same pace, 7th of 13, 7l behind Breathoffreshair at Newcastle 6f app hcp 0-55 (6). (8) Tom Clover 9-8 ................... Josephine Gordon (10) D Loughnane 9-8 ............. A Mullen (12) R C Guest 9-7 .................. P Makin (15)JJQuinn9-2 ................................. JHart (19) J Osborne 9-1 .................. D Costello (15) N Tinkler 9-1 ........................... T Eaves (15) P Kirby 9-0 ............................ J Quinn (10) S C Williams 8-11 ............................ P J McDonald BETTING: 3 Ahfad, 7-2 Obrigada, 4 Rock On Bertie, 6 Foxrush Take Time, 8 Blue Havana, 10 Mr Carbonator, 12 Onefootinfront, 14 Trick Shot Jenny. 12-1 Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, unable to quicken over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 13, 1 1/4l behind Mouchee at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 2yo hcp 0-65 (6). 10-1 Took keen hold, held up towards rear on inside, headway between horses 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, went never nearer 3rd post, 3rd of 11, 2 3/4l behind Roman Spinner at Kempton 7f 2yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol. 10-1 Led on near side of group and carried head to one side throughout, ridden and headed inside final furlong, not pace of winner, 2nd of 14, 3l behind Lord Caprio at Newcastle 7f Handicap (2yo) (6). 13-2 In touch, led 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 11, 2 1/4l behind Zapateado at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo hcp 0-60 (6). 18-1 Chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and outpaced over 1f out, ran on again inside final furlong, went 4th close home, 4th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Lord Caprio at Newcastle 7f Handicap (2yo) (6). 6-1 Chased leaders, weakened inside final 2f, 11th of 14, 12l behind Lord Caprio at Newcastle 7f Handicap (2yo) (6). 10-1 In rear, never on terms, 10th of 13, 14l behind Mouchee at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 2yo hcp 0-65 (6). 50-1 In rear, outpaced over 2f out, never a threat, last of 9, 11l behind Guvenor’s Choice at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 2yo nov stks (6).

5-2fav Slowly away soon recovered, in touch, pushed along and headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 12, 6l behind Music Society at Chelmsford City 7f 2yo nov stks (6) pol.

2-1fav In touch in 4th place, one pace, 7th of 11, 8l behind Gold Filigree at Wolverhampton 6f Fillies Novice Stakes (2yo) (5). 5-2 Hampered soon after start, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 13, 8l behind Radio Source at Lingfield 7f 2yo nov stk (5) gs in Aug. 20-1 Raced wide in touch, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 12th of 13, 9l behind Insurgence at Lingfield 7f 2yo hco 0-75 (5) pol. 8-1 Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on and no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Unwritten at Pontefract 1m nov med aut stk (4) hvy in Sep. Intense Focus colt out of Hedera. KADRIZZI (128) D Ivory 4 9-7 (D2) ....................... Rob Hornby RIGHT TOUCH (19) R Fahey 7 9-6 (CD) .................. T Hamilton MONT KIARA (68) K Ryan 4 9-5 (CD) ............................. S Gray USTINOV (412) D O’Meara 5 9-5 (D3) ................... K Shoemark GIN IN THE INN (34) R Fahey 4 9-4 (D3) ................... J Garritty BERTIEWHITTLE (19) T D Barron 9 9-4 (D) ........ G Malune (7) TROPICS (24) D Ivory 9 9-4 (D7) ............................ J Duern (3) HANDSOME DUDE (61) T D Barron 5 9-3 (CD)...Josephine Gordon GLENAMOY LAD (68) M Wigham 3 9-2 (D2) .............. P Makin FLORENCIO (10) Roger Fell 4 9-1 (D3) ..................... D Costello ECCLESTON (38) Julie Camacho 6 9-0 (D2) ...................... G Lee TILLY TROTTER (20) D Carroll 3 8-13 (CD) .................... T Eaves KENNY THE CAPTAIN (37) T Easterby 6 8-13 (CD3) ................ ........................................................... Rachel Richardson (3)

..... Harrison Shaw (7) BETTING: 6 Mont Kiara, 7 Glenamoy Lad, Kenny The Captain, 8 Bertiewhittle, Tilly Trotter, Right Touch, 10 Kadrizzi, Tropics, 12 Others.

7-1 Raced stands side, chased leader, led that group over 2f out, hung right inside final furlong, kept on well, nearest finish, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Glenamoy Lad at Newmarket 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Sep.

14-1 Raced far side, steadied in rear, smooth headway over 2f out, led that group and overall leader inside final furlong, hung left under pressure, ran on, won at Newmarket 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Sep beating Mont Kiara by 3/4l, 12 ran. 8-1 Led, strongly challenged from over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, rallied and every chance closing stages, just failed, 2nd of 14, ns behind Boy In The Bar at Newcastle 6f hcp 0-80 (4) in Oct. 14-1 In rear, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, ran on, not reach leaders, 3rd of 19, 1 1/2l behind Speculative Bid at Doncaster 7f hcp 105 (2) sft. 7-1 Close up, led over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, kept on, 4th of 19, 1 3/4l behind Speculative Bid at Doncaster 7f hcp 105 (2) sft. 4-1 Tracked leader, led 2f out, just held on post, won at Newcastle 6f fll hcp 0-80 (4) beating Nuns Walk by ns, 8 ran. 6-1 Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 7l behind Mazzini at Chelmsford City 6f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Jul. 10-1 Held up towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, headway when not clear run inside final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Gulliver at Kempton 6f hcp 0-95 (3) pol. 14-1 Towards rear, pushed along halfway, ridden and ran on final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 10, 2 3/4l behind Van Gerwen at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Oct. 9-1 Chased leaders, pushed along and weakened over 1f out, 11th of 15, 16l behind Hyperfocus at Haydock 6f hcp 0-90 (3) hvy in Sep. 12-1 Chased leaders, ridden and no impression over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 10th of 14, 10l behind Alaadel at Newbury 6f hcp 0-90 (3) sft in Oct. 14-1 In rear, ridden 2f out, never nearer, 7th of 11, 4l behind Makaarim at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-85 (4). 10-1 Steadied start, always behind, 14th of 15, 8l behind Munfallet at Haydock 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Oct ‘16. 33-1 Close up, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 11th of 13, 7l behind Midnight Malibu at Southwell 5f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs. (23) Miss L Siddall 3 9-5 ................................ J Garritty (20) Miss T Waggott 3 9-5 ........ B McHugh (20) Roger Fell 3 9-5 .................... T Hamilton (68) R Charlton 3 9-0 (BF) ................. K Shoemark (6) G Harker 3 9-0 .................... S James (10) A Balding 3 9-0 (BF) ................ P J McDonald J Gosden 3 9-0 ................................ R Havlin (49) S bin Suroor 3 9-0 ........... T Marquand BETTING: 2 Meccabah, 11-4 Middle Creek, 7-2 Ambrosia, 4 Valley Of Light, 14 Supreme Power, 33 Urban Spirit, Servo, 50 Dream Destroyer. 11-10fav Tracked leaders, chase winner 2f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Ciaoadiosimdone at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn fll (5). Poet’s Voice filly out of Mezzogiorno. 8-11fav Towards rear, headway 3f out, went 3rd over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 9l behind Old China at Catterick 7f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gs in Sep. 9-4 A little slowly into stride, soon pressing leader, lost 2nd over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 7, 15l behind Spinning Melody at Chelmsford City 1m 2f mdn stks (5) pol in Oct. 9-1 Tracked leaders, ridden inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1l behind Tifl at Newcastle 1m hcp 0-60 (6). 100-1 Reared start, always towards rear, 12th of 14, 21l behind Break The Silence at Redcar 7f hcp 0-70 (5) sft. 14-1 Tracked leaders and keen, ridden over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 7th of 10, 7l behind Tifl at Newcastle 1m hcp 0-60 (6). 125-1 Dwelt in touch, pushed along over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 8, 11l behind Bobby Joe Leg at Newcastle 6f mdn stks (5). SANTAFIORA (33) Julie Camacho 9-9 (D) ....................... G Lee NIGHT SHADOW (6) A Brown 9-7 (D) ......................... J Quinn KROY (14) O Pears 9-7 (BF, CD) .................................. A Mullen DREAM START (7) J Ryan 9-7 ............................. T Marquand MALDONADO (20) M W Easterby 9-6 ......... Harrison Shaw (7) FIKHAAR (50) K Ryan 9-5 (D) ...................................... T Eaves NIGHT LAW (20) Barry J Murphy (IRE) 9-4 ........ P J McDonald YORKSHIRE ROVER (134) C Teague 9-4 (D) ............. J Garritty LITTLE MISS LOLA (27) Miss L Siddall 9-1 (C) ..... J Gormley (5) BREATHOFFRESHAIR (6)RCGuest9-0(CD) .......... JFanning LITTLE KINGDOM (6) Miss T Waggott 8-11 (C) .............. J Hart MR ENTHUSIASTIC (17) N Wilson 8-9 ................... B McHugh NARALSAIF (27) D Shaw 8-7 ................................. P Mathers FINTRY FLYER (75) J Goldie 8-7 ...................... Phil Dennis (3) BETTING: 3 Breathoffreshair, 5 Little Miss Lola, 11-2 Kroy, 7 Fikhaar, 8 Yorkshire Rover, 12 Dream Start, 14 Santafiora, 16 Mr Enthusiastic, Maldonado, Naralsaif, Night Law, 25 Others.

2-1fav In touch in rear, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden and ran on, won at Newcastle 6f app hcp 0-55 (6) beating Jessie Allan by 2l, 13 ran. 11-2 Tracked leaders, challenged over 1f out, led well inside final furlong, kept on, won at Newcastle 5f hcp (6) beating Bond Bombshell by 1/2l, 11 ran. 2-1fav Keen close up, hampered and dropped to mid-division over 3f out, badly hampered and squeezed out 4f out, short lived effort 2f out, 7th of 12, 8l behind Queens Royale at Southwell 7f app hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.