It’s lucky number seven for Etikaal

A return to seven furlongs can see Etikaal get back on the winning path in the Bombardier Golden Beer Handicap at Newcastle.

Successful over that distance by a tidy length and a half at this course in November on his first start for 73 days, he has had mixed fortunes when dropped back to six furlongs for his last two races.

He got up in the final half-furlong to beat Zebulon in December, but could not quite get to the principals when a nevernearer third to Wasnt expecting that last month.

Grant Tuer’s charge runs off the same mark, and it looked to be the shorter trip rather than a 10lb rise for his two wins that brought about his defeat.

Blow Your Horn showed plenty of promise when runnerup on his debut and can go one better in the Bombardier British Hopped Amber Beer Novice Stakes.

The son of Golden Horn did little right for most of the race, but the penny appeared to drop in the closing stages when he stayed on to take second place behind Union.

The three-year-old colt, trained by Charlie Fellowes, pictured, will have learnt plenty and should waste no more time opening his account.

Barrington has been knocking on the door, and can gain just reward in the Betway Handicap. Mick Appleby’s six-year-old has finished a creditable second on his last two starts elsewhere – and although he is edging up the handicap, this stiff six furlongs may turn out to be perfect for him.

■ Today’s meetings at Ayr and Lingfield have been abandoned due to waterlogging.