Encore well worth it at Newcastle

Encore D’Or can make a successful reappearance in what promises to be an intriguing Betway Conditions Stakes at Newcastle tomorrow.

The seven-year-old has won nine times since joining sprint king Robert Cowell, taking his overall tally to 10 having also managed a solitary victory during his initial spell with Ralph Beckett.

He has generally plied his trade in sprint handicaps over the past couple of seasons, but has tested the waters at Listed and Group level on a few occasions and generally performed with credit.

It could be argued that his most recent effort when narrowly denied by the high-class Hit The Bid in the Group Three Mercury Stakes at Dundalk was a career-best performance and he lines up in this All-Weather Championships Fast-Track Qualifier with upwards of 4lb in hand on official ratings.

His fitness has to be taken on trust after a three-month absence and in the admirable veteran and recent winner Tropics he faces a worthy rival.

However, Encore D’Or is fancied to stamp his class and book his place at Lingfield on Good Friday.

Stargazer can enhance his excellent record at the track with victory in the Betway Live Casino Handicap.

Phil Kirby’s charge was unfortunate to be demoted after passing the post in front in a valuable contest at Gosforth Park last March, one of three times he has officially finished second at Newcastle.

He was certainly not winning out of turn when running out a thoroughly impressive winner of a Fast-Track Qualifier here last month and runner-up Festival Of Ages upheld the form to some extent when again running well in defeat at Wolverhampton recently.

Stargazer runs off a careerhigh mark of 100 on his return to handicap company, but is in good heart and clearly loves the track, so he should still take plenty of beating.

Lucymai was not disgraced in a fast-track qualifier for AllWeather Championships Finals Day when last seen and ought again to be thereabouts back in handicap company for the sunracing.co.uk Handicap.