Equiano Springs ready to follow up at Newcastle

Equiano Springs landed a competitive heat at Newmarket last month and can follow up in the Betway Optional Claiming Handicap at Newcastle.

A winner at Doncaster back in May, he had been running consistently well through the summer until he turned in a poor effort at Ascot at the beginning of September.

He was a bit keen on that occasion and faded at the finish – but his neck triumph at Newmarket righted that wrong, and it would not be a surprise if he could strike again.

Aleneva found Group Three company far too tough last time, but the

Ladbrokes Home Of The Odds Boost Conditions Stakes could be more up her street.

The form of her debut win back in June reads particularly well, because she had Walk In Marrakesh a short head back in second – with that runner having gone on to win a Listed event as well as being placed in Grade One company in Canada.

However, Aleneva was then off the track until last month, when she finished last of nine in the Firth Of Clyde Stakes at Ayr – never looking like troubling the main contenders.

She might just have needed that outing a bit – and getting 8lb from each of her rivals here, that fillies’ weight allowance could prove telling.

Sweet Forgetme Not struck over six furlongs at Yarmouth back in July and can hit the mark again over the course and distance in the Lavish Hair Beauty Aesthetics Handicap.

Southfield Stone is the pick in the Best Mate Beginners’ Chase at Exeter.

The six-year-old was good enough to win at Grade Two level and be placed in Grade One company over hurdles last term, but he failed to sparkle on his final start at Aintree in the spring.

The ground that day was probably against him and it was his seventh run of the season, so perhaps the two factors took their toll.

Paul Nicholls has made no secret of the fact he views Southfield Stone as a chasing type and a winning debut looks perfectly possible.