Cross ticks every box

● Shorter trip and course just the job for Fahey’s charge

Windsor Cross should appreciate a switch back in trip in the 32Red.com Handicap at Newcastle. Richard Fahey has pitched his charge over a mile on his last two starts, but the three-year-old has seemingly found it tough going in the closing stages on both occasions, hitting the frame without really troubling the victor.

Those efforts suggest a drop down to seven furlongs would be in his favour, an opinion underlined by the fact his sole win to date came over that distance at this track in November.windsorcrosswas a convincing winner of a moderate heat that day, prompting the handicapper to give him a starting mark of 81 – a perch which has dropped 2lb after his recent efforts. That dip in the ratings, combined with the shorter trip, can put Windsor Cross back on the winning track.

Twizzell showed signs of a return to form on her first start of 2018 and is one for the shortlist in the Betway Sprint Handicap. Nine races last year yielded a win and a handful of places, but she looked as though she was ready for a break when down the field at Newcastleinoctoberandkarl Burke duly gave her a rest. She returned with a length-and-ahalf second at Gosforth Park last week and now clearly refreshed, Twizzell can kick on again here.

Tangramm can make it two wins from his three latest starts in Chelmsford’s Bet totequadpot At betfred.com Handicap.