Switch to handicapping can help Kaahira get off the mark

Kaahira can make the most of a switch to handicapping and strike gold at the fourth time of asking at Newcastle.

David Loughnane's charge has drawn a blank so far but she seemed to take a huge leap forward when dropped back to seven furlongs at Southwell last month. After seemingly failing to get home twice over 10 furlongs, Kaahira came backindistancetochasehome hot favourite Criollo, defying her 16-1 price to be beaten two lengths in a novice heat.

Kaahirawasconcedingagood chunk of weight to the winner and Loughnane clearly thinks her initial mark of 70 is workable as he has eschewed another novice contest in favour of the Mansionbet Proud Partners Of AWC Handicap.

Serenading dips in class for what appears a trappy Play Coral Racing-super-series For Free Fillies' Handicap.

The six-year-old struck in a class two handicap in November and James Fanshawe has kept her to that calibre in three subsequent runs.

Her second to Umm Hurair in December looked fair form and Serenading was not beaten far in the Winter Oaks at Lingfield's Winter Million meeting, staying on after not getting an ideal run. She then met more serious trouble in running when her rider was fortunate to maintain the partnership after Serenading was tightened up for room, clipped heels and stumbled at one point.

Obviously it is best to put a line through that run and moving back to a mile from longer trips should help here.

Al Qareem can make a successful return from a short layoff in the Play Coral Racingsuper-series For Free Handicap at Southwell.

He rounded off his juvenile campaign with victory at Newcastle in December, after two fair efforts in defeat previously.

The short-head runner-up Queen Aminatu and thirdplaced Atlanna have both placed again subsequently while fifth home Essencial has won, giving the form a sturdy look.

Upandatit shed his maiden tag last time and another win is likely in the Introducing Racing TV Novices' Handicap Chase at Carlisle.

He was suited by better ground at Kelso on his fourth fences run, coming home three and a half lengths clear of Morningside without appearing to be too hard pushed.

A 5lb rise should be within his abilities, particularly if the ground is to his liking.

Barrowdale hacked up by 39 lengths last time and is an obvious choice in the Plough Novices' Hurdle.