Not just any old Tat at Newcastle
TATLISU can leave the best until last by winning the finale beneath Newcastle floodlights.
A strong, eight-runner field has been lured to the party for the Betway-sponsored six-furlong handicap, but Richard Fahey’s inmate is taken to seize the moment.
The gelded son of Red Clubs has not won since September 2015, but he has consequently slithered down the handicap.
Tatlisu is 12lb lower than when he last hit the back of the net, but his two most recent outings on the Newcastle Tapeta would suggest his time is near.
The eight-year-old twice finished fifth over course and distance, and in similar grade, but the manner in which he kept at it on both occasions was especially pleasing.
Moreover, he had never even competed on an allweather track until two months ago so there is every chance there is a good deal more to come from him during the winter - even in spite of his advancing years.
A previous winner of the Ayr Silver Cup, Tatlisu should never be dismissed lightly and could even be sent on his way at a fair old price.
Go George Go looks hard to beat in the Betway Handicap over a mile and a half.
The four-year-old grey is on a four-timer over this course and distance, having most recently hosed up by six lengths on December 21.
Alan Swinbank’s representative has been thumped by the assessor, but he gets weight from all of his five runners at Gosforth Park and must surely have a wee bit more to give before his hot streak comes to an end.
Burnside proved his aptitude for two miles when second at Lingfield last month and looks to have been cherry-picked a most winnable opportunity in the Betway Stayers Handicap.
Oliver’s Gold is capable of winning a nice prize at Musselburgh.
The nine-year-old has not won for well over a year, but he came mightily close at Doncaster on his last run in November.
Sent off an 11-2 chance for a strong two-mile handicap chase, Mark Walford’s inmate jumped really well under Jake Greenall.
Indeed, the garden looked decidedly rosy two fences from home, but, when push came to shove, he succumbed by just a neck to Festive Affair.
The form has not worked out at all well, sadly, but Oliver’s Gold is clearly in good heart and has only gone up 2lb for that brave performance in South Yorkshire.
He remains well handicapped on his best form and ought to have no issues with whatever Mother Nature throws at him ahead of the Kilmany Cup Handicap Chase.
Fattsota is a late addition to the National Hunt ranks but he is the one to follow in the second division of the racinguk.com/hd Maiden Hurdle.
The nine-year-old was a classy performer on the Flat for Marco Botti before being sold for 20,000 guineas last autumn to David O’Meara.