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By John Schell

Selections based on a good track

8. Petticoat is on debut and is a filly that comes into this on the back of a strong trial win at Grafton. She’s drawn to advantage in barrier two and should be prominent from the outset.

Dangers: 5. Apparate is another filly on debut and she has had three trials leading into this. Shen wasn’t beaten far in the latest of them at Warwick Farm. 1. Bolshie has had two quiet trials leading into this and a bold showing is on the cards. 3. Happy Cappy is a recent Gosford trial winner and is expected to give a good sight.

How to play it: Petticoat WIN.

6. Mr Midnight showed speed on debut at this track in May of last year before weakening. He was spelled after that event and has since had two trials leading into this return to racing.

Dangers: 1. Dilution had two starts late last year and followed a debut second at this track with a midfield Hawkesbury effort. He’s had two trials leading into this and warrants respect. 4. Squamish is on debut and won the latest of his trials which indicates he is set to run well. 7. Ivy’s Way finished third at this track at her only start and she can figure again with a repeat of that.

How to play it: Mr Midnight WIN.

2. Akaka Falls is returning after a break in this and he’s shown plenty of ability during his career with four wins and 13 placings from 28 starts. He’s won two from three over this distance.

Dangers: 3. Procrastinator finished second here two starts ago then was midfield in Midway grade at Randwick. He can bounce back to form here. 4. Omar is resuming here and had solid form at the end of his last campaign and has had a trial to prepare. 7. Emphatic Bel was a winner at Taree two starts back then missed a place as favourite at Queanbeyan last time out. She can figure here on her best form.

How to play it: Akaka Falls WIN.

5. Wymark ran well when finishing second at this track two starts ago then followed that up with a strong win over a mile here last time out. The step up in distance should suit and he has more upside than most of his rivals.

Dangers: 3. Ever Was struggles to win but followed three straight placings with a solid enough last start fourth at Mudgee. He should figure in the placings on his best form. 6. Zenmaster has been contesting city races and will find this easier. 13. Stonegate Lane has been racing well enough of late to be rated a place chance in this.

How to play it: Wymark WIN.

2. Ioane debuted at Doomben with a down the track effort then was spelled before resuming with a close-up fifth on the Kensington track at Randwick. He is on the way up and this looks within his reach.

Dangers: 5. Gleaming failed to beat a runner home here last time out but his form before that was solid enough and she can improve. 6. Hooligan Tommy resumed with a solid second at Wyong and has place claims again. 14. She’s Got Veuve was midfield behind Wymark last time out and is not out of this.

How to play it: Ioane EACH WAY.

6. Hellbent On You ran well enough at Canterbury when resuming and has since been placed in her latest two starts at Kembla Grange and Newcastle. This looks within her reach.

Dangers: 7. Ace’s In Bloom has only had one start and that resulted in a solid second at this track. 4. Generous Harry was down the track on debut on the Kensington track but has since had a promising trial and must be given thought here. 2. Brazil failed to beat a runner home on debut at Canterbury but will find this easier.

How to play it: Hellbent On You WIN.

1. Capital Heart ran well at Randwick two starts ago then backed that up with a second at Kembla Grange. He’s drawn well here and is the one to beat.

Dangers: 6. Global Pivot is resuming from a spell here but has shown talent and can sprint well fresh. 9. Tender Streak was a beaten favourite at Hawkesbury at his latest start but can improve in this. 12. River Pat won on debut at big odds then finished second to Rush Hour following that. That form looks solid for this.

How to play it: Capital Heart WIN.

1. Tavi Time has only had eight starts but has built up a good record winning five of them, including the latest two of them at this track and then in the Mudgee Cup before being spelled. Given a quiet time in a recent trial and is on an upward spiral. Should take a power of beating.

Dangers: 8. Magnatear is a talented type with a win and four placings from just the seven starts and was a winner at this track four starts ago. Has been placed at Randwick at his latest two starts and while this is a tough task, he does have the ability to give some cheek. 2. Nosey Parker did the job well to score by a big margin at this track when last produced. Form before that was solid enough without winning and the stable has been going well of late. Has claims here on the back of the last start effort. 9. Always In is a mare that has been coming good at the right time having won two of her latest three starts. Scored at Muswellbrook before a second at this track then came thundering home from well back to win at Canterbury under lights. Looks to be on the up and a forward showing again wouldn’t surprise

How to play it: Tavi Time WIN.

Best Bets:
Race 3 (2) Akaka Falls.
Race 8 (1) Tavi Time.

Best Value:
Race 5 (2) Ioane.

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Newcastle meeting