In the 32RedSport.com Handicap (5.45) at Newcastle on Wednesday, Windsor Cross has been raised just 3lb for winning a 0-95 handicap over course and distance earlier this month and looks to have been found a decent opportunity to follow up. Richard Fahey’s 3-year-old stayed on strongly to record his second course and distance win last time and, dropping back into 0-80 company, against three maidens and Hard Graft, whose sole win came on the Fibresand at Southwell, he must surely be the one to beat.
Richard Fahey complicates matters by also saddling Ventura Gold, who was thought good enough to contest a valuable sales race at the Curragh last September, but the Red Jazz gelding has only troubled the judge once in seven starts and makes his Tapeta debut. Windsor Cross looks the pick of the pair on jockey bookings, in any case, and can win despite conceding 6lb and upwards all round.
Selection: Newcastle 5.45 Windsor Cross to win 13/8