Channel 4 Racing Tips, Saturday 25th June

Today’s Channel 4 racing tips cover 7 races in total, 4 from Newcastle and 3 from Newmarket. The Northumberland Plate is the highlight race at Newcastle. RaceBets are offering money back if second in both the Northumberland Plate and Northumberland Vase, so make sure to sign up today if you are not already a member.

Here are today’s tips from our resident tipster, Stephen Wundke.

Newcastle  2.30 – Group 3 6 furlongs

Racing on this artificial surface has proved to be a very good betting experience, so far. You seem to be able to win from anywhere on the track, it’s flat, fair and may well be the future. The old boy Chookie Royal is a huge price for a horse who performs best on a synthetic surface but this would be a big ask. He has place chances at 16/1. Markaz for Owen Burrows needs consideration. He had a well backed winner on Thursday and this horse looks primed for this race although he has never raced on a synthetic track. Mr Lupton was tipped up by us when winning a very competitive handicap at York and he seems now to have grown in to his frame and must have a great chance. There is a touch of class about him and both Hannon and Spencer believe he needs a flat track, tick and the ability to stride out, tick. Underestimate him at your peril. Buratino will probably go off favourite and whilst he has been slightly below that of Group 1 performers he brings outstanding ability to this race. It’s a great way to start your punting Saturday.

Newmarket  2.45 – Listed 1 mile 4 f

A good betting heat as we think only two can win. Bateel has been well looked after and not overfaced by David Simcock. He will go on the ground and whilst his form figures aren’t inspiring he wasn’t far behind both Carnachy and Mt Logan, both of whom have performed well since. He may have to give best to Havana Beat if he brings his A game. Andrew Balding’s horse has competed at the highest level and been competitive. His 2nd in a listed race last year was a show of his ability but he has been off 274 days. It’s between these two and we think the younger horse, with race fitness will get the job done.

Newcastle 3.05 – Hcp Class 2 6f

Tim Easterby’s horses are running well and but for a blip last time out See the Sun would be shorter in the betting. Clearly 5f at Musselburgh was too sharp last time out and this 6f will suit a lot better. He will out run his price. Blaine will of course be popular after his recent successes and rightly so. He put George Bowen in his place and it’s hard to see why that form would be reversed despite the weight change. David Brown’s Exchequer is of interest because 7f was too far last time and this will suit for a horse with talent but our fancy is Boomerang Bob. He runs well on this surface, likes a fast pace, which he will get and Jamie Osborne places him well. He looks a bit of value.

Newmarket 3.20 – Listed 6f

Some really talented two year old fillies here. You have to take a view about who can improve most from their previous run and which form line looks the strongest using the limited amount of data availability. Somebody to Love was impressive as she was very green and still triumphed on a tricky sprinting track at Sandown. Ground conditions will be different here. Simon Crisford’s Shamsayn looks a class act and we like that he has nurtured this one. The 3rd in the Redcar race that this filly won ran credibly in the Windsor castle, which could have been an option and must have been tempting but the trainer waited for this. Marie of Lyon looked good wining at York and with 2yo’s the rule is, believe your eyes. This looked the best performance to us and the 3rd has won easily since, so she is the strong selection in a race that will throw up lots of winners in the future.

Newcastle 3.40 –  Hcp Class 2 2 miles

These consolation races are never easy because many of those who didn’t make the Plate are unexposed over this trip and improving or have had better days and may get fired up. Dannyday was ultra impressive at Chelmsford and the handicapper appears to have been lenient but there isn’t much value in his price. Sir Chauvelin has been a star for Jim Goldie, he will stay and was unlucky at Chester not to win and keep his 2016 unbeaten record. He has ability at this staying trip. So too does the Cashel Man for David Simcock whose 2nd at York looks good over a similar trip and lurking in this handicap is Gabrials Star who was a little outpaced over a shorter trip at Chester and looks primed for this race.

Newmarket 3.55  – Group 3 7f

Seven furlongs is such a specialist trip and when you throw in soft ground you get a small list of horses capable of winning a Group 3. We believe those to be So Beloved, Breton Rock and Here Comes When. David O’Meara’s, So Beloved has accounted for Here Comes When over this trip and on this ground and comes out on top in that contest and was in front of Breton Rock last time out. He will benefit from the uphill finish and looks like he can take this contest.

Newcastle 4.15 – The John Smith Northumberland Plate 2 miles Class 2

We love these big staying handicaps and this is always a feature. Seven on the shortlist and that’s why they go 7-1 the field and why we like these tasty odds. Steve Rogers ran a shocker at Chester in the Cup and needs to be right now to win this. Sir Mark Prescott has entered Moscato after his strong showing at Ascot but he will have to have some resolution not to have been affected. If not he has a real chance. Nakeeta ran a good race at Chester and features in our calculations and Angel Gabriel has a big race in him for the Doctor after his previous victory in this race. Never underestimate Godolphin in these races and both Polaristion and Antiquarium are on our short list. In the end we have opted for a good draw, potential and trainer form, as well as some experience, quality and a previous winner.