Newcastle

All sorts of issues today so this is later than normal and will be brief I'm afraid.

An all-chase card on very tacky ground, it was hard work for some of them.

I had to back a couple of horses I'd been waiting for but they both came up short. You can't put any faith in Miss C Walton and we may never quiet know how good Central Flame could be.

The horse made an important mistake at the ditch down the far side and then made a sweeping move round the final bend, making up a lot of ground in short space of time. Not ideal.

With all that said, the horse bumped into one in Special Catch. Personally, I couldn't back that horse as we just didn't know if it retained all its ability after a lengthy lay-off. He was a bit weak in the on-course market, but duly won with something in hand.

They were clear and will go up around 6lb and 9lb each. Central Flame looked very well in his coat. He's very likeable. I thought Spanish Fleet was much fitter than last time and he showed some of the old spark before backing out of it. The yard is still very quiet but the handicapper should give this horse some slack.

I trusted another female jockey in the finale in Lucy Alexander aboard Clan Chief. This horse really needs to be taught to settle in his races and this is not the first time he has carted his jockey halfway round.

If this gorgeous chestnut isn't way better than a mark of 93 I'll give the game up. But they have to figure out how to ride it. A half-brother to Little Glenshee, he has his quirks, and will stay further. But getting a horse to settle in a race is one of the basics. Still only seven, time is on his side.

Apologies to the otherwise excellent trainer/blogger. I know we will all be rewarded with this horse one day. I'd like to see it under a B Harding waiting ride.

I'm pleased for the moody Rosquero and connections, who ran into one in Runswick Relax at Catterick. Retrieve The Stick chased him home and I'll remain against the Jefferson mare if you don't mind.

Bonzo Bing looks to have found his level around the 110 mark and he looked fit and strong beforehand, the best I've seen him. He ran into an improver although they finished in a heap behind.

I still think Bonzo is a three-miler and he jumped really well here. His time will come soon. Nakadam was a bit smaller than I thought he would be and it would have been interesting to see how he came home.

Rocking Blues was a revelation, staying on really well despite some customary mistakes. while Mysteree jumped really well I thought and got back on track by winning the first.

Again The Orange Rogue looked a bit iffy on the run-in and remains one to oppose. Redkalani was a massive flop. He never looked comfortable on the sticky ground and this lazy type may appreciate some blinds.

Unfortunately that's it for now. I'll hopefully get a round-up done after Catterick and Wetherby.