Picks From The Paddock Best Bet – Thursday 31st January

17:50 Newcastle

Today’s NAP seem very much out of left field and will leave many readers scratching their heads. Despite the forecasted puzzled looks there is method in the madness when siding with likely outsider Tathmeen.

The old saying “horses for courses” has been around as long as I can remember but it’s true with jockeys. Some riders have a penchant for certain tracks and this is very true with young jockey Callum Rodriguez. He has collected a total of 31 winning rides here at Newcastle from just over 150 starts. That sort of ratio is fantastic and I’d go as far as to say there’s no better man to have onboard when it comes to the unique all-weather course at Gosforth Park. His mount Tathmeen has shown very little in his last three outings and certainly has to change but a return to Newcastle over a shorter trip should help. Of course it’s a massive risk to take a horse who’s done little of late but if he can repeat the form he showed when claiming a novice success he’s going to be capable of going well in this less impressive field.

Obvious chances have to be awarded to stable mate Another Angel and Archimedes for their course and distance successes but fellow course and distance winner Cuppacoco looks to be the most dangerous especially with Joe Fanning booked for the ride.

TATHMEEN (WIN) – NAP

15:40 Southwell

The penultimate race on the card at Southwell sees top jockey Jamie Spencer climb aboard the Swamy’s Durack trainee five year old Makaarim. It’s Spencer’s only ride of the day and for him to travel to a small venue in Southwell just for the one ride you’d suspect it’d be for a horse with a lively chance. Weighted much lower than when successful at Wolverhampton back in 2017 there’s a handful of signs pointing towards a much bigger run this afternoon.

Course and distance victors Zodiakos and Bond Angel deserve respect but look to have a bit too much weight to carry to find their nose in front.

At a bigger price Havelock showed a much more encouraging effort over course and distance last time out and although still a maiden a repeat performance should see him well and truly in the thick of the action.

MAKAARIM (WIN)

Southwell:

13:35 – Piazon (WIN)

14:05 – The Lock Master (E/W)

14:40 – Geography Teacher (E/W)

15:10 – Coolagh Magic (WIN)

15:40 – Makaarim (WIN) *NB

16:10 – Esprit De Corps (E/W)

Newcastle:

16:05 – Home Before Dusk (WIN)

16:40 – Gowanbuster (E/W)

17:15 – Gregarious Girl (WIN)

17:50 – Tathmeen (WIN) NAP

18:25 – Portledge (WIN)

19:00 – Eve Harrington (WIN)

19:30 – Makeofitwhatyouwill (E/W)

20:00 – Leeshaan (WIN)