Best Bets: Thursday 16 May

Colliery Ronaldo (Trap 4) - 18:39 Newcastle

Colliery Ronaldo (Trap 4, 18.39) has age on his side, therefore it has come as no surprise to see him quickly make his mark. He was impressive when getting on top in handicap company last time and, now lining up in the consolation Spring Handicap Final, all looks set fair for another big run off this mark.

Do The Dab (Trap 1) - 18:55 Newcastle

Do The Dab (Trap 1, 18.55) hasn’t tasted success since early February, albeit threatening the judge on a couple of occasions since. Jimmy Fenwick’s charge didn’t see totally at home tackling handicaps in recent weeks yet the return to a standard 4-bend event promises to suit and granted a decent break, the daughter of Kinloch Brae is fancied to come out on top.

Cill Dubh Con (Trap 6) - 19:26 Newcastle

The Spring Handicap takes place at 19.26 and it may pay to side with scratch runner Cill Dubh Con (Trap 6). A cracking servant to connections, he arrives having landed 4 of his last 5 starts in handicap company. The son of Paradise Madison did well to force a dead heat in last week’s semi-final, particularly given he encountered crowding and was still only fourth at the third bend. He of course will need the breaks given he concedes ground all round, but his record is such a good one that he is worth siding with to get it right again.