Best Bets: Thursday 5 December

JUNCTION JOHN (Trap 3) - 19.57 Newcastle

JUNCTION JOHN took to Newcastle like a duck to water in the autumn, bolting up in a quick time back in October. He’s suffered short-priced defeats on each of his last two starts around the tight Sunderland circuit but those efforts hardly suggest he’s now out of form and Gary Carmichael’s charge can resume winning ways.

ABITOF MISCHIEF (Trap 6) - 20.13 Newcastle

It’s fair to say Heat 4 of the Northern Puppy Derby is lacking in an outstanding performer, at least at this stage of their careers and it may well be a chance for the local charge ABITOF MISCHIEF to make the breakthrough in open class. A progressive grader, he faces nothing of the calibre of Levante Beach in opposition on this occasion and he can put his course knowledge to good use.

LEVANTE BEACH (Trap 4) - 20.29 Newcastle

LEVANTE BEACH’s form at Monmore recently was distinctly up and down, yet he highlighted his well-being with a facile C&D victory returned to home-soil last week, his exploit on the sectional clock an excellent one. In truth, Angela Harrison’s charge has found himself in a relatively weak heat of the Northern Puppy Derby and is fancied to emerge on top.