Free betting tips: Jamie Maynard's Newcastle preview of Wednesday November 15

3.40 Betway Casino Handicap

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A competitive 14-runner handicap to open proceedings at Gosforth Park and there’s plenty with opportunities. Kenneth Slack’s Tonto Spirit has been alternating between the Flat and hurdles this year, and he’s bolted up the last twice back on the level at Catterick. Now racing off a career-high mark on all-weather debut you’d still have to think he’ll play a part if taking to this surface. Innoko is ultra-consistent and is only a pound above his highest winning mark so could have a say, although he’s only won once in his last 20 starts. The unexposed Goldophin runner, Mobbhij, was badly hampered the last day at Kempton and an earlier fourth over course and distance after racing too keenly gives him a good shout here. But the winner that day, WAITING FOR RITCHIE, is the pick for me. This four-year old had struggled on the turf until a respectable second in a higher grade last time at Newmarket and the switch back to tapeta will benefit him. He was fourth over a mile and a half on all-weather debut before scoring in an identical handicap to this over course and distance off a 5lb lower mark next time. His usual front-running tactics can be exploited having been given a plum draw from stall one and can hopefully continue Tom Tate’s good record (38 per cent strike-rate) at this track.

Jamie's best bet, Newcastle, November 15

1pt e/w Waiting for Ritchie in 3.40 at 11/2

Posted 0810 GMT on 15/11/17.

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