Spotlight: Very lightly raced 4yo who made it 2-3 in this hood when winning readily at Lingfield (1m2f, Polytrack) in February; kept on from the rear for close sixth of 12 in the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton (8.6f, Tapeta) last month and he's firmly in calculations with the return to 1m2f a major plus.

Spotlight: Represents top Irish jumps trainer Willie Mullins; won a Grade 3 hurdle at Tipperary last October and he's posted easy wins on the Dundalk AW on his last two starts (1m4f/10.6f); has a lofty mark to defy now back in a handicap but he may well prove capable in view of his impressive winter form.

Spotlight: Won at Lingfield (Polytrack) in December on first crack at 1m2f; another big run when third of five in Listed race there (1m2f) next time; bounced back from lesser run when staying on for seventh of 12 at Wolverhampton (8.6f, Tapeta) recently and he could be in the mix now back up in trip.

Spotlight: Two-time course winner who went close on his stable debut over C&D in November; things didn't go his way when fourth of 13 at Chelmsford (1m2f) ten days later; this very lightly raced 5yo goes well fresh and remains open to further improvement; could be a contender following a break.

Spotlight: Fourth in this last year on sole previous visit to Newcastle and he's now 3lb higher; went close on first two starts this winter before winning at Lingfield (1m4f) in February; could run well but may prefer a longer trip.

Spotlight: Won two in a row in December (1m2f/9.4f) and he didn't enjoy an ideal run through when second to King's Code over C&D in January; another good performance when third at Kempton (1m4f) last month and this shorter trip may well be his optimum; could be thereabouts once more.

Spotlight: Slow starts have become an unwelcome habit but he caught the eye keeping on for fifth of 13 behind King's Code over C&D in January, when denied a clear run; last of three at Lingfield since in a race that wasn't run to suit; each-way claims if getting the breaks.

Spotlight: Won C&D novice in October for the Gosdens and followed up on stable debut in C&D handicap; added a dirt handicap win at Meydan in January; well beaten in Meydan Group 2 last time but this front-runner could make a bold bid now back in a handicap.

Spotlight: Won three times in December (1m/1m4f) and continued in good form, getting back on the scoresheet in a five-runner handicap at Wolverhampton (1m6f, Tapeta) last month; didn't run badly over 2m at Kempton last Saturday; drops back in trip here and may find today's company to be too competitive.

Spotlight: He's never won off a mark this high and he needs to produce more than he's managed at Kempton and Lingfield on his last three starts; however, before those he won a 13-runner handicap over C&D with something to spare and the return to Newcastle could be in his favour; not ruled out each-way.

Spotlight: Won at Wolverhampton (9.4f) in December and over this C&D in January; below best at Wolverhampton (8.6f) latest and he's running in a higher grade than he's used to, but he has an each-way shout on the pick of his winter form.

Spotlight: 24 visits to Newcastle have yielded nine wins, seven over C&D; the latest came on New Year's Day when beating five rivals; fifth of 12 at Southwell since and could better that performance now back here, but there's a suspicion today's contest will prove too competitive.

Spotlight: Six wins from his 23 AW starts, the latest at Wolverhampton (1m4f, Tapeta) in February; has continued in good form when fourth at Lingfield and Kempton on last two starts, but he may again be vulnerable today.

Spotlight: Five AW wins between July 2024 and February 2025, including here; however, he hasn't been at the top of his game on his three starts since November, which puts him down the pecking order today.