Newcastle race preview

Tomahawk Wood makes his hurdling debut in the opening novices' hurdle at Newcastle tomorrow.

With mild (?) weather forecast, the overnight forecast of soft ground will probably hold true. Tomahawk Wood has been off the racetrack for over 500 days, but stats can often mislead as he's only a 5 yr-old, having had a couple of bumper runs which straddled the last couple of seasons.
The time since has given our gelding time to grow, strengthen and mature, and he's done everything we've asked of him this season at home, and he jumps well.

 However, being realistic, we look upon tomorrow's race as the first step of the ladder on his racing career, and one from which we'd hope he'd progress in terms of experience.

So what of the opposition? Just 5 runners, so our fellow should get a good sight of his hurdles and take his time over the 2m 6f trip. As always it seems, The Don and Lucinda have expensive purchases with eye-catching point or bumper form making their way in novice hurdles. Respectively, Tarlan has shown a consistent level of form in 2 runs, albeit almost 3 years apart and is now rising 9. Previous winner Kingswell Theatre gives 7lb and more all round, but the stable has been out of the winners recently.
The well-bred Falcon's Island (that's for you, George) will improve now upped in trip, Reverse the Charge on his 3rd run looks destined for minor handicaps, as does Karen's Ultiep.

Fingers crossed for a nice run, with a definite eye to the future.

Tomahawk Wood (Ross) on the gallops during the autumn