Newcastle runners

An 8 race meeting awaits racegoers at Newcastle on Thursday with an early start at 11.40am.
Two runners from Dodlands but neither makes an appearance much before 2.50 (Maid of Houxty) then in the final race Time For heroes makes his debut.
The advance going is given as good to soft.

The 2m 6f novice hurdle in which Maid of Houxty makes her 3rd appearance over jumps looks to be dominated by the first 3 horses on the card - although one of these is due to alphabetical order.

Rose's Captain Quint won the 2 mile novice hurdle in which Maid of Houxty ran last time, so we'll dispense with the man-eating shark references this time. Looks the type to appreciate today's trip as does Nicky's dual Irish Point/novice hurdle winner Crystal Glory.
Both have to give 7lb and upwards to the rest of the 10 runner field and Murphy's likely improver Contemplatemyfaith will be on hand to snap up any benefit.
A good race.

A couple of others may have place considerations but the win would seem to be between the above three very promising horses.

Bill & Carol Aitchison's Maid of Houxty ran well in her debut jumps outing last season but didn't make any further progress after running well to 2 out last time (2 miles) at Hexham. We hope this flatter racecourse will bring about a return to the potential shown previously.

Conor O'Farrell rides and good luck to all connections.

Maid of Houxty (Callum) and Shoeshine Boy (Laura)

A mixture of minor ailments, dry ground and cancelled fixtures all add up to Time For Heroes making a belated racecourse debut in the 2 mile bumper at 3.20pm. He's still young at 5 years of age but being by Libertarian, typically he'll need a bit more experience and a staying trip to show him at his best.
Craig Nichol is in the saddle - enjoy the day lads.

NH Flat races are becoming quite competitive and the two previous winners in the field (Fingal's Hill, Imperial Lord) will find it hard to make an impression. There are a couple that have already run with promise (Clear White Light, Melvich Bay) plus a standout horse on breeding making its debut - Try Teescomponents' immediate family has bumper winners everywhere you look.

Debutant Big Arthur may run well too.

Time For Heroes (Georgina)