Fiery Spice is perhaps a well-named individual and while he does not seem to be totally straightforward, he should be good enough in the 32Red Casino Handicap at Newcastle tonight.
Robert Cowell’s charge did not appear to have much about him as he finished last of nine on his racecourse bow at Wolverhampton before Christmas, but he shaped with a little more promise when third at Lingfield next time out.
He still looked a bit green on that occasion as he hung across the track before staying on for minor honours, so it was maybe not a total shock to connections when he put all the pieces together at Southwell last time.
Sent off a 16/1 shot, Fiery Spice again charted a less than smooth course but proved good enough in what was admittedly a weak maiden affair.
The fact he only won by a length means the handicapper was limited in terms of Fiery Spice’s starting mark, and he looks as though he could shape much better than his starting point of 62 in time.
Art Obsession made a pleasing return from a lengthy lay-off at Newcastle on February 1 and he can build on that in the Betway Handicap.
The six-year-old broke a blood vessel at Catterick last October and Paul Midgley gave him plenty of time to recover from that before pitching him into an apprentice heat at Gosforth Park.
The lack of a run probably told that day but there was no disgrace in finishing third, beaten just a length, and Art Obsession should be fitter for the outing.
Chiswick Bey can complete a quick course and distance double in the sunbets.co.uk Handicap.
The nine-year-old has proved pretty consistent in recent months, eventually landing his due reward when triumphing by three-quarters-of-a-length in mid-February.
Town Parks finally got his head in front last time so his confidence should be riding high ahead of the Lycetts Farm And Estate Insurance Brokers Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton.
He has made steady progress this term and eventually got his due reward when edging out Beneagles by a short head at Ludlow at the start of February.
While that was only an average heat, Town Parks showed a likeable attitude and this two-mile-five-furlong trip is right up his street.
Sally Alner’s French recruit Apple’s Queen has made quite an impact in the point to point ranks and can gain a first win under Rules in the 188Bet "Grassroots" Hunters’ Chase.
Formerly trained by Emmanuel Clayeux, Apple’s Queen showed only limited ability in France but has really hit his stride since moving to Britain, having scored twice, and can keep up the good work here.
G’Day Aussie can bring up a hat-trick in the totepool Betting At betfred.com Handicap Hurdle at Musselburgh.
Nap: Fiery Spice
(8.00: Newcastle)
Double: Art Obsession
(7.30: Newcastle)
Treble: Chiswick Bay
(6.00: Newcastle)
Yankee: Town Parks
(2.40: Wincanton)
