Newcastle is the venue for today's all-weather encounter, with all seven races live only on Sky Sports Racing…
2.03 Newcastle – Fireblade and Royal Approval compete for strong starters
A great rookie in which Andrew Balding's Royal Approval will look to give weight all round.
Royal Assent built on his debut run at Sandown when he claimed the novice comfortably over the course over 10 furlongs and this step up in distance should suit.
Trained John and Thady Gosden Firebladebrother to superstar Cracksman, has struggled to break his maiden, finished in place in three of four starts and should be in contention again under Benoit de la Sayette.
Northern Ruler must be considered as he makes his first start for the Karl Burke yard after transferring from William Haggas. He has shown a lot of ability in his three starts so far, but has been beaten by a small margin in his last two starts.
2.33 Newcastle – Mondammej and Al Farabi play
Mondammey has proved a revelation since undergoing wind surgery, winning twice and finishing runner-up in four starts since November and this looks a good chance to extend his good form despite a 2lb higher rating.
Al Farabi ran a race full of promise when fourth behind Brooklyn Nine at Southwell on his second start for trainer Stuart Williams and one must imagine he will build on that as he drops in class under Clifford Lee.
Others of note are the double course and distance winner Strong Johnson while Sugar Hill Babe cannot be ruled out given her all-weather success in the fall.
1.33 Newcastle clash – Percy Willis and Humble Spark
The trap of an affair that sees Humble Spark looked to continue his recent success on the course as he embarked on the journey under Paul Mulrennan.
Jedd O'Keeffe's Percy Willis is a six-time all-weather winner including three wins at this track but will need to improve on his fifth deficit Humble Spark here last month.
Explain and Show without fear complete the quartet for Amy Murphy and Rebecca Menzies.
The best of the rest
Paul Mulrennan has a nice book of rides at Gosforth Park, including a previous course winner Dandy Magic in the competition at 1:03 p.m. He also got a leg up on Annandale in 15.03, who could be dangerous if he breaks nicely from the stands.
In Happy Valley, record chaser Zac Purton has another book full as he chases Douglas Whyte's all-time record. He will ride alongside Andrea Atzeni, whose horses also have a chance.
Catch every race from Newcastle live on Sky Sports Racing on Wednesday 8 January.