NEWCASTLE

Left-handed, oval. Newcastle switched from turf to all-weather during the winter of 2015/16, and like Wolverhampton, the surface it uses is tapeta. It differs from the majority of the all-weather tracks in that as well as a traditional oval, it has a floodlit straight mile course, which is uphill for the final four furlongs, meaning an ability to see out the trip is essential and those who press on too early can prove vulnerable in the later stages.

Left handed, galloping with a steady uphill rise from the home turn. Stiff nature often results in steadily-run affairs, especially on the hurdles course, many races really beginning in earnest only once in line for home. As such, races often fail to represent the test of stamina they might, though there’s a clear emphasis on jumping over fences, the data suggesting that Newcastle represents one of the stiffest examinations in the country in this regard. A position towards the stand rail in the home straight can be an advantage in hurdles races, no coincidence that’s where the senior northern jockeys usually head.