Timeform Daily: Tuesday, Newcastle 16:50

Donald McCain: Trainer of Railway Dillon.

Timeform analyse a handicap chase, staged over two and a half miles, at Newcastle on Tuesday...

Woody Waller found one too good on 3 occasions in handicaps after getting off the mark over fences at Hexham 2 years ago. Will be sharper for recent return after a lay-off, but possibly better over shorter.

Douglas Julian is an all or nothing chaser who posted a career-best when scoring at Kelso (23f) in December. Back from another blip when fourth at Wetherby last month, but others more reliable.

The Thirsty Bricky won 3 times over fences last spring. Back on his game when a keeping-on third at Fakenham (21f) last month, but remains 7 lb higher than last winning mark.

Devotion To Duty matched hurdles form when making a winning start over fences at Carlisle (2m) a year ago, but took a backward step in cheekpieces on Boxing Day, and additional tongue strap in place on return.

Railway Dillon gained last of his 3 chase wins gained off a higher mark at Perth (3m) 11 months ago, but disappointing since his Haydock fourth in November, and tongue tie needs to trigger a bounce back.

Billy Cuckoo improved when scoring 3 times over fences, idling markedly before asserting close home at Carlisle (2m) last month. Not straightforward, but foolish to think revised mark is beyond him.

Alpha One improved when ready winner at Sedgefield (2m) in November and good effort when narrowly denied at Musselburgh next time. Let down by jumping since, but not ruled out if keeping the errors down.

Categorical's last win came in this contest 2 years ago. Plummeted in the weights following a series of below par efforts this term, but dangerous to discount if regaining his sparkle.

Dun Masc was blinkered when landing a 21f Downpatrck handicap chase a year ago. Not disgraced on return from 10 months off for new yard over hurdles in February, and cheekpieces refitted on chasing return.

Timeform 1-2-3: 
1. Railway Dillon
2. Billy Cuckoo
3. Alpha One

Timeform Verdict: Billy Cuckoo's lazy attitude makes him a difficult horse to pin down, so it would be no surprise to see him make another bold bid, but Railway Dillon has dropped to an extremely tempting mark, and gets the nod in the hope that a tongue tie triggers a bounce back. Alpha One should also get competitive if his jumping holds up. 

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