Newcastle Worth Watching Weather Permitting Quaddick Lake, who looked an exciting prospect when taking a Belharbour point-to-point for John Costello under Jack Doyle in February 2007, is a very interesting market-mover for the Complete Football Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle at Newcastle today. This son of Blueprint was described as a nice horse that wouldn't be rushed as he needs time, by Costello, after that success. He began his career from Pond House the following October and fell at the last when upsides Champion Hurdle hopeful, Snap Tie. However his fortunes have taken a nosedive since, in six outings. David Pipe said of the six-year-old in a Racing Post stable tour back in November: "Quaddick Lake is a nervous, highly strung individual, so we're trying to get him relaxed and enjoying himself again. We know he has ability, so I have to persevere with him." Today's contest, a two and a half miler, for horses rated 0 to 105, would likely be within Quaddick Lake's compass if he could return to his best. Hadden Frost takes the mount and given the fact that the yard sent out a double at Folkestone yesterday and now have a former key member of staff back on board, this 2.40 at Gosforth Park will be watched with extra interest. Meanwhile, The Whisperer, Denis Murphy's Templemore point-to-point winner from 2006, can benefit from Davy Condon's handling in the 2.05. This son of Supreme Leader has always been well-regarded and Nicky Richards sees him as a Grand National horse of the future. On Raglan Road won't be a 'working man's price' in the 1.30 but the Flemensfirth gelding can make the most of the softer opposition and the step back up to three miles. Beaten at short-prices the last twice, the former Timmy Hyde six-year-old is still a good prospect for the Wylies and Howard Johnson. The meeting is now subject to a third inspection at 12.15pm. (EM)
