Graeme Rodway's play of the day at Newcastle

Shimmering Sands

12.47 Newcastle

There are 18 Flat races spread across two all-weather cards and therefore plenty of action to get stuck into on the sand. It starts at Newcastle in the afternoon where Shimmering Sands looks to have a big chance on his return to an artificial surface in the 1m2f handicap.

He has run only twice on the all-weather and was found to be coughing when beaten a long way on his sole start at this course. He went on to prove that Tapeta suits him when taking second in a mile handicap at Southwell in October from which the third has won since.

That trip is on the short side for the selection, who has recorded all three wins at this 1m2f distance, and he again looked in need of further than a mile when fourth at Musselburgh last month. The return to a longer trip could do the trick for Shimmering Sands, whose stable is flying.

Shimmering Sands12:47 Newcastle (A.W)

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Jky: Joanna Mason Tnr: Michael & David Easterby

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