Despite the loss (lame) of Narcos Rosetta from the final of the ARC Angel Of The North, Newcastle racegoers can expect one of the highlights of the year to date on Thursday night’s all-open race card.

Supporting the feature event are a couple of Cat 3 finals of which the sprint looks particularly tasty, as Dubh Gasta takes on Coolavanny Galiv for the title of leading local two-bender – though it is far from being a two runner buckle. Sunderland’s undisputed short running champ Definite Force goes in a supporting race later. Comparative clocks will be interesting.

With due respect to the ‘Winner Of One’ Stayers finalists, it is the one-off 640 that will get the biggest buzz as the Heilbron duo Darbys Delight and Links Top Gun look to settle some inter kennel rivalry, notwithstanding Lightfoot Clark and Skywalker Isak will have a point to prove to the locals.

The meetings kicks off with Glenvale Bill out to avenge a costly defeat in a fabulous puppy open that includes the recent Angel heat winner Harley Lous Girl and the expensive Irish purchase Coolavanny Mercy.

It should be a cracker