Wednesday's horseracing selections

Newcastle racegoers can seize an early initiative by supporting Henpecked in the opening mile-and-a-half handicap.Alistair Whillans’ mare has been on a lengthy losing run and has yet to strike on an all-weather circuit in 14 previous attempts.But there is hope she can finally do the business after catching the eye over this course and distance three weeks ago and perhaps, just as importantly, she has the assistance of Paul Hanagan.Hanagan can claim a Newcastle double with Windsor Cross.Owned and trained by Richard Fahey, the three-year-old grey won nicely at this track on January 11 and has not been unfairly treated by the assessor ahead of this seven-furlong handicap.Buckland Beau would not be winning out of turn in a mile-and-a-quarter handicap at Chelmsford.Charlies Fellowes’ seven-year-old has not got his head in front since he completed a hat-trick at Kempton last February, but he is weighted accordingly.Chandos Belle is worth more than a cursory glance when she contests a two-mile handicap hurdle at Leicester.Cerca Trova should return to Ireland with the lion’s share of the prize-money for winning a mares’ handicap hurdle at Ayr.Shrewd County Meath trainer Jim Dreaper looks to have found a nice opportunity for this 12-year-old, who claimed top honours in a handicap chase at Tramore on her last start on New Year’s Day.Cerca Trova is also a decent operator over hurdles, having won back-to-back races at Fairyhouse and Clonmel this time last year.SELECTIONS:AYR: 1.35 Arctic Vodka, 2.05 Eagle Ridge, 2.35 Cerca Trova, 3.10 Teddy Tee, 3.45 Hills Of Dubai, 4.20 Bullion.CHELMSFORD: 1.25 Lunar Deity, 1.55 Buckland Beau, 2.25 Medici Oro, 3.00 Time To Blossom, 3.35 Danzan, 4.10 Jorvik Prince.DOWN ROYAL: 1.05 Robin Des Mana, 1.40 Benarty Hill, 2.10 Fergiethelegend, 2.45 Gun Digger, 3.20 West Coast Time, 3.50 Ardean Lass, 4.25 Clinton Hill.LEICESTER: 1.15 Springtown Lake, 1.45 Head To The Stars, 2.15 Iniesta, 2.50 Markov, 3.25 Native Robin, 3.55 Chandos Belle.NEWCASTLE: 4.05 HENPECKED (NAP), 4.40 Vale Of Kent, 5.15 Furni Factors, 5.45 Windsor Cross, 6.15 Fast Act, 6.45 Star Cracker.