3:15 Newcastle Tips

Circus Of Rome seems a ridiculously short price in the Northumberland Plate given his two efforts so far this season. However, those runs were at trips way below his optimum, and should only be thought of as races to get him cherry ripe for this assignment. He won a Racing League race back in August here, and there was no doubting the pleasure on the trainer's face that night. Richard Hughes was at the Ebor meeting that week, but made the additional journey on the Thursday evening to watch his charge with with ease. I'm sure the plan for this was started at that point, and hopefully it will come to fruition big style.

Lightly raced 4yo. He made steady progress last year, a close 2nd on his final start last year in a useful £52K, splitting two runners who are rated much higher now. Back from an eight month break and going close during May in a useful looking handicap and it should set him up nicely for a shot at this £77 AW handicap. Good trainer/jockey and has every chance off his current mark.

Team Player is a progressive sort who still looks potentially well treated from a mark of 82, which is the same as his 5th in the Chester Cup LTO. His running style - held up - means he never wins by too far. His C&D win on his first start this year and first for this yard was cosier than the bare result. It often pays to be ridden patiently in this race, and he can creep into contention from off the pace.

Saint Etienne has been campaigned over middle distances with this race in mind. He has fallen a few lbs in the handicap, and his trainer has an excellent record here at Newcastle.

An open Plate, and I'm happy to chance Bahadur at the odds having seen some initial fancies tumble in price. He found Ascots long distance too much last time, but a drop back in trip here and Buick aboard look positives. He's 4/4 a place going left handed, winning twice including a course win. He's also 2/2 on Tapeta, whilst Buick, who rarely rides here, has placed with 7 of his last 14 rides at the track. He could be one to take in the pace in a race that lacks any sort of pace. I'm happy to take one towards the top of the speed ratings as a result in the hope it becomes a bit of a sprint finish, and he could be positioned well to make the most of it. Trainer has an excellent 18/39 place strike rate here since 2009, winning 8 of those.

Runner-up beaten a neck in this last year by the re-opposing winner, Spirit Mixer, but is 2 pounds better off today. Will come on for a recent run over an inadequate mile and a half at Epsom 3 weeks ago following a 9 month absence.

No comment made

Carries top weight but has been competing in Group races prior to this. Will stay and has form at this track, including a CD win. Good each-way chances at least, with bookies paying out on 5 or 6 places.

Tribal Star was close up in the main event here last year and now aims for the consolation race, which looks well within his compass. Has ran three times at Newcastle, each time with credit. A live outsider.