Synergism backed to lift Northumberland Plate at Newcastle

The Weekend Winners panel return to preview a busy Saturday of action from Newcastle and The Curragh.

The team of Kate Tracey, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix paid particular attention to Newcastle's feature Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap - which sees 20 runners go in search of the £77,310 top prize.

Circus Of Rome heads the early betting for Richard Hughes, whilst last year's winner Spirit Mixer is back again to contest this competitive race over the extended two miles. Ride The Thunder is also towards the top of the market, as are Team Player and Saint Etienne.

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Sam Boswell…

"It doesn't take huge sums to move ante-post markets these days but it was still notable that Circus Of Rome was a significant mover across the industry. He looks a shade too short now in a competitive race.

"Alan King has won this race a couple of times in the last six years or so, including with Trueshan - which was one of my favourite performances of recent times. The horse I'm going to tip up has done well on the all-weather as well as on the turf - we're going to go for Alan's Blazeon Five.

"Alan himself is on great form at the moment with a 40% strike rate and had a good time of things at the big meeting last week. This horse finished second to a big-priced winner [on reappearance at Newbury in April] and the stats suggest you want to be in the first two on your prep run for this - and plenty of the field haven't been. I thought he was a massive price from an in-form stable."

Declan Rix…

"I think Synergism will go well. Because Sing Us A Song and Spinning Wheel weren't declared, the complexion of this race changed from a pace dynamic. I don't see an awful lot of pace in this and he's well drawn in nine to attack early.

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"He's got a nice, prominent style of racing. He raced ten times last year as a three-year-old, winning four of them and progressing 30lbs in the handicap. I just thought in his comeback run at Lingfield, they didn't go strong enough for him and he still managed to win. He's a good stayer this guy and did all his best work late - so a stronger gallop would have suited him.

"I think he'll improve from three to four and he has plenty of all-weather form and plenty of form here at Newcastle over the course and distance. There's a lot to like about him."

Kate Tracey…

"I've sided with Team Player at 10/1. I had the pleasure of chatting to his trainer Ewan Whillans earlier in the week and his horse is fascinating. He was bought to be a jumper but due to the soft ground over the winter, didn't get run him. That forced their hand to turn him into a staying Flat performer and he won first and second time up.

"They chucked him into the Chester Cup and I thought he ran an absolute blinder that day. All he did is stay over the two miles and two-furlong trip and he didn't have the greatest of draws. He was only beaten two-and-a-half lengths behind A Piece Of Heaven, having been well-backed.

"He's been for a racecourse gallop at Newcastle and he's got his toe into the tapeta, sharpening him up. I'd like him to have a bit more life early but around Newcastle - it's not the worst place to be a behind the bridle type.

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