Trainer Richard Hughes has outlined his long-term strategy for Circus Of Rome, the current favourite for the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate at Newcastle this Saturday. The four-year-old gelding has garnered significant market support, making him a prominent contender for the heritage handicap.
Circus Of Rome has a strong record at Gosforth Park, having secured two victories from two previous starts at the venue. His preparation for the upcoming race has included two outings this season, which were intended to ready him for the challenge.
Circus Of Rome’s preparation and market support
Hughes noted the substantial backing for Circus Of Rome in the market. He mentioned that the plan to target the Northumberland Plate was established last August after a win at Newcastle. While the horse still needs to prove his stamina over two miles, he did manage a mile-and-six furlongs as a three-year-old, which is seen as a positive indicator.
Hughes indicated that the horse’s mark has been carefully managed this year. He explained that Circus Of Rome was run in races at shorter distances than ideal to build his fitness, and the horse performed creditably in those outings. The trainer believes the horse has developed, becoming both stronger and better than he was last year.
Other contenders for Saturday’s races
In addition to the Northumberland Plate, other races are scheduled for Saturday at both Newcastle and York. For the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap, Jonathan Doidge has selected Team Player as an each-way bet. This four-year-old, trained by Ewan Whillans, will be equipped with cheekpieces and a tongue-tie for the first time.
Team Player previously ran in the Chester Cup and is a course and distance winner at Newcastle. Since joining Whillans from Gemma Tutty, the horse has shown improvement in his three starts and is considered to be well-treated based on his recent performance, maintaining a mark of 92. Despite Circus Of Rome being the ante-post favourite, Team Player is seen as a viable alternative.
At York, the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Mile Handicap features Zennor Storm, a gelded son of Mohaather trained by William Haggas. Zennor Storm is considered the least exposed runner in the field with significant potential, having won two All-Weather starts as a juvenile. However, he finished last in his two starts this season at Newmarket and Newbury, after which he was gelded.
The Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dash Handicap at York includes Schrodinger’s Cat, who recently won a 0-85 race at Redcar over five furlongs. The horse is drawn against the far rail, which is often advantageous in York sprints. Despite an 8lb increase for his previous success, Schrodinger’s Cat is believed to be still improving.
Finally, in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sprint Handicap at York, Invincible Boy is a selection despite having a double-figure draw. Trained by the Faheys, this three-year-old colt showed promise on his debut over course and distance last October. He later secured a win at Pontefract over six furlongs, and his initial handicap mark of 82 is considered fair, with potential for further improvement.
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Source: sportinglife.com
Lucy Ashby is a Sports Reporter at NewsGB. She reported on the county circuit and Team GB. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Durham University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Durham, she plays club cricket and follows distance running. “The best sport reporting starts by listening.”
