With a complete disregard for Placepot backers, and many others, a bumper starts proceedings at Newcastle and what can only be a tentative selection goes to Modicum ahead of Jass and Classy Chav. The last mentioned has a decent pedigree but showed little sign of encouragement on his recent debut so is probably best watched. Sybarite Chief, a son of Sinndar trained by Richard Fahey makes more appeal than most of the newcomers and a market move for him should be watched with interest. Similar comments apply to Mick Easterby's Commanche Sioux, while Tahaddi Turtle will need to improve on his debut effort to trouble the judge. Richelieu is an interesting newcomer and is another to consider along with Jass, who may struggle under his penalty for his Huntingdon success. The vote though goes to the Nicky Richards-trained Modicum, who showed plenty of promise under similarly testing conditions at Ayr first time out and a reproduction of that would make him hard to beat.
Jass 13-8fav (10-12) Mid-division, headway over 5f out, led inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Huntingdon 1m 6f nhf (H) gs in Nov beating Milan Deux Mille (10-12) by 1l, 13 ran.
Bodell (IRE) Turtle Island gelding out of 6f winner Reddish Creek.
Classy Chav (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, went 2nd over 5f out, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 14l behind Programme Girl (10-5) at Ayr 1m 6f nhf (H) sft in Nov.
Mighty Fella Cloudings gelding, brother to winning bumper Tickers Way.
Modicum (USA) 6-5fav (10-5) Held up, smooth headway over 4f out, challenged on bit over 2f out, ridden final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Programme Girl (10-5) at Ayr 1m 6f nhf (H) sft in Nov.
Mr Viaillie (IRE) Kayf Tara gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Dig For Gold.
Richelieu Machiavellian colt, half-brother to winners over 6f & 7f.
Sybarite Chief (IRE) Sinndar gelding out of a mare who ran only twice.
Tahaddi Turtle (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Held up in rear, outpaced halfway, never on terms, 4th of 12, 30l behind Alfie Flits (10-12) at Wetherby 1m 6f nhf (H) hvy.
Bella Cosa (IRE) Darnay filly, sister to 6f winner Attanagh, half-sister to winners on the flat and over hurdles.
Commanche Sioux Commanche Run filly out of winning bumper Double Chimes.
Maylee (IRE) Good Thyne filly, half-sister to winning bumper Classic Quart.
Now Then Katie 12-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, driven over 3f out, soon outpaced, 6th of 12, 23l behind Wolds Way (10-12) at Doncaster 1m 5f nhf (H) gd in Nov.
Red Rain (IRE) General Monash filly, half-sister to flat winners Countrywide Girl and James Caird.
