Richard Birch believes five-time winner can floor favourite

1.35 Newcastle
1pt win at 8-1 generally

Hot favourite Mutasaamy, who hails from the powerful Roger Varian yard, has the profile of a potential big improver at four, but I’ll take him on with dual course-and-distance winner Little Jo (1.35).

This five-time winner was successful at Newmarket in 2018 off a mark of 81 and is 4lb lower after a series of defeats. He showed he retains all his ability equipped with his favoured cheekpieces when a fast-finishing third over this track and trip to My Target off 83 in November.