Swan sends duo to Newcastle

RACING NEWS AND TIPPERARY PREVIEW:CHARLIE SWAN could be doubly-represented in Saturday's John Smith's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.

The Co Tipperary-based trainer has both Rajik and Zaralabad in the prestigious two-mile handicap that Tony Martin scored in with Arc Bleu three years ago.

Rajik is a 16 to 1 shot for the race known as the “Pitmans Derby” after running on in the closing stages to be eighth in the Ascot Stakes last week behind Junior.

“We were worried about the trip but he stayed on really well and clearly got the two and a half miles. Two miles will suit him better though,” Swan said yesterday.

The highly-rated Arctic is set to make his first start of the year in Sunday’s Group Three Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh.

Trainer Tracey Collins aims to start the grey provided ground conditions are suitable and she said: “I’ve spoken to the racing manager at the Curragh and he says they’ll have good safe ground on Sunday. If it’s that he will run.

“He’s done very well over the winter but we waited a bit and the ground here has been very quick. He’s ready to start and he’s an exciting horse to have in the yard,” she added.

Johnny Murtagh will have a busy evening at Tipperary this evening where he can score a double for David Wachman with Port Elizabeth and Griffin in the juvenile maidens.

Murtagh teams up with Aidan O’Brien for Big Occasion in the mile and a half maiden but Zanoubiya will be hard to beat given improvement on her third to Unity and Alburj at Fairyhouse last time.

John Oxx can also score in the fillies conditions event with the course winner Julie’s Jet.