Juniper ripe for Plate challenge

Michael Bell believes Juniper Girl is capable of a “huge” run in the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle on Saturday.

The four-year-old filly put up a career-best effort in the Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting last week when only Full House held off her late surge.

And as the handicapper has raised her 3lbs since the weights were released, Bell believes she is well handicapped – especially if the rain keeps falling.

“In theory she is quite ’well-in’ and she is going to get her ground,” said Bell.

“She has been reassessed since Ascot and has been put up another 3lb but obviously as it was an early closing race she runs off her old mark.

“Luke (Morris) will keep the ride. For a relatively inexperienced rider he gave her a very accomplished ride at Ascot and if he does the same at Newcastle she will run a huge race I would have thought, especially on soft ground.

“The ground was plenty fast enough for her at Ascot.

“If it is on the slow side she will be bang there. She has big feet and a round action so she suits the soft.”

Juniper Girl is available at 9-1 with bet365 and Coral for Saturday’s showpiece.