Truckers Tavern, rated by Ferdy Murphy as one of the best horses he has ever trained, promises to be the star attraction at Newcastle tomorrow.

The seven-year-old faces the starter in the St Modwen Properties Novices' Chase and is confidently expected to extend his winning sequence to three.

Successful on his only start over hurdles last season, Truckers Tavern made an impressive debut over fences at Ayr last month.

The sort of horse who will be contesting some major events in the spring, Truckers Tavern can added to his tall reputation by winning again tomorrow. Adrian Maguire is in the hot seat.

Len Lungo has his horses in cracking form and the Dumfries trainer should be among the winners at Gosforth Park tomorrow.

Lungo saddles Nap selection Grand Slam in the Racecourse Video Services Handicap Hurdle and this gelding is strongly fancired to strike winning form.

Lungo can also hit the target with newcomer Prairie Run in the EBF/Doncaster Bloodstock Sales Mares' Only National Hunt Flat Race.

The Manor Road Nuresery Conditional Jockeys' Selling Hurdle will not take a lot of winning. Brooksby Whorlton could be the one to triumph.

The Eeens should not be overlooked in the three miles Tote Exacta Handicap Chase.

Trained by Ginger McCain, who will be forever remembered as the handler of the immortal Red Rum, The Eens has been running creditably. With Tony Dobbin on board tomorrow he should go well in this long-distance event.

At Huntingdon, I like the look of Ferrers in the Cambridge United Supporters Club Handicap Chase.

A previous winner on this course, Pam Sly's gelding has been in fine form recently. Warren Marston, successful in the big race at Warwick last Saturday on The Last Fling, takes the mount.

Santabless has good prospects in the Quicksilver Messenger Service Novices' Chase.

Jim Culloty's mount was gifted a race at Taunton last month when his two main rivals both fell five fences from home, leaving him with a simple task. That said, Santabless looks a decent recruit to chasing and, in the hands of brilliant trainer Henrietta Knight, he promises to enjoy further success.

Tomorrow's tips:

Newcastle

1.20 Sports Express, 1.50 The Eens, 2.20 Brooksby Whorlton, 2.50 Grand Slam (Nap), 3.20 Truckers Tavern, 3.50 Prairie Run.

Huntingdon

1.00 Raise A Prince, 1.30 Marching Orders, 2.00 Santabless, 2.30 Buddy Marvel, 3.00 Harvis, 3.30 Ferrers, 4.00 Gunnerbe Posh.

Updated: 12:14 Tuesday, January 15, 2002