Ellison targeting Plate prize

Newcastle-born trainer Brian Ellison reports his two runners - Tilt and Carte Diamond - to be in tip-top shape ahead of the John Smith's Northumberland Plate.The Malton-based trainer would dearly love to win the race, affectionately known as the Pitmen's Derby, but believes it is one of the best renewals for years.He said: "My horses are bouncing, but I think it's probably the best Plate we've seen for a while - very competitive. I couldn't be happier with my two. They are in great fettle and they will run their races."He added: "Tilt should have won last time, but he got there too early. He's in terrific form and neither have been overdone this year. They will go there fresh horses. They've got high draws but they'll be dropped in so it doesn't bother me."Carte Diamond got jarred up in his last race but he's fine now. He wouldn't want it too fast, but the course is like a carpet - it's absolutely beautiful ground. What the lads there have done to the course is fantastic."The race is worth a lot of money and that's great. Obviously I come from Newcastle, I was born and bred there. Whether it happens that we win I don't know, but it would be lovely and we'll be celebrating if we win, don't worry."Michael Jarvis is just pleased to get Meshtri back on the course as the four-year-old has not run since finishing third to Desert Sea in the Queen's Prize at Kempton three months ago."He appears to be in good form though he hasn't run for some time. We had one or two issues with some of our horses. They weren't very well, which is why he hasn't run," said the Newmarket trainer."He was due to run in the Chester Cup but he had to miss that so we've hung on for this race."His draw (18) is not ideal but they have won from that high. My reports of the going from people who were there on Thursday said it was quite safe ground."