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By Ray Hickson

Trainer Michael Freedman admits he was pleasantly surprised when three-year-old It’sacircus made a winning debut last month so he expects an extra 100m at Newcastle on Tuesday will be right up his alley.

There was some support for the gelding when he scored over 1200m at Kembla Grange and Freedman said it’s an encouraging sign that he was able to arrive in time after settling better than midfield.

He’s still a little guarded going into the Coastline Pool & Spa Handicap (1300m), though he feels he’ll get every chance to consolidate.

“He’s a nice horse, he probably surprised me a little bit that he could win first-up over 1200m,’’ Freedman said.

“I was expecting he might need a little bit further. I said to the owners he might be needing 1400m to a mile so it’s a good sign.

“It was a good solid maiden win and going to 1300m should suit.”

It’sacircus, by multiple Group 1 winner and Everest runner-up Trapeze Artist, was $6.50 with TAB on Monday.

Freedman said with that run under his belt jockey Keagan Latham should be able to take advantage of barrier one.

It'sacircus wins at Kembla Grange on September 23

“I think he’d be certainly up on speed somewhere,’’ he said.

“He’s a good, progressive, young horse and he gives me the impression that a mile is where he will be at his best.”

Latham also has the job on honest filly Just Gisella whose two runs at provincial level this preparation have been full of merit.

She won a Hawkesbury maiden first-up before failing in a midweek city race, but Freedman said her effort when third at Newcastle last week was better than it looks on paper and he hopes the filly can have an easier run in the Lees Racing Handicap (1300m).

“It wasn’t ideal that she was up outside the leader last Saturday, she’s much better when she can be ridden with a bit of cover,’’ he said.

“Circumstances dictated it the other day, she won’t be too far away but I’d like to see her find a back to follow.”

Freedman elected to scratch Picko Rocks from a couple of races at Kembla last weekend in preference for the Allied The Careful Movers Handicap (1500m).

After a close second behind Call Me Louis at Newcastle almost a month ago, he feels Picko Rocks was better placed with a kinder barrier and 2kg less than he would have faced over the weekend and can only expect him to hold his form.

“I thought it was probably a better option, anywhere around 1400m to 1600m is his trip so somewhere in the middle is ideal,’’ he said.

All the fields, form and replays for Tuesday's Newcastle meeting