Paul Nicholls youngster named after Alan Shearer set to score for Toon Army in lucky last at Warwick Races

THE WELL-NAMED Shearer is set to strike for the Toon Army in the lucky last at Warwick on New Year’s Eve.

Christened after the Premier League’s all time top-scorer, he has a big reputation to live up to.

The Paul Nicholls-trained youngster is in the early days of his career – think Shearer’s spell at Southampton.

But he showed plenty of promise on his debut when second to another promising type in Quid Pro Quo at Hereford.

He’s set for his second outing in the lucky last at Warwick on New Year’s Eve, a two-mile bumper – a race with no hurdles or fences – at 3.25.

And he should be more than good enough to get the job done.

But that said the race is no walkover.

Former football boss turned pundit Harry Redknapp has a runner in Bowtogreatness.

He himself was an encouraging fifth on his debut in a decent race at Newbury.

Adding to the footy theme is Bellamys Boy. Although he’s likely named after his sire Black Sam Bellamy and not cult hero Craig Bellamy.

Shearer was once a lucky owner himself with Augusta Kate taking him and mate Lee Westwood to the Cheltenham Festival.

While the new Shearer is likely to be a short enough price, Shearer really should strike for the Toon Army here.

Your New Year’s Eve at-home party could well be kicked-off with punters recreating that famous hand-in-the-air celebration.

Our man Templegate has even tipped the horse in his best bets for Thursday.

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