TREVOR HARRIS: Northumberland Plate Preview
Godolphin’s Man has a Handsome chance in the Plate
Saturday brings us the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle and as one of the richest two mile handicaps run in the world it is predictably competitive. The two previous winners Tominator and Ile De Re both line up again and along with Chester Cup winner Address Unknown head the weights. Any of this trio could easily figure but may all be a tad high in the weights and I am looking elsewhere for my selection.
Handsome Man represents the bang in form Saeed Bin Suroor and for me is crying out for this step up to two miles. Like many sons of Nayef this colt can’t quicken for toffee, but stays 14f well and it is only his lack of gears that have prevented a more successful career. I am surprised that they haven’t tried two miles before now and expect considerable improvement for the test. The stall 2 draw is a big bonus as the draw plays a big part in this race despite the 2 mile distance. He is currently 8 or 9/1 and I am confident he will return a profit on ew investments.
As you would expect in this highly competitive event there are lots of dangers but many may have left their best form at Royal Ascot and Handsome Man appears to have been trained for the race.
Good luck with whatever you choose.