The Northumberland Plate 2015 (3:45) is already guaranteed a place in racing history as it will be the last time that it is run on turf. Once the turf has been ripped up and replaced with sand, Newcastle will become another venue for low quality bookie-fodder, although it was not exactly host to a vast amount of top quality racing anyway.
With Clever Cookie suppressing the weights, just a stone covers the rest of the field and I cannot ignore Roger Charlton’s five year old QUEST FOR MORE, who I believe can give 11lb to Brian Ellison’s Seamour (and several that were behind him last time) after a valuable win at Goodwood.
MATTMU takes a drop in class to contest the Group 3 Chipchase Stakes (2:00) and if I am really lucky David Allan will deign to win for me today (has rode all four of horse’s career wins to date).
Looking gift horses in the mouth comes with a health warning, so in the 2:35 the horse that has won four of his six career starts, BUSHCRAFT, could well leave me ‘malade comme un perroquet’.
INTERCONNECTION was beaten favourite in a twelve furlong apprentices’ race last time but dropped back to ten furlongs in the 4:20 he can return to winning ways.
With three pattern races, the Newmarket card ought to be much more interesting than it appears. In the Criterion Stakes at 3:25, the three year old Markaz drops in class and looks to have enough form to contend in an open Group 3. Whether I back him will depend on earlier results at Headquarters and Gosforth Park (have I got any cash left?).
Next week sees the Clash of the Derby Winners (no surprise that the marketing people have missed that one) whilst today’s Irish Derby sees the Clash of the Derby Seconds. I expect Jack Hobbs to go for home early in the straight as he does not have a turn of foot. If he loses he will be favourite for the St Leger by the morning. The race is a no bet.