PLENTY of people moan that the Epsom Derby is no longer run on a Wednesday. But if you delve into the history books another “Derby” also used to be run in the middle of the week. This was the Pitmen’s Derby, a fantastic occasion and an annual holiday for miners who made the pilgrimage to Gosforth Park for the staying handicap each year. Sadly, the race ceased to be a holiday in 1949 and was switched to a Saturday. Now the Pitmen’s Derby or, of course, the Northumberland Plate, is one of the richest staying handicaps in Europe. This Saturday’s race looks as competitive as ever.
The defection of ante-post favourite Pique Sous has left the race with an even more wide open look and the key battle to analyse is another great old handicap, the Chester Cup. That day Suegioo chinned Angel Gabrial close home, although the latter looked an unlucky loser. He had made up a huge amount of ground down the back straight and then veered right in the final furlong. Suegioo had the run of the race around the inner and it would be a surprise if the form was not reversed. Angel Gabrial is the new favourite at 9/2 with BetVictor although that looks a bit skinny.
Last year’s runner-up Oriental Fox has not been disgraced in much better company and was sixth in the Ascot Gold Cup behind Leading Light. He will carry top weight but is 10lb higher than last year when he was collared late on by Tominator. However, he has obviously improved and should be there or thereabouts at around the 10/1 mark.
That wily old fox Sir Mark Prescott has had Big Thunder earmarked for the race. It will be his seasonal reappearance but he looked on an upward curve last season and looks a likely type. He is around 14/1
Willie Mullins relies on Lucky Bridle who looks unexposed. Whether the fast ground will suit is another matter as most of his form was on soft ground in France. The same ground warning applies to Hughie Morrison’s Nearly Caught whose best runs have been on an easier surface.
Like his Dutch footballing namesake, Van Percy has been in good form this season. He will be trying 2m for the first time but won well at Newmarket over 1m 6f and fast ground will suit.
Handicap king Tony Martin sends over Dark Crusader from Ireland. He has looked out of form but don’t let that put you off.
But the one who stands out as each-way vaue is TROPICAL BEAT. Once useful for John Gosden, he is now with David O’Meara and he made a satisfactory reappearance behind Van Percy at Newmarket, beaten four lengths. He is much better off at the weights and he will enjoy the quick conditions, strong gallop and test of stamina. He ticks most of my boxes and 25/1 with BetVictor looks excellent each-way value. He’ll do for me… What do you fancy? leave a comment below?
For the latest Northumberland Plate betting visit BetVictor.
