THE ANTEPOST ANGLE - NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE

John Arnold takes an advanced look at this years Northumberland Plate. The history, the trends, this years lively contenders and his antepost tips for the race. History The Northumberland Plate is a prestigious flat horse race held annually at Newcastle Racecourse in the northeast of England. Traditionally known as the “Pitmen’s Derby,” the race was established in 1833 and has strong historical ties to the local mining community, who were once given a day off to attend. It is a handicap race run over a distance of two miles and attracts a highly competitive field of stayers from across the UK and Ireland. The event is typically held in late June or early July and serves as a key feature of Newcastle’s Plate Festival, drawing significant attention from racing fans and punters alike. In recent years, the Northumberland Plate has gained further prominence due to its transition from turf to a Tapeta all-weather surface in 2016, making it one of the most valuable long-distance races run on an artificial track in Britain. The change has not diminished its status; if anything, it has added a new tactical dimension to the race. The Plate remains a vital fixture in the British flat racing calendar and continues to celebrate the heritage and sporting spirit of the North East. It not only showcases equine endurance and jockey skill but also maintains its reputation as a beloved social occasion in the region. Trends Age - 9 of the last 12 winners were aged between 4 and 6 Price - 4 of the 12 winners were fav/joint fav 7/12 were in top 3 in the betting Last Run - 4/12 winners won on last run before the race, 11/12 winners at least placed 3/12 winners ran in the Chester Cup on their last run 0/3 won, 3 placed Course Form - 5/12 had 1 previous run at Newcastle, 3/12 winners had at least 1 previous win at Newcastle Previous Distance Form- 11/12 winners had at least 1 previous run over 16 furlongs Previous Flat Form - 11/12 winners had at least 10 previous flat runs, 12/12 winners had at least 2 previous flat wins Rating - 8/12 winners had a rating of between 96 and 104 Group Wins - 1/12 winners had at least 1 win in a group 1-3 race Season Form- 11/12 winners had at least 1 previous run that season, 4/12 winners at least 1 win that season Contenders With over a fortnight to go until the race the three contenders I am interested in all have positives in the trends above but also possess superb breeding and previous solid form lines. Firstly MANXMAN, sired by Cracksman no stranger to group winning performances himself with the dam sire also being the legend Montjeu there is no shortage of class. Furthermore the Simon and Ed Crisford trained horse has four times raced at the two mile distance with an overall race record of seven wins and six places from sixteen runs. These have been on both turf and standard surfaces. Next up to focus on is the James Ferguson trained WONDERLEGEND. The Sea the Stars sired contender possesses a course and distance win at Newcastle with three wins and two places all on the standard surface at various tracks. His last win at Newcastle was at the distance too. Lastly of the three I believe will be in contention is EAST INDIA DOCK. Sired by Derby and Arc winner Golden Horn and the dam sire being Galileo, James Owens' charge lacks little in bloodlines. Also he won the Chester Cup at a slightly further two furlongs last month which is not surprising given his hurdling form across the winter culminating in a closely run third to Poniros in the Triumph Hurdle whereupon he lost a shoe and was headed by only three quarters of a length at the post. There surely is more to come from him this season and the highly coveted prize at Newcastle could be his next prize. Selections EAST INDIA DOCK (WIN) MANXMAN (E/W) WONDERLEGEND (E/W) written by John Arnold