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Ile De Re Sets The Standard In Northumberland Plate
28/06/12

The Pitmen’s Derby, otherwise known as the Northumberland Plate is an extremely valuable flat handicap, run over 2 miles and 19 yards at Newcastle and is worth almost £100,000 to the winner. It has been in existence since 1823 and the latest renewal takes place this Saturday.

Traditionally it has never been a great race for favourite backers and only three jollies have won the race since 1996 with outsiders frequent winning, the latest coming 12 months ago when Tominator won the race at odds of 25/1.

Il De Re (right) comes home in front on his stablemate Overturn in the Chester Cup
© Grossick Racing Photography

The likely favourite this year who will be looking to buck the trend of losing favourites is the Donald McCain trained Ile de Re, last seen winning the Chester Cup over 2m 3f last month where he had stablemate and former winner of the Northumberland Plate, Overturn, 1¾ lengths behind. Chester Cup winners by and large have a poor record in the Northumberland Plate though but this six year old will come to the race in great condition and potentially still a couple of pounds well in on his handicap mark based on that Chester win, which is why he's the 5/1 market leader.

Gulf Of Naples
© Racehorse Photos

The Mark Johnston trained Gulf Of Naples is next in the betting at 13/2 but punters note that this four year old has been kept very busy recently, having had five races over two miles or more since April. These include the Chester Cup last month where he finished third behind Ile De Re and Overturn before finishing a creditable fourth in the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup behind Colour Vision last week. He's clearly a horse with plenty of ability and stamina is not in doubt but how much he's got left in the tank after a busy couple of months remains a big doubt.

Others who have been supported in the market include the Mick Channon trained Montaff, who's now a 10/1 chance from 20/1 earlier in the week, along with John Gosden's Palazzo Bianco who has also halved in price to 10/1. Montaff finished second in this race 12 months ago and it would be no surprise to see him go close again on Saturday.

Palazzo Bianco warmed up for a tilt at this race by finishing an eye-catching third in a reasonably valuable Class 2 Handicap over 2 miles at Haydock Park a few weeks ago. Although not spectacular, he stayed on extremely well in that race and should he be repeat that performance on the soft ground at Newcastle on Saturday he is in with a chance.

Another one to look out for is the Sir Mark Prescott trained Motivado. This will be the four year old's first run of the season and having never raced beyond 14 furlongs, there's sure to be more to come now stepped up in trip and has the hallmarks of a Prescott "handicap good thing", which is why bookmakers are keeping him on side at odds of 8/1 in the market.

Others to be respected include Figaro, who looked like he needed further when winning a 12 furlong handicap at Goodwood in May. The William Haggas stable is in fine form and this 10/1 chance looks as likely as any of making his presence felt.

Whilst favourites don't have a great record in this race, it is hard to look beyond Ile De Re. Any further rain at Newcastle would not be a concern and with stamina proven up to 2m 3f based on his National Hunt form, the Donald McCain runner sets the standard and the stable can land this race for a second time in three years.