The Northumberland Plate, often referred to as the Pitmen’s Derby, is a prestigious handicap race held annually at Newcastle Racecourse. With its rich history dating back to 1833, the race has become a significant event in the British flat racing calendar, attracting a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents.
This year’s edition promises to be as fiercely contested as ever, with a diverse field of runners showcasing varying strengths and form. Read on to find a complete preview and the best bets for the Northumberland Plate 2024. Also don’t forget to take advantage of the selected bookmakers offers listed below to maximise your betting value.
The Northumberland Plate Preview, Predictions And Best Bets
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The Northumberland Plate Best Bets
Analysis of the Race
The Northumberland Plate is a demanding 2-mile handicap that tests both the stamina and tactical acumen of the participants. Success in this race often hinges on a combination of proven staying ability and adaptability to the Tapeta surface. Horses that have shown versatility and resilience on all-weather tracks tend to have an edge.
Contenders and Their Prospects
Key Factors to Consider
- Stamina and Staying Power: Horses like Grand Providence and Duke of Oxford, who have excelled over long distances, are well-suited for the rigours of this race.
- Course Form: Experience and success at Newcastle, particularly on the Tapeta surface, are significant advantages. Onesmoothoperator’s consistent performances here exemplify this.
- Trainer and Jockey Combinations: Experienced trainers like Sir Mark Prescott and in-form jockeys such as Hollie Doyle can make a substantial difference in these competitive handicaps.
- Recent Form and Improvement: Horses that have shown recent improvement or are coming off strong performances, like Trooper Bisdee, are worth close attention.
Spirit Mixer and Solent Gateway
John Ingles highlights Spirit Mixer and Solent Gateway as horses that could surpass expectations. Both have proven their mettle in this race before, having finished behind Trueshan two years ago. Although their recent performances in the Chester Cup were underwhelming, they have shown improvement since and could be poised for a resurgence at attractive odds.
Grand Providence
Ben Linfoot is particularly keen on Grand Providence, a horse that was withdrawn from Royal Ascot due to unsuitable ground conditions. As a stayer with untapped potential on all-weather tracks, Grand Providence’s pedigree—sired by Nathaniel—suggests she might excel on Newcastle’s Tapeta surface. Nathaniel’s offspring have a notable record over distances of 2 miles and beyond at this venue, which bodes well for her chances.
Duke of Oxford
Tony McFadden points out Duke of Oxford, who struggled in the Chester Cup but has a solid record on all-weather surfaces. Last year, he secured four wins from seven starts on synthetic tracks and has performed well at Newcastle this season. His second-place finish in the All-Weather Championships Marathon is noteworthy, especially as he was the best of those held up in a steadily run race. With a likely stronger pace in the Northumberland Plate, Duke of Oxford could improve significantly.
Zoffee
Zoffee, under Hugo Palmer’s tutelage, is aiming for a notable double after winning the Chester Cup. Despite a 4lb rise in the weights, his prior success on this course and distance makes him a formidable contender. However, he will need to overcome the competitive field to secure another major handicap victory.
Tashkhan and Yashin
At the higher end of the betting spectrum, Tashkhan and Yashin are noteworthy entries. Tashkhan ended last season with a commendable third in the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak and has the class to make an impact here. Similarly, Yashin, who has performed admirably against top competition, including a third-place finish behind Gold Cup winner Kyprios, brings solid credentials to the race.
Trooper Bisdee and True Legend
Sir Mark Prescott’s runners, Trooper Bisdee and True Legend, are both in excellent form. Trooper Bisdee seeks a hat-trick after victories at Nottingham and Pontefract, showing significant improvement. True Legend, meanwhile, has been consistent and could relish the extended trip.
Onesmoothoperator and Spartan Army
All-weather specialists like Onesmoothoperator and Spartan Army cannot be overlooked. Onesmoothoperator has a strong course record and comes into the race on the back of a solid performance at Southwell. Spartan Army, trained by Alan King, has also shown good form, finishing just behind Duke of Oxford in their last meeting at Newcastle.
Prediction for The Northumberland Plate
Based on the detailed analysis of the runners and their form, here are the predictions for the top three finishers in the 2024 Northumberland Plate:
Trooper Bisdee
Trooper Bisdee is positioned as the primary favourite for the 2024 Northumberland Plate, and for good reason. His recent form has been nothing short of impressive, boasting consecutive victories that highlight his current condition and capability. These wins were not merely fortunate outcomes but demonstrated his ability to handle competitive fields and varied race conditions with ease. The 5lb penalty he carries is indeed a factor to consider, but it is unlikely to hinder his chances significantly. Historically, horses that have shown such a consistent upward trajectory are well-placed to perform exceptionally in high-stakes handicaps.
Moreover, Trooper Bisdee’s stamina and resilience over long distances make him a prime candidate for this demanding race. The Northumberland Plate is renowned for its testing nature, and having a horse that can maintain a strong pace and finish robustly is crucial. Trooper Bisdee has exhibited these qualities in abundance. His ability to sustain high performance over extended distances was particularly evident in his recent win at Pontefract, where he finished with ample energy, suggesting he has more to give. His training under Sir Mark Prescott, a trainer known for preparing stayers meticulously, further boosts his credentials. Prescott’s strategic acumen in placing his horses in optimal conditions to exploit their strengths cannot be overstated.
True Legend
True Legend is another strong contender from Sir Mark Prescott’s stable, adding depth to Prescott’s chances of securing the Northumberland Plate. True Legend has demonstrated commendable consistency and has frequently finished in the placings, indicating a high level of reliability and competitiveness. His ability to adapt to different race dynamics and maintain form over varying distances makes him a versatile runner, capable of handling the unique challenges posed by the Northumberland Plate.
What sets True Legend apart is his steady improvement throughout the season. His recent performances have shown a trend of increasing form, suggesting that he is peaking at the right time. His second-place finishes, especially over distances close to 2 miles, indicate that the additional distance of the Northumberland Plate could play to his strengths rather than expose any weaknesses. The step up in distance to 2 miles is expected to suit him well, as his running style suggests he has the stamina required to sustain a strong pace and finish effectively.
Furthermore, the synergy between True Legend and jockey Cieren Fallon has been noteworthy. Fallon’s riding style complements True Legend’s racing manner, and their partnership has yielded positive results. This harmonious jockey-horse relationship is a critical factor in high-pressure races, where tactical decisions can make or break the outcome.
Grand Providence
Grand Providence is another notable entrant, bringing a blend of potential and proven capability to the field. As a lightly-raced four-year-old, she represents untapped potential, particularly on the Tapeta surface at Newcastle. Her pedigree is significant here, with her sire Nathaniel having produced numerous successful stayers who have thrived over long distances and on synthetic tracks. This genetic advantage cannot be overlooked and positions her well for the rigours of the Northumberland Plate.
Her performance in the Chester Cup, where she finished a credible fifth, showcased her ability to compete in high-calibre fields. Despite being relatively inexperienced compared to some of her rivals, she demonstrated poise and capability, suggesting that she can handle the pressure of significant races. The transition to an all-weather track, where Nathaniel progeny have historically performed well, could see her optimise her potential further. This aspect is particularly relevant given her limited but promising record on artificial surfaces.
Trainer Andrew Balding has a reputation for developing young talents and bringing them to peak performance for major races. His careful handling of Grand Providence, combined with his strategic acumen in preparing horses for specific race conditions, enhances her prospects. With jockey David Probert, who has extensive experience and a keen understanding of Newcastle’s Tapeta surface, guiding her, Grand Providence is well-equipped to make a significant impact.
Conclusion
The 2024 Northumberland Plate promises a thrilling contest with several strong contenders. Trooper Bisdee stands out as the main prediction for victory, given his excellent recent form and ability to handle the race’s demands. True Legend’s consistency and adaptability make him a formidable opponent likely to be in contention. Meanwhile, Grand Providence’s untapped potential and favourable pedigree suggest she could be a surprise package, capable of challenging for the top spots. As the race approaches, these three horses emerge as the ones to watch, each bringing unique strengths to this historic handicap.
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