GET on the Vino for the Pitmen’s Derby.
Newcastle’s big Flat race of the year – officially called the JenningsBet Northumberland Plate – demands plenty of stamina.
The 2m distance and the stiff finishing climb to the all-weather track should bring out the best in VINO VICTRIX (2.05).
He was twice runner-up in good staying handicaps on the sand at Kempton last summer. The form of those races looks excellent and he went on to record a smooth victory at Goodwood later in the season.
His second behind top Irish stayer Run For Oscar in the Cesarewitch was even better, especially as he didn’t get the clearest of runs in the closing stages.
It also underlined how stamina is his strong suit as he saw out the 2m2f distance really well.
Hughie Morrison’s runner hasn’t been sighted in two runs this season but they both came on testing ground that he doesn’t really care for. Have 2pts each-way at 14-1. Several bookies are paying out on six places with Sky Bet stretching to seven.
The consolation race for horses that didn’t make the cut for the Northumberland Plate looks an ideal opportunity for THERMOSCOPE (1.30).
He’s already won over this course and distance. That was last October on his only start for Brian Ellison after arriving from Ireland.
The form looks pretty hot as the runner-up, Golden Shot, had won his previous two races and third-home, Scottish Dancer, notched up two subsequent victories.
He made a stunning debut for Scottish trainer Keith Dalgleish when bolting up by nine lengths on his return to action in May and it was simply the drop to 1m5f that was his undoing in a four-runner race at Hamilton last month.
This test will suit him much better. Have 2pts to win at 7-1.
PHANTOM FLIGHT (1.15) hasn’t had much luck this season and he will love stepping up to 1m4f for the first time in the Cavani Menswear Sartorial Sprint Fred Archer Stakes.
Despite the small fields, he found traffic problems at both Kempton and Goodwood. He didn’t have the gears to overcome the trouble but it should be a different story over this longer distance.
With Outbox likely to set a solid pace, he should have the race run to suit him. Have 2pts to win at 17-2.
