We’re racing at Newcastle on Friday as the Northamberland Plate Festival continues on 28 June 2024.
NEWCASTLE
Race 3 – BERGERAC 10/1
BERGERAC has a decent record at the North-East venue and has been given a chance to shine in the Jenningsbet In Shiremoor Gosforth Park Cup Handicap.
He is back down to a similar mark to when a smooth course and distance scorer in December and was far from disgraced in a couple of ultra-competitive March contests here after rising up the ratings.
18:00 (Newcastle) Darnation
Darnation is taken to relish stepping up in distance for the Group Three JenningsBet In Delves Hoppings Fillies’ Stakes.
Karl Burke’s charge found the pace too hot in the 1000 Guineas but bounced back to form in the German equivalent at Dusseldorf, staying on strongly to slam the in-form Queues Likely.
Moving up to 10 furlongs should not be a problem on that evidence, or the fact that she scored over a mile as a juvenile in Doncaster’s May Hill Stakes.
Although then put in her place by Opera Singer at elite level in the Prix Marcel Boussac, this is a very likeable filly with plenty of stamina on her dam’s side, hailing from the same family as Irish Oaks heroine Blue Bunting.
Burke claimed this prize with a far less accomplished three-year-old in Poptronic two years ago and looks well placed to strike again.
Race 5 – PERFECTLY TIMED 5/2
Archie Watson’s PERFECTLY TIMED heads into the skopes.co.uk Best For Menswear Handicap with a progressive profile.
He won well at Kempton in February despite showing signs of greenness and then returned from being gelded to finish a fine second at Brighton, with the first and third from that race both scoring since.
Race 7 – TEN POUNDS 15/10
TEN POUNDS produced a decent debut fourth attempting a seven furlong novice contest at Newbury. Progress likely second up and the Race Ahead With Sage From X3Consulting Novice Stakes looks an ideal opportunity.
Washeek brings good placed form including a third attempting a 1m maiden at Nottingham. Makes for appeal.
Baraq improved on second outing last November when 3L third contesting a 1m novice race at Lingfield and is of interest.
