Two Runners for the stable on Plate Day at Newcastle

We head to Newcastle this evening with two runners on a day that always attracts competitive fields – Plate Day. It’s a meeting every trainer wants a winner at, and we’re hopeful both of our lads can give a good account of themselves.

5.00pm – Stand Strong

🏇 Jockey: P J McDonald

Stand Strong lines up in the 5.00 and is a horse we feel has more to offer. He’s been ready to run for a while now, but with his preference for slower ground, suitable races have been hard to come by – either they haven’t been there, or the ground has gone against him. Thankfully, he’s no stranger to the all-weather and handles it fine.

At home he’s been thriving – he’s kicking the door down, ready to get out and race. Last time, he bumped into a smart one who has since won again, so the form looks solid. This is a competitive race with decent prize money on offer, but we’re hopeful he can run prominently and nick a place. A top-three finish would be a great result, and he’s certainly got the tools to be in the mix.

5.30pm – Billy Bathgate (pictured below)

🏇 Jockey: Sean D Bowen

In the second division of the same race, Billy Bathgate takes his chance. His owners are local to Newcastle and will be out in force today, which is brilliant to see. This has been the plan for Billy for a while, but we needed him to get his head in front and rise in the handicap slightly to ensure he’d get a run – and thankfully he did just that.

He’s taken those recent quick runs well and seems in excellent form at home. This looks like the slightly weaker division, and we think conditions today will suit. He’s gone well on the surface before and deserves his shot at this. After tonight, he’ll get a bit of a break to freshen up, but fingers crossed he can run a big one before his holiday.

Both horses go there today with genuine each-way chances. Best of luck to all connections – here’s hoping for a couple of strong runs in the sunshine!