ITV Racing Preview: Who’ll be first past the post in the Northumberland Plate?

We look over the best of Saturday’s live races

The ITV Racing cameras head to Newcastle and Newmarket for seven races this Saturday, including the Northumberland Plate.

The Northumberland Plate is always the highlight of the year at Newcastle. And while it’s going to be a little different behind closed doors, the betting suggests we could be in for a very tight renewal.

We’ve covered that, as well as the Criterion Stakes and Fairway Stakes, in our round-up of the best of the action…

Newcastle

13:50 Chipchase Stakes (Group 3)

14:25 Gosforth Park Handicap Stakes

15:00 Hoppings Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3)

15:35 Northumberland Plate Handicap Stakes

Newmarket

14:05 Fordham Handicap Stakes

14:40 Criterion Stakes (Group 3)

15:15 Fairway Stakes (Listed Race)

14:40 Newmarket – Criterion Stakes

Limato will be looking to repeat last year’s win in this renewal, though Adam Kirby replaces Harry Bentley in the saddle this time. The eight-year-old hasn’t had a comeback run this season, which could be a drawback, but he’s very hard to beat when things go his way.

His main rival could be Charlie Appleby’s Mubtasim. He’s a handicap winner over course and distance. Expect him to look to hit the front early under James Doyle.

Stablemate On the Warpath may also be of interest. He won the Longholes Handicap here comfortably last year, as well as finishing second with another Handicap effort.

15:15 Newmarket – Fairway Stakes

Mark Johnston’s unbeaten Thunderous is level with Volkan Star at the top of the betting here, but the latter’s fitness could make all the difference.

Volkan Star impressed over course and distance when finishing second to Mishriff last month, while Thunderous hasn’t had a run since last August. You can’t count out Mark Johnston’s three-year-old though, and you suspect he’s ready for the longer trip.

Man of the Night could also come into the picture. He’s yet to repeat his debut win, but he’ll have benefitted from finishing third at Newbury last time out.

15:35 Newcastle – Northumberland Plate

Australis showed what he’s about with victory at Wolverhampton earlier this month. He’s stepping up in trip here, but his past runs suggest he’ll more than be able to handle it.

Smart Champion is tied with Australis at the top of the market, though he has the added benefit of being a course and distance winner.

Cosmelli could also be in with a chance of hitting the frame. He tends to do well at Newcastle and has been known to pull a big performance out.

View the latest horse racing odds.

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication