JenningsBet Northumberland Plate Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)

Usually runs well at Newcastle, where he won this race last year in good style; took a big prize in Australia last October and struck up a solid sequence over the winter; absent 119 days and 12lb higher than 12 months ago, which surely demands a career best, but needs respect.

Reverted to Flat for new yard and won three AW handicaps in a row, one over C&D; respectable sixth at Easter when chasing a big C&D prize, though, and tailed off facing a stiff task in May; given a second wind operation soon afterwards; probably needs to hit new heights.

Competitive on AW early in 2024 before leaving that form well behind on turf, including for a rallying win under Mason Paetel at Newmarket (1m4f) last month; played a minor role when upped to 1m6f at Royal Ascot but ran respectably and stuck to his task, so this first Flat attempt at 2m is worth a go.

One of the top juvenile hurdlers last season and he justified warm favouritism when returned to the Flat for the Chester Cup (2m2f) in May; sixth off this 8lb higher mark at Royal Ascot (2m4f) was right up with that form and he's a player if this AW surface (sole race on one was as 2yo, finished last) proves suitable.

2-8 on Flat for the Gosdens, gelded before showing useful form twice (once on Tapeta) staying on over 1m6f last September/October; sold for 200,000gns in October into the premier jumps yard and made his hurdle debut in the Triumph at Cheltenham no less, showing his jumping inexperience however and pulled up at 150-1; this should be much more his cup of tea.