2m½f (2m56y) JenningsBet Northumberland Plate Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race) (Class 2) (3yo+)
It’s hard not to be fearful of Willie Mullins, Pappano, but he’s yet to really perform on the all-weather and was pulled up when last seen in the Triumph Hurdle.
Onesmootheoperator has to defy a 12lbs higher mark in his bid for back-to-back successes which has not been done since the 1970’s, but his claims are boosted by the fact that previous runners have done well on their second attempt here and being 4lbs lower than his close second in 2023, GOLDEN RULES, who was sent off joint-favourite on that occasion gets the nod here.
Golden Rules has only had the one start since finishing second here almost two years ago and that was a run that showed he possessed all of his ability back at Kempton where he was keen leading from the front only to get tired late on a few months ago. Whilst an eight-year-old would not typically be my idea of the winner, Golden Rules has only had 9 starts in his career so he remains lightly-raced and could be 10lbs well-in if producing his best form.
There are several in here that have yet to truly expose their credentials over two miles on the flat, Tribal Act could be firmly in the mix here as could Asgard’s Captain with his first attempt over two miles on a track he loves, but I’m a fan of Ian Williams with his stayers and DANCING IN PARIS might just have finally learned to settler better in his races based on his last two starts this season and could now be ready to show improvement on just his second attempt over two miles.
Dancing In Paris picked up a win on the all-weather last season to show that he should be fine on this surface and this big galloping type needs a pace to aim at, which he will get here. His last run was arguably a career-best when just going down to runaway Copper Horse Stakes winner French Master and while Dancing In Paris races here off a career high mark of 89, there is a good chance he could eek out a bit more improvement.
1pt win Golden Rules @9/1, 1pt win Dancing In Paris @12/1, 15:15 Newcastle, Saturday
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