The Irish Derby is the big race of the day and hard to see anything outside of Westover or Tuesday wininng. I am with the former who ran a cracker in the Epsom Derby when unlucky in running.

Last Saturday both Jumby and Summerghand hit the frame so it was close but no cigar. We back just the one runner today in the Northumberland Plate or "Pitmen's Derby". Andrew Balding runs two and while Valley Forge did well to get up and win last time out it is Spirit Mixer than I prefer to land a blow this afternoon.

Spirit Catcher is progressing well as a stayer this season as a 4yo. He’s a very consistent performer as placing in six out of eight runs as a 3yo including two wins. This season he has stepped up well winning three times and placing fourth twice including last time out at Chester. He ran better than his latest result as he was caught wide turning for home and hung to his left a bit up the straight causing some minor interference. He proved he can get two miles fine as he has won twice on the stiff Pontefract course over 1m6f. Callum Hutchinson has ridden Spirit Mixer all season and looks another up and coming jockey developed at Kingsclere Stables.

Newcastle – 3:30

1 point each way Spirit Mixer 12/1 Skybet & William Hill, both paying 7 places.

Compare Odds at https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/newcastle/15:30/winner