Four horses who can play a sweet Toon in the Northumberland Plate

THE Northumberland Plate looks a sizzler this year, with a clutch of unexposed youngsters taking on some tried and tested veterans.

We've looked at five who could be capable of having a big say in Saturday's prestigious contest.

1. Withhold

Six-year-old has been very lightly raced since moving to Roger Charlton in 2017, having had just four starts.

It's a pretty astonishing feat, then, for his trainer to have managed to land both a Cesarewitch with him, as well as this race last year.

Unfortunately, the Melbourne Cup, last season's big aim, had to be scrapped after he broke a blood vessel in the Geelong Cup, and he's not been seen since.

With most horses that would be a worry, but not with Charlton's talented stayer, who has defied similar breaks in the past and appears to be at his best when fresh.

He produced a most taking performance in last year's renewal, making all in style, and even off an 8lb higher mark would have a big chance in the same form.

You can guarantee Charlton will have him primed to the minute for this, and you can be equally sure owner Tony Bloom will have had this race in mind for his star stayer for a long time.

2. King's Advice

Rarely do any horses win six races on the bounce, but that's exactly what this fellow has done since joining Mark Johnston.

The Middleham maestro has found the way to train the ex-German inmate, who wasn't any great shakes when trained on the continent.

Beginning with a Lingfield success off 71, he'll be lining up here off a mark 30lb higher, which is real testament to the talents of the Scottish handler.

However, his last couple of runs have seen him win by very narrow margins, and the handicapper could well be catching up with him now.

That said, he's very unexposed over this trip and is adept on the all-weather, so expect him to put up a big fight given how game he is in the closing stages of his races.

3. Gibbs Hill

Six-year-old has been off the track nearly two years after sustaining an injury, just when he looked as though he might take the staying scene by storm.

Connections have been very patient with him and it's terrific to see him back.

A lot depends on how he's recovered and how he's matured, but if he's progressed in the way that seemed likely after his Kempton romp in July 2017 then Roger Varian could have a very well-handicapped horse on his hands.

He made quite the visual impression at the Surrey track that day and more than earned an 11lb rise.

Now chucked into the deep end, he'll need to be in tip-top shape to defy such an absence, but he's in the right hands and a big run wouldn't surprise one bit.

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4. Bartholomeu Dias

Charlie Hills' colt is perhaps not quite as flashy as the first three, but his form stacks up very nicely.

He was an impressive winner of a £55k handicap here back in April and looks to have been kept back for this ever since.

Without doubt the most interesting aspect of his form is that he's totally unexposed over this trip, and his running style suggests he'll have no problem getting it.

He's not bred to stay but Charlie Hills clearly thinks he'll be up to the job, which is a big positive.

A mark of 98 could still underestimate him and he's one to watch.

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