Clever Cookie out of Northumberland Plate Clever Cookie has been declared a non-runner in the John Smith's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle (at 3.45pm). Trainer Peter Niven had harboured doubts about the ground all week for the top weight, who does not want it too fast. Despite the fears about underfoot conditions, the Ormonde Stakes winner had been well-supported in the market prior to his withdrawal. Niven said: "I thought it was on the quick side of good. I thought it was a little bit worse down the back. It will still dry up in the next two hours. "France is the next option, but there is a mini heatwave due in Europe, and then Goodwood. "It is frustrating, but there is nothing you can do."
