Morrison Chasing More Weekend Glory Hughie Morrison has enjoyed a superb run of form recently and is hoping to secure a third major prize in as many weekends when he saddles Odiham in Saturday's £200,000 Northumberland Plate at Newcastle. The Berkshire-based handler sent out Prince Tamino to land the William Hill Trophy at York two weeks ago and Baltic King to win the Wokingham at Royal Ascot at the weekend. Having finished fifth behind Sergeant Cecil in last year's stamina-sapping renewal, Morrison has had this race in mind for his five-year-old, and is expecting a bold show. 'Odiham is a very good stayer on his day and we've been trying to get him ready for this race since the beginning of the season,' he explained. 'Preparations have gone smoothly and he ran a nice trial at Ascot, we just hope everything goes well for us on Saturday. 'We're hopeful, we're going there and having a go, and if he runs his race he should go close. 'It would be very nice to land the hat-trick of big Saturday handicaps but I might have a tax problem if I keep winning these races!' Mirjan is set to attempt to win the Pitmen's Derby for a second time having sprung a 33-1 surprise for Len Lungo in this race in 2004, 'He's an intended runner. He's had a couple of runs in the last two months and run OK. We're happy with him,' said Lungo. 'He's running well. He's 10 but he seems to be holding his form well. Paul Hanagan partnered Mirjan for his Plate triumph but he is likely to ride leading fancy Greenwich Meantime, who is 11-2 favourite with William Hill. Richard Fahey's five-year-old is guaranteed a place in the line-up thanks to picking up a 5lb penalty for winning at Ayr on Saturday. Lungo added: 'I don't think Paul Hanagan will be available now as he'll now be wanted for Greenwich Meantime. We're hoping if he doesn't ride that Tom Eaves will be able to.' Weights for the contest will rise by at least 5lb after 38 stood their ground at the confirmation stage. They are headed by Swing Wing, who was beaten a head by Mirjan two years ago. However, the Paul Cole-trained seven-year-old has not raced for 22 months. Another previous winner left in the heritage handicap is Unleash, who was successful for Philip Hobbs in 2003. ? PA Sport
