Stratum tackles Northumberland Plate Stratum will represent Willie Mullins in the Betfair Exchange Northumberland Plate Handicap at Newcastle on Saturday. The six-year-old was last seen winning over hurdles at Ballinrobe in May, but also has smart form on the level and carries the same Tony Bloom colours as last year’s winner Withhold, who takes his chance again for Roger Charlton. Hugo Palmer’s Mootasadir will carry top weight in a maximum field of 20 for the famous handicap. Palmer’s classy four-year-old due to carry 9st 12lb — having won the Magnolia Stakes at Kempton in March. He was last seen racing in America in the Belmont Gold Cup on turf. But his form on a artificial surface is a perfect six out of six, so he will be more at home this weekend. Withhold has not been in action since breaking blood vessel in Australia in October. Mark Johnston’s Austrian School is one of three set to represent the Middleham trainer — along with Chester Cup winner Making Miracles and the prolific King’s Advice, who has won all six of his races for his new yard since joining from France. King’s Advice is regally bred, being by Frankel out of the speedy Queen’s Logic, but he has found his niche over staying trips. Speedo Boy and Shabeeb will attempt to continue Ian Williams’ good run — with ante-post gamble Gibbs Hill, Saeed bin Suroor’s Red Galileo, Tom Dascombe’s Proschema and Gay Kelleway’s Cosmeli, winner of the consolation race 12 months ago, also involved.
