Bukit Tinggi emerges favourite in Northumberland Plate!
After his performance at Ascot, Bukit Tinggi now heads as the market favourite for the Northumberland Plate on Saturday at Newcastle Racecourse.
The four-year-old Bukit Tinggi, who had won at Haydock and York earlier in the season, was looking like the likely victor in the Ascot Stakes before tying-up inside the final 100 yards and eventually ending up fourth behind Missoula, a likely opponent in Saturday's Newcastle Racecourse extravaganza.
Trainer Michael Jarvis said: "He seems fine. It looks like we should get in but if the top-weight runs, I think I'll be looking for a new jockey as he will only have 8st 2lb.
"He came there to win last week and he just ran out of fuel close home over that trip (two and a half miles)."
Many are of the opinion that this drop back in trip should suit Bukit Tinggi although the softer ground at Newcastle Racecourse may not suit so much as his best form is on a sounder surface.
Missoula and Mamlook are also vying with Bukit Tinggi for attention in the Northumberland Plate. "Mamlook finished fractionally ahead of Bukit Tinggi in the Ascot Stakes and looks sure to have his supporters if he gets in."
"He is trained by David Pipe and David's father won the Northumberland Plate with Far Cry in 1999. David has already emulated his dad this year by training the winner of the John Smith's Grand National."