2010 NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE LATEST TIPS AND SELECTIONS

It's always an interesting 2 miles and a bit at Newcastle as the Northumberland Plate has produced some genuinely long-odds winners over the past several editions. This race looks like it could certainly be no exception to the rule as we have several fascinating contenders solidly-priced within the each-way range. 

The early noise has mostly been about 4 year-old gelding Deauville Flyer (Dubai Destination), who has captured two from three this season with the two victories coming after a disapointing fifth from ten in the seasonal debut at Beverley. He adapted to the York surface must better, taking victories in a 1m4f and 2m1/2f contests against larger fields. He has shown staying acumen and will look to make a move just as we approach the last furlong. He's a pro at the distance and is in-form but I think a good number of punters will find him beatable. 
Mamlook (Key of Luck) is a David Pipe-trained 6 year-old and this Grade 2 handicap hurdle winner looks to have plenty of acumen at the 2m distance. He captured a mediocre heritage handicap at Chester against a field of 17 but may be outpaced by some more specialist flat runners. He trades at 7.0. 
Chiberta King (King's Best) is by a popular sire and brings some solid form into this race. The four year-old gelding has run 21 in his past two and has acquitted himself well. I think 9.0 is a decent shout and this is a horse that will be tough to beat if he gets the right type of trip. You'll find him trading at around 9.0 with most major bookmakers. 
One of my long-odds selections here is a low-key sort of gelding named Spirit is Needed (No Excuse Needed). This lightly-raced four year-old has never raced at 2m but has shown form up to 1m6f and I think there will be a bit of a slower pace up front which should allow him to come on late. I think if he saves ground he is dangerous and really my bet just boils down to him being a progressive sort. I think this is a race where surprises happen frequently- since 1999 only two favourites have won this race. You'll find Spirit is Needed at a lengthy 33.0 and I expect him to drift higher. 
My other long shot is one for the Blue Team. Sabotage (Halling) had a decent season at Meydan Racecourse, capturing a conditions race and placing in the Dubai International Trophy. He didn't stay on well in his last race at Sandown, finshing dead-last but I think there was something up with that race and it should be discounted. I think he's well-priced at 33.0. 
I will be playing Chiberta King on top of Mamlook and Deauville Flyer with each-ways on Spirit is Needed and Sabotage.