Kevin Darley, who captured the major honours at Royal Ascot last Saturday, bids to follow-up with a Derby success tomorrow - the traditional 'Pitmen's Derby', otherwise known as the Foster's Lager Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.
The Sheriff Hutton jockey gets the leg-up on Harlestone Grey, part of a strong challenge from John Dunlop's Sussex stable, in the £140,000 showpiece, and has a great chance of enjoying another bumper Saturday, following his brace of Group-race wins at Royal Ascot.
Harlestone Grey is still seeking his first win this season, but the four-year-old ran a blinder when beaten only a head by Warsaan in a competitive 14-furlong handicap at Goodwood last month.
That form was franked when the winner stepped up to Group 1 company at Royal Ascot last week and was beaten little more than five lengths into eighth place in the Ascot Gold Cup.
That Harlestone Grey was trying to concede 8lb to Warsaan at Goodwood ranks as a sizeable feather in his cap and there is every possibility that he will show improved form as he now steps up to two miles for the first time.
Darley found himself on the right one of three Godolphin runners when he steered Malhub to victory in last Saturday's Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, and he will be hoping for more of the same from Harlestone Grey.
Dunlop also saddles Fantasy Hill, winner of the Chester Cup, and the mount of Richard Quinn. A class act, proven at this level, Fantasy Hill can not be left out of the reckoning. This also applies to two Mr Dinos and Riyadh, who both competed with honour at Royal Ascot last week.
But Harlestone Grey, proven on firm ground and a likely improver at this marathon distance, gets my Nap vote.
Tomorrow's tips:
Newcastle
2.10 Vision Of Night, 2.45 Manorbier, 3.20 Harlestone Grey (Nap), 3.50 Esloob, 4.25 Cumbrian Venture, 4.55 What-A-Dancer, 5.25 Sandy City, 5.55 Beyond Calculation.
Newmarket
1.55 To The Rescue, 2.25 Murghem, 3.00 Tillerman, 3.35 Celestia, 4.10 Midnight Parkes, 4.40 Cashmere, 5.15 Shirley Not.
Updated: 12:26 Friday, June 28, 2002
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