CLEVER COOKIE IS A TASTY BET AT NEWCASTLE
THE admirable CLEVER COOKIE (Newcastle, nb, 3.45) must receive the green light before being allowed to tackle this afternoon’s John Smith’s Northumberland Plate, but he is worth supporting to defy top weight if connections give him the go-ahead.
Trainer Peter Niven will walk the track before racing to decide if conditions are safe for his star seven-year-old, who will face the starter if there is no firm in the going description.
Fingers crossed the ground is suitable as the gelding holds a terrific chance in one of the season’s most prestigious handicaps judged on two sparkling performances at Chester and York.
Niven would have taken the selection to Ascot for the Gold Cup if the rain had materialised, such is his opinion of Clever Cookie so, back in handicap company, even with what appears a sizeable 10st load to steady him, he has to be of interest.
A low draw has traditionally been an assistance in the Pitmen’s Derby, though stall one is tighter to the rail than ideal. However, Clever Cookie boasts the class to overcome that small disadvantage, even if the likes of Quest For More, Seamour and last year’s winner Angel Gabrial look serious threats.
Punters must wait until early evening for the Irish Derby, but
JACK HOBBS (Curragh, 6.30) can reward their patience by confirming the promise of his run when runner-up at Epsom.
There was no disgrace in being left trailing in the wake of Golden Horn in the English version of tonight’s Classic, especially as it was only the fourth run of Jack Hobbs’ life. Trainer John Gosden is another who wants some rain for his charge, but the configuration of The Curragh should prove ideal for a robust galloper like Jack Hobbs and it will be disappointing if he can’t hand Sheik Mohammed his first win in the race for two decades.