THE ONE SHOW

It could be heaven for Ell in the Pitmen’s Derby

NEWCASTLE native Brian Ellison has ONESMOOTHOPERATOR primed to be the talk of the Toon in the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate (3.30, ITV).

The trainer (left) earmarked the stayer for the ‘Pitmen’s Derby’ when he joined his stable in December 2021, and the two-time scorer has done nothing but improve – particularly at this all-weather venue where he has not been out of the first three in six starts.

Onesmoothoperator wasn’t beaten far behind higher-rated rivals in a conditions race over two miles here on All-Weather Finals Day.

Then, after a short break, he was tried on turf in Listed company at York, but the slow pace and shorter trip of a mile and three-quarters didn’t suit – and he could finish only sixth.

Returning to Tapeta and back up in trip to just over two miles again should see the four-year-old in a better light, and Ben Robinson – successful last year on Nicholas T – can become the first jockey this century to win back-to-back renewals.