Mount Athos still doubtful for Saturday’s Plate
The Luca Cumani-trained bay gelding, Mount Athos, is not yet confirmed to take his chance in the John Smith’s Northumberland Plate (Heritage Handicap), a high-profile Class 2 contest that will be held at Newcastle racecourse on the coming Saturday, June
30.
The mega marathon over 2 mile and 19 yards is scheduled to start at 3:20 (GMT). So far, there are visible 74 entries on the race card with Mount Athos at the top of the list.
The Dr Marwan Koukash-owned veteran horse has never been good on soft grounds in his career; therefore, his trainer and owner are reluctant to run him at Newcastle.
While speaking to the media yesterday, Cumani’s assistant, Matty, told, “My father and Dr [Marwan] Koukash will make the final decision but we fear it's not going to dry at Newcastle enough for Mount Athos to take his chance."
However, the course clerk, James Armstrong, claims that the track is likely to get dried to some extent by the next couple of days. On the other hand, there is expected some further showers that may soften the soil again.
Armstrong said, “I expect it to be back to soft, heavy in places tomorrow. We'll keep a close eye on things as the forecast changes every half hour, but we are due further rain tonight. I expect it to be testing but it is supposed to dry up a little on Friday
and Saturday."
One thing is clear that the track will definitely be soft even on Saturday and this does not augur well for Mount Athos who usually runs on Good To Firm or Good courses.
There happened a lot of shuffling in the Plate’s betting market last night with Mount Athos falling down from 10-1 to 16-1 and Ile de Re getting the hot favourite tag. Some more changes are expected till the Friday night.
Mount Athos has not been doing well since almost a year. Since May 2011, the son of Montjeu out of Ionian Sea has won just one race that was Cheap Broadband @ Poptelecom.CO.UK Handicap, held at Newmarket on May 19, 2012.
If he participates in the Plate, he is not expected to perform up to the mark.
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