Northumberland Plate 2011- Activate looks to win 4 in a row, Trainer Michael Bill confident
Michael Bell’s Activate is coming off a dream run with three victories in a row, making him unstoppable, and there is no doubt in his trainer’s mind he will wreak havoc on 25 June in Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.
The four year old gelding has proven time and time again that he can be up for the distance, and speed, finishing first three times in a row is proof enough of his potential, and, brilliance at the track.
There is no doubt about Activate’s stamina, and, the ability to handle all type of situations at any track, which automatically makes him the best horse on the course for the Northumberland Plate meet.
Jockey Hayley turner, who has ridden the gelding most of his career, missed out at Haydock racecourse, giving Jamie Spencer the opportunity to experience a win with the four year old gelding.
Hayley Turner returns to mount Activate in Johnsmith’s Northumberland Plate. She is responsible for two wins out of the three consecutive wins, one at Haydock racecourse, and, the other at Yarmouth racecourse.
Trainer, Michael Bell, who won the Northumberland Plate in 2007 with Jupiter Girl, was a little concerned about the position jockey, Hayler Turner, was drawn into and said that the 18th stall is a little too wide and could prove to be problematic
for Hayley Turner.
The pair is among the five favourites to win the Plate, along with Deauville Flyer, Harlestone Times, and, Overturn. Activate’s biggest advantage over all the horses in the field will be that he can run over any surface.
Northumberland Plate has a marathon distance of 2 miles and 19 yards, 3,236 meters and it is an extremely demanding race course and horses that are short on stamina can easily feel the massive distance of this race.
Activate has proved his stamina time and time again, which leave trainer, Michael Bill, confident that the four year old gelding will increase his winning streak to 4.
Overturn is another horse, who is coming off a win at Chester racecourse, defeating Tastahil by 1 ¾ lengths. The seven year old bay gelding has vast experience and his stamina is unmatchable, which could prove to be the difference. Overturn and Activate
will take on each other and it will be a fighting duel till the end.
As far as the pre-race disadvantage goes, it might be Activate’s starting draw, which is way wide at the 18th stall and at races like these there are certain things trainers hope to fall their way, and that is one of them.
All in all the ground looks good after the 2mm rain it received but had a drying day and now it is good in places.
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