Something for the weekend

The violent storms of the last week and possibility of more rain to come makes long-term forecasting of weekend winners even more precarious than normal.

Throw in a significant and not entirely draw bias at main meeting Newcastle and punters are advised to wait until they have more evidence at their disposal before parting with their stakes.

In the feature race, the Northumberland Plate, it is a considerable advantage to have a middle to low draw. A high stall can mean you are trapped out wide in the charge to the first bend so the allotting of the stalls will have an effect on the ante-post betting.

However, favourite Nosferatu will need a berth in the car park to see him drift too much and Amanda Harwood's runner has some solid form this season.

Chester Cup winner Greenwich Meantime is a leading contender but the rain-softened ground does not enhance his chance.

One tempts me. Whispering Death must not be backed ante-post as his place in the line-up is not guaranteed.

But if he makes the cut, he is a good outsider having finished fifth in the Chester Cup when not finding a clear run.The long straight at Newcastle should suit his style of running with a late challenge.

A low draw also is the likely requirement in Newcastle's sprints.

In the Chipchase Stakes, keep an eye of course specialist RISING SHADOW. In five runs at the track he is yet to finish out of the frame and has won three times.

A massively disadvantageous low draw in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last week means his run can safely be ignored and a fast-finishing effort behind Amadeus Mozart in the Duke Of York Stakes at York suggested he can score at Group level when things drop right for him.

David Nicholls' INDIAN TRAIL in the Northern Sprint has looked a winner waiting to happen. Hemmed in on the rail at Epsom on Derby day, he was then forced to take his chance in the seven-furlong Buckingham Palace Stakes rather than the preferred furlong shorter Wokingham at Royal Ascot.

Swinging along two furlong out, his stamina gave out.

Maybe Saturday will be third time lucky, providing he gets the draw that is.