Royal Ascot Winner Pledgeofallegiance Uncertain for Northumberland Plate
The promising four-year-old racehorse Pledgeofallegiance, who recently scored a victory at Royal Ascot, may not be lining up for this Saturday’s Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap at Newcastle. Despite being the current ante-post favorite for the lucrative £150,000 marathon event, trainer Mark Prescott has suggested the horse is “unlikely” to participate as he recovers from his exertions at the Royal meeting.
Pledgeofallegiance ended Prescott’s 28-year drought at Royal Ascot when winning the prestigious Ascot Stakes and also scored earlier in the campaign at Goodwood. A win at Gosforth Park would have seen the talented colt achieve a remarkable hat-trick of victories.
“He is unlikely, but that is not the same as he will not run. I think he had a hard enough race (at Ascot). If I am pleased with him this week, then I reserve the right to change my mind,” the experienced trainer stated.
Prescott could still be represented in the Northumberland Plate by other runners, including Trooper Bisdee and True Legend. Trooper Bisdee, who shares a similar profile to Pledgeofallegiance, returned from a lengthy layoff to score impressively at Nottingham and Pontefract. Prescott commented that he would only run Trooper Bisdee if the horse’s 5lb penalty got him into the main race.
The Northumberland Plate
The Northumberland Plate, scheduled for this Saturday, June 24th, has attracted a total of 50 confirmations, including Chester Cup winner Zoffee. Other notable entries include Cathy O’Leary’s quartet of horses – Chester Plate winner Alphonse Le Grande, Firstman, Belgoprince, and En Or – as well as Prydwen, who recently competed in the prestigious Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
As the countdown continues to this prestigious staying handicap, trainers and owners will be closely monitoring their horses’ wellbeing and form before finalizing their plans for the Northumberland Plate. The race promises to be a thrilling chapter in the world of horse racing news.
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