Global Weekly Preview: Saeed's Natural contender for Plate glory

Saeed bin Suroor has the chance to extend Godolphin's winning thread in Saturday's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle when saddling Natural Scenery in the historic staying handicap.

The Godolphin trainer again calls on the very able Josephine Gordon to take the mount. Gordon is unbeaten on the filly -- three rides for three wins.

Last year's champion apprentice combined with Saeed for a fine second with Steady Pace in the Wokingham Handicap on the final day of Royal Ascot, one week after she partnered Arabian Hope to a Listed race win for the trainer at York.

Natural Scenery is a Dubawi filly with untapped staying talent, and as a course and distance winner, she has a lot in her favour in this competitive Heritage Handicap that is sometimes referred to as the Pitmen's Derby.

She has not run since April 14th, but Saeed will have had this race mapped out for the filly for some time.

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby won last year's Northumberland Plate with Antiquarium, who was ridden by the visiting former Sydney champion James McDonald.

A capacity field of 20 will face the starter in the Plate on a busy day for British and Irish followers of racing. There are seven meetings scheduled for the UK this Saturday, while the Irish Derby card takes place at the Curragh.