WELLS LYRICAL needs rain otherwise he won’t line up in Saturday’s John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle.
Last year’s runner-up – who is a 20-1 chance with Ladbrokes, Victor Chandler and Skybet – will be risked in the two-mile handicap on fast ground.
Trainer Bryan Smart said: “He won’t run unless the rain comes.
“There’s no forecast which is a pain but never mind. There’s a lot of us hoping for some rain.
“He wants some juice and if gets it, he’ll run very well even though he hasn’t run for a long time. He’s in great form with himself but unfortunately we won’t be going anywhere unless it rains.”
A number of National Hunt trainers are eyeing the ‘Pitmen’s Derby’ with Donald McCain’s progressive hurdler vying for favouritism, currently an 8-1 chance with most firms.
Another jumps handler, Charlie Swan, is expected to be double-handed with Rajik, eighth in the Ascot Stakes last week, and Zaralabad, third in the 2009 Irish Cesarewitch.
Rajik is a 16-1 chance with most firms.
Swan said: “Hopefully the two of them will run.
“Rajik has come out of Royal Ascot well. We probably dropped him in a bit too far which was my fault.
“Zaralabad is in good form. He was third in the Irish Cesarewitch last year and has taken a while to come to himself, but he seems in good order now.”
Andrew Balding is also set to run two in Chiberta King and Bernie The Bolt.
The Kingsclere handler said: “They’ve both been in good form and they shouldn’t be inconvenienced by the prospect of fast ground.
“The question mark for Chiberta King is stepping up to two miles for the first time, but he shapes like a horse who should appreciate the trip. He should be comfortable on the ground as long as it isn’t too fast.
“Obviously he’s gone up a fair bit up in the weights, but he’s in great nick and if he stays the two miles he should have every chance.
“Bernie The Bolt has taken a bit of time to come to himself, but we’re a lot happier with his work now, but I still don’t think he’ll be at his best until autumn.
“I think the Cesarewitch will probably be his race, but handicaps like this are well worth winning so he’ll be doing his best. He is the type of horse that Newmarket suits better. He stays very well and he could play a hand at the finish.”
