PUNTERS' GUIDE

Simon Holt of Channel 4 Racing analyses the Northumberland Plate

Generosity: Ran out of steam over two miles six furlongs at Royal Ascot and better judged on Chester Cup second to Rainbow High over 18 furlongs. Stable have won this for past two years.

Raise A Prince: Outclassed in France last time but previously progressive form on soft ground and beat The Fly at Nottingham. Probably unsuited by fast going.

Jaseur: Lightly raced and without a win since 1997 but a real stayer. Back to form when second to San Sebastian at Royal Ascot over two miles and six furlongs.

Travelmate: Beat Rainbow High at Newmarket last September and split Marcus Maximus and The Fly here on reappearance.

Salmon Ladder: Returned to form to beat Jaseur over 14 furlongs at Goodwood. Has never won over two miles.

Rainbow Ways: Rattled up a hat-trick last backend but harder to place now. Seventh to Salmon Ladder at Goodwood last time.

Far Cry: Won Queen's Prize at Kempton and chased home High And Mighty at Royal Ascot.

Benatom: Has not won since 1997 but stayed on well in fourth to High And Mighty at Ascot.

Just In Time: Set a scorching pace and kept on well when third to Blueprint over 12 furlongs at Royal Ascot. Trying a new trip.

Bay Of Islands: A winner at Nottingham two outings ago but better in minor company.

Bakkar: Lightly raced on the Flat but a fair hurdler. Seventh to Rainbow High and Generosity in the Chester Cup last month.

Carlys Quest: Capable of useful form but ran badly last time and has not won beyond 11 furlongs.

Legal Lunch: Ran best race for some time when second at Doncaster recently. This is tougher.

Minivet: Decisive winner from Rainbow Ways at Newmarket in April and two decent 12-furlong efforts since. Tough and genuine and could be suited by new trip.

Dominant Duchess: Never nearer when sixth to High And Mighty at Royal Ascot last week and seems held at the weights.

Dancing Rio: Forced wide and not disgraced behind High And Mighty at Royal Ascot last week. Looks a little outclassed.

Ballet-K: Flat out to score by a short-head at Bath recently and much more to do here.

Nichol Fifty: Clear-cut winner against five others at Kempton but greater competition here.

Jamaican Flight: Hard-working front-runner. Seventh to High And Mighty at Royal Ascot.

Christiansted: Has humped big weights to win in minor company at Ripon and Nottingham and now receiving weight from much better opposition. Improving.

Conclusion: TRAVELMATE has not stopped improving and can gain his most important win.