Northumberland Plate third Flymetothestars to make turf debut in big York handicap
Massive Pitmen's Derby gamble Flymetothestars on course for Ebor at York in August after his impressive third-placed finish behind Higher Power at Newcastle
SIR MARK PRESCOTT is reaching for the Stars with his smart Pitmen's Derby third.
Flymetothestars was a huge gamble for the Northumberland Plate on Saturday, going off 11-4 favourite under Luke Morris.
He finished a fine third to Higher Power there and Prescott is eyeing a switch to turf for his next outing in York's big Ebor handicap.
The four-year-old put in a career-best effort at Newcastle and Tom Palin of owners Middleham Park Racing said: "Obviously, going off favourite meant he had the best chance mathematically on Saturday but I don't think he disgraced himself.
"He is an unexposed, up-and-coming horse that nobody knows what he really is yet.
"He had never competed in a field of more than ten before.
"Maybe he was lit up by the sizeable field, but for a horse to pull for a mile and five furlongs and want to go quick and stay on that strong, that was a good run.
"I think the winner was well in at the weights with his run behind Big Orange at Sandown.
"He ran a great race and Sir Mark was delighted with him and he will now go for the Ebor.
"You have got to believe that he is capable of landing a big handicap."
