Northumberland Plate third Flymetothestars to make turf debut in big York handicap

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."