Punters cotton on to Withhold once again as connections confirm Northumberland Plate bid at Newcastle on Saturday
The Cesarewitch winner has had problems through the spring that has delayed his return to action
DESPITE not being seen since last year's Cesarewitch thrashing, punters have again jumped aboard Tony Bloom's Withhold ahead of Saturday's Northumberland Plate.
The five-year-old was a significant late gamble at Newmarket and the seeds have been sown ahead of another potential plot this weekend.
Roger Charlton's horse is already as short as 4-1 for Saturday's race on the Tapeta, despite never racing on the surface and missing his spring targets after a few issues.
Charlton's assistant and son, Tom told Attheraces: "I wouldn't be worried about the trip.
"He's had a bad scope on and off all spring which is why he hasn't been out before now.
"He seems in good nick. It's a tough race to win. He should be well handicapped but I think there'll be others who are pretty well handicapped."
Connections clearly think highly of the horse with the Melbourne Cup still on their minds, a race owner Tony Bloom has always eyed up.
Tom added: "He's had a bad scope on and off all spring which is why he hasn't been out before now.
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"He seems in good nick. It's a tough race to win. He should be well handicapped but I think there'll be others who are pretty well handicapped."
The gelding is up 12lbs for his Newmarket win but punters clearly still think there's more to come and with the connections' aspirations it is easy to see why.
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Most recently, 2015 Northumberland Plate winner, Quest For More went on to finish ninth in the Melbourne Cup; also under the care of Roger Charlton.
Also from that race was Max Dynamite who finished an admirable second under Frankie Dettori.
Second in this year's betting is steady improver Amazing Red (9-1), with Ascot Stakes runner-up Dubawi Fifty and last year's victor Higher Power at 10-1.