Northumberland Plate: Atzeni unsure what to expect from big gamble Gibbs Hill

Andrea Atzeni has admitted he is as much in the dark as many punters ahead of his date with gambled-on Northumberland Plate favourite Gibbs Hill.

His mount, who will be running for the first time in 724 days in Saturday's Betfair-sponsored showpiece, has been all the rage ante-post and was quoted as short as 7-2 after final declarations were made.

Atzeni has ridden the Roger Varian-trained six-year-old in three of his seven appearances, but does not quite know what to expect at Newcastle, where Gibbs Hill will start from stall five in a field of 20.

"He's a horse who's been very progressive," Atzeni said. "I've not sat on him for about two years, but he obviously likes the all-weather.

"He's had his problems and he's coming back from a long layoff. I've seen him on the gallops, I haven't worked with him, but he looks well."

Gibbs Hill, who has won three of his last four starts, is a best-priced 9-2 (bet365) for Saturday's 2m test.

"I can't tell you why he's such a short price as I haven't sat on him, but he's obviously working well and being drawn five is a good draw," Atzeni said.

Varian said: "He's a straightforward horse, being drawn five should be fine and we're looking forward to running him."

Withhold, an all-the-way winner of the Plate 12 months ago under Robert Winston, was on Friday morning declared a non-runner due to returning a bad scope.

Mark Johnston runs three in the race known locally as the Pitmen's Derby. Austrian School, Making Miracles and King's Advice comprise his trio.

Confirmed runners and riders

MootasadirDylan Hogan (5)

Austrian SchoolSilvestre de Sousa

Red GalileoThomas Greatrex (5)

Making MiraclesBen Curtis

Desert SkylineJoshua Bryan (3)

WithholdJason Watson (non-runner)

Gibbs HillAndrea Atzeni

ProschemaJane Elliott (3)

Stratum Leigh Roche

King’s AdviceP J McDonald

Who Dares WinsTom Marquand

Aircraft CarrierBrett Doyle

Dubawi FiftyLuke Morris

CohesionStevie Donohoe

FearsomeGraham Lee

ShabeebPaul Hanagan

Bartholomeu DiasKieran Shoemark

CosmelliDaniel Muscutt

Speedo Boy Clifford Lee

Time To StudyKerrin McEvoy

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