'I can't separate them' - Bowen saddles two as he eyes an eighth Summer Plate

Unibet Summer Plate Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 4yo+ | 2m 5½f | ITV/RTV

While the field size of 14 in the Summer Plate is healthy enough, there is still a trend which, depending on whether you are an administrator or a punter, should be either worrying or notable.

The trend goes 13288364530, and it is the number of horses rated 140+ in the field going back to 2012. The zero is this year's race and, with the qualifier that the BHA has recalibrated its ratings in the last 12 months, it shows a race of lower overall quality.

That may be taken as good news for Francky Du Berlais, who is rated 2lb higher than when winning the race last year but has to carry 15lb more in weight on his back. It is good news at the other end of the weights too, as Rostello gets to run off his proper mark of 113 and the last time that would have happened in the Summer Plate was 2002, which predates the race entering the Pattern.

Genuinely good summer jumps form is few and far between, which in theory lends itself to the higher-weighted horses in the Summer Plate over those who might have been beating very little in everyday summer races. It has not always worked out like that, but considering the lowered ceiling this year and that eight last-time-out winners in this field beat 36 rivals between them, then the lure of form from the season proper starts to increase.

On that line of inquiry Manofthemountain needs serious consideration. He won the Silver Trophy at Cheltenham last April and on his next run in October jumped the last upsides winner Paint The Dream on terms that would be 16lb more in his favour now.

Manofthemountain's record fresh is generally strong and he has had nearly seven weeks off after finishing second to Demachine in a £40,000 race at Uttoxeter. Carrying top weight in what essentially amounts to a hot 0-135 could count as a drop in grade for one with his credentials.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

Eight Plates the aim for Bowen

He's back and he promises to be just as hard to beat as ever. The six-hour, 325-mile journey has paid off seven times in the last 25 years and there is every chance he will make it eight today.

The long haul from West Wales did not stop Stately Home landing the race that is now known as the Summer Plate for Peter Bowen in 1997 and he has been followed by Ballycassidy, Yes Sir, Iron Man, Snoopy Loopy, More Buck's and Francky Du Berlais since.

Last year's winner returns in a bid to become the first horse to land the prize more than once, and is joined by stablemate Statuario.

"I thought last year Francky Du Berlais was the ideal horse for the race," Bowen said. "To win the Summer Plate you’ve got to have a horse who stays well. Although Francky Du Berlais has run over three miles on his last two starts, I don't mind bringing him back in distance because they will go such a strong gallop.

"I've been through this year’s race and I can't see anything that looks unexposed, they all look up to their limit so I think he should have a great chance."

Peter Bowen: 'I think he should have a great chance'Credit: David Dew (racingpost.com/photos)

Statuario has finished second in all three runs this season and Bowen said: "I thought last time out was an ideal opportunity for him to break his duck and he finished second again. Hopefully he will get his head in front in the big one.

"I'm very happy with both of the runners, they both worked really well. I wouldn't be able to separate them."

What they say

Emma Lavelle, trainer of Light N Strike and Manofthemountain
I hope they both go there with lively chances. Manofthemountain had a very promising start back from wind surgery at Uttoxeter and seems really well. Light N Strike is a smashing horse who loves his jumping. You need a horse who can travel, so I think he's got a good profile.

Peter Fahey, trainer of Peregrine Run
He ran very well at Cartmel last time considering the ground had eased. It's a competitive race but he'll like the ground and I think he's got a great chance.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Rapid Response
She needs all of that distance and we thought this could be an opportunity for her, whereas she might have top weight in some options in Ireland. Fingers crossed she'll like the track – she likes going right-handed.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Mortlach
He's in good form and hopefully there's still a bit of improvement in him. He's had to make his own running so we're hoping that the bigger field will make life a bit easier for him. If he's still on a good mark, he's in great form.

David Pipe, trainer of Al Roc and Texard
Al Roc was impressive in first-time blinkers over this course and distance and bumped into one when we tried to take advantage of a lower mark over hurdles. Texard improved for a step up in trip and seems to have come out of the race well so he takes his chance under a penalty.

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of La Domaniale
We're hopeful. She probably lacks a bit of experience but she's entitled to take her chance.
Reporting by David Carr

Read more of Saturday's previews:

1.50 Newbury: Cadillac could be in the driving seat now De Foy has got to work on him

2.35 Curragh: 'She has a perfect draw and is in serious order' - who likes their Scurry hope?

2.56 Newbury: Happy again? Romance out to win consecutive runnings of Group 3 Hackwood Stakes

3.10 Curragh: Mooneista 'better than last year' as she bids for Sapphire follow-up

3.30 Newbury: 'She's an exciting prospect' - Super Sprint trainer quotes and analysis

3.45 Curragh: Jessica Harrington and Aidan O'Brien on their Irish Oaks contenders

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