'I think 6-1 is a stunning price' - David Jennings answers the burning questions ahead of a busy Saturday

What's the big story?

It all depends whether you're a Geordie or a Paddy. There is the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap (3.10) on Tyneside – the sponsors are no relation by the way – and we have a cracking Cairn Community Games Pretty Polly Stakes (3.30) at the Curragh.

It is comforting to see Sir Mark's reputation still carries plenty of weight as Prescott has the big plunge horse in the Pitmen's Derby in the shape of Trooper Bisdee, who barely beat a horse home on his first three starts but has looked almost unbeatable on his last few outings. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Kieran Shoemark will be hoping for a change of luck in the Curragh feature as he teams up with Emily Upjohn in what promises to be a fascinating battle with Bluestocking.

All in all there are 51 races spread across seven different meetings on either side of the Irish Sea. It's a Saturday to savour. Spend wisely.

Who wins the Northumberland Plate?

Sorry, Sir Mark, it's Grand Providence for me. She's got the tools to dig out a big handicap at some stage and this might just be it.

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And, what about the Pretty Polly?

On her day, Emily Upjohn remains the most talented female in training, if you ask me, so how can I desert her now? She must be getting fed up of letting me down at this stage, so it is about time she repaid my faith.

What's the bet of the day?

If the ground is soft for Ascot's big day in October, I've convinced myself Montassib will win the Champions Sprint Stakes.

It's a long time between now and October, though, and William Haggas's former handicapper can claim the Jenningsbet Nun Street Newcastle Open Now Chipchase Stakes (2.04) at Newcastle on the way there.

He won on his debut at the track and his recent York effort, on unsuitably quick ground, can be upgraded. I think 6-1 is a stunning price.

What's the lay of the day?

Jan Brueghel looks skimpy enough at around 5-4 in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes (2.55) at the Curragh.

We've seen him only once and he won by a mile, but he's against battle-hardened and quality rivals here. It might be too much too soon.

Finally, is there something at a juicy price somewhere?

Indeed there is – Gordon Bennett in the Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Handicap (1.45) at the Curragh. Don't even bother looking at his form figures of 00040. Somebody serving a life sentence in prison saw more daylight than he did last time. He's now 11lb lower than his last winning mark and will take some stopping if the gaps open.

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