Mark Johnston is set to be double-handed in Saturday's Foster's Lager Northumberland Plate at Newcastle, it was revealed today.
The Middleham trainer will be represented by Virgin Soldier, a six-times winner last season and successful over course and distance on his seasonal debut last month, and 1998 Cesarewitch hero Spirit Of Love, third to Dominant Duchess at Royal Ascot last week.
'Both horses are likely to run. I wouldn't want the ground to be too hard but there are some showers forecast and anyway I'm a great believer in proper fast ground,' Johnston said.
'Virgin Soldier had to miss Royal Ascot last week because he was coughing but we gave him a spin yesterday and he appears fine. Provided there are no further setbacks he will run.
'Spirit Of Love has had a few niggling problems and he wasn't 100% at Royal Ascot last week but he's OK now.
'But of my two you would have to say that Virgin Soldier would have the best chance.'
Royston Ffrench has been booked to partner Virgin Soldier with Darryll Holland aboard Spirit Of Love.
