We have four declared runners on Saturday, with two running on the flat at York, where the going is currently good to firm, good in places, and two going up to Hexham for their jumps meeting, where the going is currently described as good, and they are watering.
Piecederesistance will take his chance in the prestigious 0-90 Queen Mothers Cup, for female amateur jockeys at 2.0.pm at York, over the extended 11 furlongs, with Becky Smith who has pinpointed this race for her come back from injury, taking the ride. Piecederesistance has run on two previous occasions at York, and on both occasions (particularly the first) has let his temperament get the better of him, by racing far two freely, and failing to see out the race, but in the circumstances on both occasions he did well to finish as close as he did. If he can remain calm and collected in the preliminaries, he should be very competitive.
Also at York, Carnival Zain has his fourth start of the season, and still remains 2lb above his last winning mark of last year, when he farmed five races, and the handicapper continues to take no chances. Carnival Zain returned at Thirsk in May with an excellent fifth, his latest two starts have been a shade below that run, and if he is to take this, he will require a personal best from a tricky draw.The race is a 0-95 handicap over seven furlongs, with Aiden Brookes back in the saddle.
At Hexham, Onenightintown takes his chance in the extended one mile and seven furlongs 0-100 handicap chase at 3.45.pm, with Josh Thompson taking off 10lb, on board for the first time. Onenightintown finally got his act together last season when winning twice, at Market Rasen, and Sedgefield, for which he remains 3lb higher for that latter success. I just get the feeling that he is better nowadays at a longer trip, but he should be competitive on ground that will suit.
The ex Irish Carrigeen Konini has her second start for us since pulling up at Huntingdon 37 days ago. Her best piece of form from 13 starts, was a 12 lengths third of 15 at Clonmel in January over hurdles. Realistically she has shown very little solid form to date, but on this her second start for us, and on her third start over fences, she has been given a chance by the handicapper from a mark of just 90. She goes to post for the 4.55.pm, in a 0-100 handicap chase over three miles, with Tommy Dowson taking the ride.
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Good luck to the connections, Ryder And Alex Sugden, Newroc & Partner, The Rat Pack Racing Club, and The Cheltenham Trail.
Piecederesistance & Becky.
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