We have four runners on Saturday, with three over the jumps at Newcastle, where the going is currently described as good to soft, soft in places, and one on the all weather at Southwell, on their richly endowed card.
At Newcastle Jericoacoara will make his yard and British debut at 3.55.pm, in the 0-120 handicap hurdle over the extended two miles, with Henry Brooke booked to ride. Jericoacoara is a six year old gelding who has raced exclusively in France, havng had six races over hurdles, and four over fences, winning over hurdles at Auteuil on his second start in April 2023. His opening BHA mark is 122, on what will be his first run since last June.
Coup De Coeur continues to be progressive, and put up another personal best at Newcastle 25 days ago, when winning for the first time over fences, and his third race in total. Coup De Coeur who won twice for us over hurdles last season, has shown that he will make into an even better chaser, and since joining the yard his mark has now climbed by 10lb, with the 4lb rise for that latest success looking well within his capabilities. Coup De Coeur takes on four rivals at 4.30.pm, in the 0-120 novices handicap chase, over two miles, with Brian Hughes retaining the ride.
Belle Na Bann has yet to hit top form in four starts this term, but she hasn't been too far away on her last two races. She was a winner at Catterick just over a year ago, and can now race from a 2lb lower mark, and when including her jockeys claim, and the extra 3lb for riding for his attached yard, Belle Na Bann is handily weighted. She goes to post for the 0-100 conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 5.05.pm, over the extended two miles, with Joshua Thompson taking the ride.
At Southwell, where they have a premier race day card, which includes the 'Winter Derby,' and £335,000 in prize money, the classy five year old mare Value Added makes her stable debut for us off top weight in the £22,000 0-78 handicap, at 6.30.pm, over a mile from stall 1, with Aiden Brookes taking the ride. Value Added raced on the flat as a two and three year old for Richard Hughes, winning once and achieving a best BHA mark of 85. She was sent jumping with Jamie Snowden, and has been placed in two of her three hurdles races. She has been bought as a dual purpose performer, and this her first start in nearly nine months will put her straight.
To keep up to date with all the latest happenings at Oakwood Stables, Sharp Hill, and Curlew, click on 'NEWS' at www.mickyhammondracing.
Good luck to the connections, G R Orchard & Mrs J M Gray, John Burnett, Ms D Morley & Partner, and Two Nicks And A Mick.
Coup De Coeur.
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