We have six runners over the jumps at Catterick, where the going is currently described as soft, and a further two making their way down to Southwell, for there all weather evening meeting.
Belle Na Bann goes first in the 2.20.pm, at Catterick, in the 0-105 female jockeys handicap hurdle, over two miles and three furlongs, with Emma Smith-Chaston retaining the ride. Belle Na Bann who was second in this corresponding race last season from a 1lb lower mark than now, was in fine form when winning back to back races at Newcastle and Catterick in December and January, but she was not quite in the same form last time, but with all conditions in her favour once again, there is no reason why she shouldn't run her race.
Carrigeen Castle steps up in class at 2.50.pm, in the 0-135 novices handicap chase, over two miles and three furlongs, where he will once again be partnered by Alice Stevens. Carrigeen Castle was an emphatic 22 lengths winner at Wetherby last time, for which the handicapper has reacted with a hefty 10lb rise in the weights, but in his current form, he remains the one to beat again.
Getaway Jewel who always benefits for a run after a break, returns after four and a half months off the track, when he goes to post for the 0-105 handicap chase at 3.30.pm, over the extended one mile and seven furlongs, with Conor O'Farrell, who has ridden him twice previously, taking the ride. Getaway Jewel has always shown his best form on a sound surface, so any drying out of the ground would be in his favour.
Bunker Bay makes his stable and hurdles debut at 3.50.pm, in the maiden hurdle, over the extended one mile and seven furlongs, where he will have the services of Emma Smith-Chaston in the saddle. Bunker Bay who was a winner on the flat for his previous yard, has already shown that stamina wont be an issue, and he is also proven on a soft surface, he should make up into a useful hurdler in time.
Mister Bells came right back to his best at Catterick last time, when easily winning a veterans handicap chase from 7lb lower than now. On his day it appears that he does take some stopping, as his sole win last season was also an easy one at Market Rasen. Mister Bells will be a danger to all when he goes to post at 4.20.pm, for the 0-120 handicap chase, over three miles and one furlong, with his regular rider Emma Smith-Chaston in the saddle.
Lincoln Burrows was also a last time out winner, when the first time cheek pieces which are retained here, helped to focus his attentions. Lincoln Burrows will step up in trip here by three furlongs, which could bring about further improvement. He runs at 4.50.pm, in the 0-110 handicap hurdle, over three miles and one furlong, from a 5lb higher mark, with the champion jockey Brian Hughes taking the ride.
We also send two down to Southwell for their mammoth nine race card. Ring Fenced continues to fall in the weights, and is now 13lb lower than when winning at Kempton in January of last year. She has been tried at a variety of distances recently, and on what she has shown with us, suggests that this is probably the right one. She runs at 4.28.pm, in the 0-70 fillies handicap, over a mile, with her regular jockey Aiden Brookes on board.
Mintnthat who has won his last two starts for a previous yard, makes his stable debut at 8.00.pm, in the 0-55 handicap, over one mile and three furlongs, where he will be partnered by Aiden Brookes. The race is Class 6, with tremendous prize money for the grade of £11,000, and for that Southwell are to be congratulated. Mintnthat was a winner of a Classified event at Newcastle in January, and then later in the month at the same track, he bettered that from a 3lb lower mark than now, He is obviously at the top of his form at the present.
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, Ms D Morley, S Dobson & Partner, The Cheltenham Trail, Phil Ellerby, The Golden Cuckoo, Mr and Mrs Paul Chapman, K Jardine R Griffiths D Boyce, Robin Hood & Little John, and Anthony Bithell.
Carrigeen Castle.
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