We have declared three for Wetherby, where there is standing water, and it is waterlogged in places, so there is an inspection planned for 3.0.pm, on Thursday. Our other two runners are at Musselburgh, where they envisage no problems, and the going is currently soft, good to soft in places.
At Wetherby, Medieval Gold is first up at 1.15.pm, in the two miles novices hurdle, where he will be partnered by Emma Smith-Chaston. Medieval Gold was an excellent runner up on his final start on the flat for his previous trainer last October, and on his stable and hurdles debut for us 45 days ago, he once again impressed with another runners up finish. This race looks a shade harder than that last race, but he does receive weight from all of his rivals.
We are doubly represented at 3.20.pm, in the 0-100 handicap chase, over three miles. Dark Duomo is now 14lb lower than when achieving his standout piece of form for his previous yard, when finishing second over hurdles just over a year ago. He has mixed hurdling and chasing for us in his five starts since arriving at the yard in the autumn, and is still to get competitive. He will be partnered by Robert Dunne for the first time.
Our other runner in the race is Monaghan Boy, who after finishing runner up on three consecutive occasions, deservedly got his head in front at Sedgefield last time, for which he has been raised 3lb. After many races in the wilderness Monaghan Boy is now thriving over fences, and he should be well in the mix again. He will once again be partnered by Emma Smith-Chaston, who was also on board for those last four starts.
At Musselburgh we have two runners both chasing big money. Lincoln Burrows will run at 6.10.pm, in the £30,000 'GO NORTH BRINDISI BREEZE HURDLE SERIES FINAL', over the extended two miles and seven furlongs, where he will be partnered by Gavin Sheehan, who as far as I can remember is having his first ride for the yard. Lincoln Burrows was a two lengths winner at Newcastle on his penultimate start, but due to the conditions of this race, he will have to race from a 10lb higher mark, meaning a new personal best will be needed, but with prize money like this, it is well worth taking part.
Coup De Coeur also gets a shot at the big money, when he goes to post for the 'GO NORTH SEA PIGEON HURDLE SERIES FINAL,' at 6.40.pm, over two miles and one furlong, with the champion jockey Brian Hughes retaining the ride. Coup De Coeur appeared to show improved form at Sedgefield last time, when winning uncontested by 13 lengths, for which the handicapper has taken no chances, by raising him 7lb. That was his second win for us since arriving from France, and there is every chance that he is indeed still on the upgrade.
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Good luck to the connections, Robin Hood & Little John, D Lees, D Pollitt & Driving Down Ltd, The Golden Cuckoo, K Jardine R Griffiths D Boyce, and John Burnett.
Coup De Coeur.
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