We have four declared runners on Saturday, with three entered for Wetherby, where the going is currently described as soft, and there is more rain expected, and we send one up to Ayr, where the ground is currently good to soft.
We are doubly represented at Wetherby in the 1.15.pm, which is a 0-125 handicap chase, over two miles and three furlongs. The ex French Duo D'Enfer who is a four time winner in France, twice over hurdles, and twice over fences, makes his first start for us with Emma Smith-Chaston taking the ride. Duo D'Enfer has done the majority of his racing at around this distance, and having raced in France he is no stranger to a softer surface. This is his first start since April, and he makes his British debut from a mark of 111.
Trac was prolific last season when winning three times, including over this course and distance in December. It hasn't gone unnoticed, as the handicapper now has him 22lb above that winning mark, and 7lb above his last winning run on his penultimate start. For this his seasonal debut he takes a significant step up in grade, but it will put him spot on for another busy campaign. Alice Stevens who has been in fine form this season takes the ride, and will claim 7lb off of his back.
Foster'sisland who has run well when fresh in the past, returns from his summer break to contest the 3.30.pm, which is a 0-130 handicap hurdle, over the extended two miles and three furlongs, where he will be partnered by his regular jockey Emma Smith-Chaston. Foster'sisland was last seen at Bangor in March when appearing to put up a new personal best, when winning easily by eight lengths, the handicapper certainly thought so, as he now starts his new season from an all time high mark of 129. Foster'sisland is admirably consistent and should win his fare share again this season.
We also have one runner up at Ayr, when Shadow Royal makes her debut at 4.04.pm, in the two miles bumper, for horses who have never run under any recognised Rules of Racing, with Josh Thompson taking the ride. Shadow Royal has two siblings who were both sprinters, and her unraced dam was sprint bred, so she probably wont want the ground to make this more of a test of stamina than it already is.
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Good luck to the connections, Samuel Sutton, Randall Orchard & Partners,The Oakwood Nobels, and Sharp Hill Thoroughbreds.
Foster'sisland.
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