We take three down to Market Rasen where the going at the time of writing is good, and one to Southwell where the Tapeta is riding standard to slow.
The Retriever is our representative at Southwell in the first race at 1.57.pm, a 0-55 handicap where he will carry top weight, with Billy Garritty on board for the first time as his regular rider Aiden Brookes is still out injured. Since his seasonal debut in December of last year The Retriever has gradually improved with each run culminating in a one length defeat at Wolverhampton last time. My gut feeling is that he still is a shade too high in the weights, but he does come into the race in form.
The first of our three runners at Market Rasen is Enfin Phil at 3.01.pm, in a 0-115 handicap hurdle over the extended two miles and four furlongs, where he will have his regular partner Alain Cawley on board. Enfin Phil was a convincing winner on Boxing Day at Sedgefield from a 3lb lower mark than now, but he ran no sort of race when last seen at Catterick 11 weeks ago. There is no reason to think he wont run up to his best here, and he should have a say in the outcome, with conditions that suit.
High Noon will have his first start in 194 days when returning to the track he was a dual winner at last term. Good ground is what High Noon needs to bring out the best in him, but apart from him probably needing this first run back, the trip of two miles and one furlong is on the short side. The race is a 0-110 handicap chase, with Emma Smith-Chaston who won on him at Mussleburgh in January 2020 back in the saddle.
Our final runner of the day is The Very Thing who goes to post for the 5.21.pm, a 0-115 Amateur Riders handicap chase over the extended two miles and seven furlongs, with Becky Smith retaining the ride. Becky was on board when The Very Thing was a winner in a first time visor at Catterick in January, but in two attempts since the visor has not had the same effect (the visor is retained.) Even so he is 10lb wrong at the weights, he has the ability to run a big race, if he conspires to put his best foot forward.
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Good luck to the connections, RM&T Holdings Limited & Partners, Randall Orchard & Partners, Nick Pietrzyk And Partner, and Derek Walpole.
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