We send two to Pontefract for their flat meeting, on ground that is currently described as good, good to firm in places, and we also send two up to Hexham for their jumps meeting, on ground that is currently described as good, good to soft in places.
Irv who has been a great servant to the yard, will have his 51st racecourse start, when going to post for the 0-60 handicap at 2.30.pm, over 10 furlongs, where he will once again be partnered by Aiden Brookes. Irv came right back to form on his penultimate start at Wolverhampton in April when winning by three and a quarter lengths, but at Redcar last time, a lack of a strong pace contributed to him not reaching that previous level.
Arranmore has continued to struggle for form in six starts since arriving at the yard last autumn, which has left him 11lb below his last winning mark from August 2021. All of his starts for us have been over seven furlongs, and looking back over his past history, this step back up to a mile could well be a plus. Arranmore runs at 4.30.pm, in the 0-72 handicap, with his regular rider Aiden Brookes in the saddle.
Over at Hexham, Grand Du Nord has his second start over fences at 5.18.pm, in the 0-110 handicap chase, over two miles and four furlongs, with Conor O'Farrell retaining the ride. That was Grand Du Nord's first start in 11 months, so he can be expected to strip fitter, and know more of what to expect this time. He is also 3lb below the mark from which he was beaten a neck by at Wetherby over hurdles in April of last year.
The five year old Scorpion gelding The Beekeeper has his second start at 5.48.pm, in the two miles bumper, where he will once again have the assistance of Henry Brooke in the saddle. The Beekeeper looked badly in need of the experience on his racecourse debut at Worcester 22 days ago, and this race will greatly benefit his education.
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Good luck to the connections, The Rat Pack Racing Club, Anthony Bithell, Middleham Park & The Cheltenham Trail 7, and Ewan And Anna Hyslop.
Grand Du Nord.
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