MASTER BREFFNI STEPS UP IN GRADE.

We send a team of three to Catterick on Tuesday, where the going is currently described as good to soft, soft in places.

Beat The Edge was up to his old tricks at Sedgefield 20 days ago, when once again snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. He was three lengths ahead jumping the last on the short run in, but decided he had done enough, and got caught on the line. Amazingly the naughty handicapper has raised him 2lb for that performance, but it has to be said that Beat The Edge does remain a well handicapped horse on the best of his previous form. Essentially he needs cover during his races, and needs to be produced as late as possible. Beat The Edge runs at 3.00.pm, in the 0-100 handicap chase, over the extended one mile and seven furlongs, with his regular rider Emma Smith-Chaston trying to get the better of this tricky customer.

After arriving from an 11 race career in Poland, Stellarmasterpiece made an excellent start for us when winning and placing twice on the flat last summer. Since returning from a break she has now raced on three occasions over the jumps, showing a little more last time than on her previous two starts. She was a winner on the flat off a mark of 55, and she should receive her first jumps mark after this, which will give her every chance of getting competitive in that discipline. Stellarmasterpiece goes to post for the maiden hurdle at 3.30.pm, over the extended one mile and seven furlongs, with Conor O'Farrell retaining the ride.

Master Breffni will face just three rivals at 4.0.pm, in the 0-130 novices limited handicap chase, over two miles and three furlongs, with his regular rider Conor O'Farrell taking the ride. Master Breffni is stepping up to Class 3 company in a handicap for the first time, and will run from 5lb out of the weights, and 10lb higher that when successful at Sedgefield 20 days ago. Racing from out of the weights is always a disadvantage, but when you face only three rivals for a £14,000 pot, you can't say no.

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, Smartwater Utilities, M H O G, and Phil Ellerby, D Pollitt & Partners.

Mater Breffni.