The BHA in their wisdom have granted Wetherby a 10.35.am, start on Saturday morning, and I can only imagine in all the years Micky has trained or ridden, he has never had an earlier runner. The going at Wetherby on Saturday is currently described as good to soft, soft in places.
Stellarmasterpiece will have barely finished her oats by the time she goes to post for the two miles novices hurdle at 10.35.am, where she will be partnered by Conor O'Farrell for the first time. Stellarmasterpiece had a very productive time on the flat last season when winning and placing twice from three runs, but on her hurdles debut at Sedgefield last month she looked very novicey in the jumping department. The main aim will be to see her put in a clear round, and show us that she can be just as good over hurdles.
Great Raffles is next up at 11.37.am, in the 0-100 novices handicap chase, over two miles and three furlongs, where he will be partnered by his regular rider Emma Smith-Chaston. This will be Great Raffles first start back in nearly 10 months, and his record first time out after a break has seen him finish second, but also finish down the field as well. He is yet to get competitive in four runs over fences to date, but is now back down to his last winning mark over hurdles. This trip would be a minimum, and any further softening of the ground will suit.
Geryville is a classy chaser who stays forever, and acts well on a soft surface. He made his seasonal debut over this course and distance last month, and although finding the ground on the fast side, he still left a good impression that he will be competitive once again this season. Geryville runs at 12.14.pm, in the 0-135 handicap chase. over three miles, where he will be partnered by Conor O'Farrell for the first time.
Rioja Alta has only ran twice over hurdles, but has received a good looking opening mark of 96 from the handicapper, when compared to his flat mark of 68 (he has been as high as 72.) He has finished third in both of his hurdles runs, one on soft and one on heavy, and stamina for the trip is not an issue. Rioja Alta runs at 12.48.pm, in the 0-120 handicap hurdle, over two miles, with Conor O'Farrell retaining the ride.
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Good luck to the connections, M H O G, The Golden Cuckoo, R M Howard, and Mrs B M Lofthouse.
Rioja Alta.
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