The going for Hexham on Sunday is currently good, good to soft in places.
Burnage Boy goes first at 1.45.pm, in a 0-100 conditional jockeys handicap hurdle over two miles, where he will be partnered by Josh Thompson. Burnage Boy came as close as he has ever done to breaking his 47 race maiden tag over hurdles at Newcastle in May, when going down by just a neck, but he has since ran on the flat at Wetherby 12 days ago, when finishing last of the 12.
We will be doubly represented at 2.15.pm, in the 0-105 novices handicap hurdle, over two miles and seven furlongs. Buto was a winner from a 5lb lower mark than now at Hexham in May, and has since ran a respectable third back at that track 22 days ago, when the race wasn't run totally to suit. He will be partnered by Josh Thompson, who was on board for that latest win.
Our other runner in the race is Grand Du Nord, who probably ran right up to his best in a maiden hurdle at Hexham, where he finished third, when last seen in May. Prior to that he had returned to form at Wetherby in first time cheek pieces in April, in handicap company, where he finished second from a 6lb lower mark than now. He will once again be partnered by Connor O'Farrell.
You Say Its Over is a new recruit to us, having arrived from Ireland last month. To date she has run in four bumpers, and three point to points, and has yet to get competitive in a finish. She starts out for us in a maiden hurdle, over two miles and four furlongs at 2.45.pm, with Conor O'Farrell taking the ride.
Royle Steel will face just two rivals at 3.53.pm, in a 0-120 novices handicap chase over the extended one mile and seven furlongs, with his regular rider Conor O'Farrell in the saddle. Royle Steel made a very satisfactory return at Catterick in February when finishing third, but his form both over hurdles and fences has deteriorated badly in four subsequent runs, leaving him now on a very good looking handicap mark, if able to get back to anywhere near his best.
At 11 years old Grange Ranger isn't the force he once was, but at Hexham 22 days ago he signified that there is still a fire burning inside, when staying on in to fourth. He would certainly appreciate a downpour of rain, as this trip would be a bare minimum. He goes to post for the 4.23.pm, in a 0-110 handicap chase over two miles and four furlongs, with the champion jockey Brian Hughes taking the ride.
Marlins Darlin has her second start in the closing bumper at 4.53.pm, over two miles, with Joshua Thompson retaining the ride. Marlins Darlin made her racecourse debut at Market Rasen 34 days ago, when finishing fifth of the six runners. She will need time to come to herself, and this race will be another stepping stone in her education.
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, JFW Properties Ltd, Oakwood Racing, Middleham Park & The Cheltenham Trail 7, Resdev, A E Tasker, Oakwood Rainbow, and The Monday Club.
Grange Ranger.
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