We are back with a bang at Sedgefield on Wednesday with a massive six runners, on what is currently described as good ground.
Touch Of A Dragon makes her hurdles debut in the first at 2.20.pm, in the extended two miles maiden hurdle, with Josh Thompson taking the ride. Touch Of A Dragon showed promise when finishing third on each of her two first bumper runs last season, and was unlucky on her only other start to date, when the saddle slipped, and she was pulled up after six furlongs.
We are doubly represented at 2.55.pm, in the 0-100 novices handicap chase, over two miles and three furlongs. On his second start over fences back in April Brickadank came as close to winning a race as he has ever done, when going down by just a short head. A repeat of that run from the same mark this time would see him well in the mix, with Becky Smith taking the ride.
Our other runner in the race is Royle Steel who was an 80/1 winner at this track in February of last year. He has failed to get his head in front since, but he was third over hurdles earlier on this year from an eye watering 20lb higher than now. If he is rejuvenated by his 108 day break, he lurks off a very tempting mark. He will have the assistance of the champion jockey Bryan Hughes in the saddle.
Balkotic was at the top of his form last autumn when winning back to back races, but in his three starts since he has struggled to repeat that form, and he now returns from a near 10 weeks break, where he will be ridden by Emma Smith-Chaston, who was on board for both of those successes. He goes to post for the 0-110 handicap hurdle at 3.30.pm, over the extended two miles and three furlongs.
Ambassador missed his intended engagement on Sunday because the going was considered too soft, but he should have no problems on that score here. Ambassador is the winner of three of his last four starts, but is still 20lb below his highest mark of 120 from 2021. He runs at 4.40.pm, in the 0-100 handicap hurdle over the extended two miles, with Josh Thompson who was on board for his latest win, back in the saddle.
When last seen at Kelso 29 days ago Getaway Jewel ran right up to his best when finishing second, and he once again can run from that same mark. Although he is handicapped up to his best, he has the trip, and going in his favour, and just four opponents to face. He runs at 5.15.pm, in the 0-110 handicap chase, over two miles and five furlongs, with Brian Hughes who has won on him on four previous occasions, retaining the ride.
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, The Oakwood Nobels, A & S Associates, A E Tasker, Raypasha, David Parry, and Phil Ellerby.
Royle Steel.
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