We send a team of six to Wetherby on Friday, where the going is currently described as good to soft.
Kids Say Lastgojoe is first up at 2.00.pm, in the maiden hurdle over two miles, where he will be partnered by Sean Quinlan for the first time. Kids Say Lastgojoe got off the mark on his second bumper start at Catterick in November, but after a below par effort on his hurdles debut at Newcastle just over 10 weeks ago it was decided that he needed wind surgery. We should see a much better performance this time, and Kids Say Lastgojoe has the potential to make up into an above average performer.
We will be doubly represented at 3.32.pm, in the 0-120 handicap hurdle over two miles and five furlongs. Foster'sisland is the winner of six races for us, but is amazingly 0-13 at Wetherby, although he has finished runner up on four occasions, he will once again be partnered by Emma Smith-Chaston, who has won on him on four previous occasions. Foster'sisland ran his seasonal best on debut back in November when finishing second, but his form has regressed since, which has seen his mark drop 7lb below his last winning mark. He will wear first time cheek pieces to help him turn his form around.
Our other representative in the race is Jericoacoara, who will be the mount of Brian Hughes. Jericoacoara who is the winner of a hurdles race in France has finished third and fourth in his two starts since joining us. He now takes a four furlong step up in trip which should suit. It is difficult to judge whether his handicap mark is a good one or not, but his future will probably lie over fences in due course.
Carrigeen Castle is another horse who will be having his first start since wind surgery. He was a rapid improver last season, peaking with an 11 lengths success at Wetherby just over a year ago, which was his third success of the season. He has since failed to reach those heights since, but the wind op could make all the difference. Carrigeen Castle runs at 4.07.pm, in the 0-110 handicap chase, over three miles, with Brian Hughes, who won on him twice last season, back in the saddle.
We are also represented in that race by Mister Bells, who will have the services of Emma Smith-Chaston, who has won on him twice previously. Mister Bells was last winning in a veterans race at Catterick in January 2024, and since then he has struggled for form, including when pulling up at Taunton 38 days ago. His mark is slipping fast, and he should find conditions to his liking.
Our final runner of the day is Balkotic, who goes to post for the 0-100 handicap hurdle, over three miles, at 4.45.pm, with his regular rider Emma Smith-Chaston in the saddle. Balkotic who would appreciate any drying out of the ground has not been at his best since finishing a close third at Cartmel last June. His rating has now dropped to 10lb below his last winning mark at Catterick in November 2022.
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, Joe Buzzeo, The Oakwood Nobels, G R Orchard & Mrs J M Gray, The Cheltenham Trail, Mr and Mrs Paul Chapman, and Raypasha.
Carrigeen Castle.
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