We send four up to Sedgefield on Thursday, where the going is currently soft, heavy in places, and two down to Market Rasen, where it is currently good to soft.
First up at Sedgefield is Mandega at 12.50.pm, in the extended two miles juvenile hurdle, with Emma Smith-Chaston taking the ride. Mandega was the winner of three flat races in France, and although he has finished no closer than fifth in four flat starts for us since arriving in the spring, he hasn't been beaten far in any of those runs, and his flat mark which is in the 70's, suggests that if he takes to hurdling, he wont be too far away.
Walk My Way makes her stable debut at 2.35.pm, in the extended two miles and three furlongs maiden hurdle, with Emma Smith-Chaston in the saddle. To date Walk My Way has run in seven Irish Point to Points, and has finished fourth on three of those occasions. All those races were over three miles, and we will know more about her after this completely different discipline, and test for her.
Ballylinch returns to the scene of his success over this course and distance 25 days ago, when he goes to post for the three miles and three furlongs handicap chase at 3.10.pm, with the champion jockey Brian Hughes retaining the ride. It was a big jump at the last which sealed the deal last time, and from only a 2lb higher mark, he should be involved at the business end again.
Bonne Vitesse showed that she was right back to her best on the flat, on her latest start at Pontefract 38 days ago, when finishing a very creditable runner up. Her current hurdles mark of 104 is 8lb below the mark she was third off at Hexham last December, and she will relish the soft ground. Bonne Vitesse runs at 3.40.pm, in the 0-115 handicap hurdle, over the extended two miles and three furlongs, with Brian Hughes on board for the first time.
We also have two runners at Market Rasen. Shighness made her chase debut at Carlisle in exalted company three weeks ago, when finishing fourth. She jumped round nicely that day, gaining much needed experience, and this return to calmer waters in handicap company, gives her every chance to be competitive. She runs at 1.40.pm, in the 0-120 novices handicap chase, over the extended two miles and seven furlongs, with Sean Quinlan on board for the first time.
Howzat Hiris returns from a 215 day break, when going to post for the 3.51.pm, in a 0-100 handicap hurdle, over two miles and seven furlong, with Josh Thompson, who was on board when the partnership were successful back in March at Newcastle, retaining the ride. Howzat Hiris who remains 4lb above that last winning mark, would appreciate any further rain.
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, Samuel Sutton, Mr&Mrs Lees, D Pollitt, Driving Down Ltd, John Burnett, The Golden Cuckoo, Keep The Faith Partnership, and Sticky Wicket Racing.
Ballylinch.
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