We have six runners at Wetherby on Thursday, where the going is currently described as soft, good to soft in places.
Livano Bello was bought out of France after finishing an excellent third at Auteuil last September. He made his yard and British debut over this course and distance 27 days ago when finishing a well beaten sixth. He is obviously a lot better than that, and we should see considerably more this time. Livano Bello runs at 12.25.pm, in the juvenile hurdle, over two miles, with Brian Hughes taking over in the saddle.
Galidam is another ex French recruit, who will be making his yard and British debut, when going to post for the two miles novices hurdle at 12.55.pm, with Brian Hughes taking the ride. Galidam has raced on six occasions to date, all as a four year old last year over hurdles, finishing second on his racecourse debut in March, and running his best race to date when easily winning on his latest start at Moulins in September.
Geryville missed his intended engagement at Market Rasen last Friday due to the ground, and is now re-routed to Wetherby, where he will take his place in the 0-140 two miles and three furlongs handicap chase, where he will be partnered by Conor O'Farrell for the first time. Geryville was at the top of his form in March and April of last year when winning and finishing second, and after two runs so far this term he should be back on song.
Rioja Alta is a lightly raced five year old gelding, who ran his best race for his previous yard when finishing third at Killarney in September 2023. He has since finished third on two occasions for us over hurdles last season, and his mark of 94 looks good if he can build on those runs. Rioja Alta goes to post for the 0-100 handicap hurdle, over the extended two miles and three furlongs, at 2.05.pm, with Conor O'Farrell retaining the ride.
Walk My Way was runner up on her penultimate start at Hexham in March of last year from a 6lb lower mark than now, which showed that their is a race to be won with her. She pulled up at Market Rasen on her seasonal debut in December, on her first start in nearly nine months and she will be straighter this time. Walk My Way runs at 3.15.pm, in division 1 of the 0-100 three miles handicap hurdle, with her regular rider Emma Smith-Chaston in the saddle.
Royle Steel will run in division 2 of the 0-100 three miles handicap hurdle at 3.50.pm, with Josh Thompson retaining the ride. Royle Steel who has yet to hit his best form in two starts this term is a very well handicapped horse, finding himself 11lb below his last winning mark. He has always had a preference for a sound surface, and this will be his second attempt over three miles.
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Good luck to the connections, Mike And Eileen Newbould, M H O G, R M Howard, Mrs B M Lofthouse, Driving Down Ltd & D Pollitt, and A E Tasker.
Rioja Alta.
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