We send three up to Newcastle on Saturday afternoon, where the Tapeta surface is riding standard to slow, and on the turf, it is currently soft, heavy in places.
Storm Spirit made a pleasing bumper debut over this course and distance back in February of last year when finishing third, (later promoted to second) but on her only other start at Wetherby in March, she ran much too freely, and paid the price, when weakening from over three out. Storm Spirit will continue her fledgling career when going to post for the 11.55.pm, in a first time hood, over two miles, in the mares only bumper, with Aiden Brookes having his first ever ride in a bumper.
We will be doubly represented at 2.50.pm, in the 0-100 handicap chase, over two miles and four furlongs. Great Raffles made his chase debut at Newcastle 23 days ago, on his first start back in eight months, and he will once again have the services of Emma Smith-Chaston in the saddle. Great Raffles has shown over hurdles that he is more than capable from his current mark, having finished second, beaten a head from this mark, at Newcastle in November 2022, after previously winning at Sedgefield the time before.
Carrigeen Castle is our other representative in the race, and he will once again be partnered by the champion jockey Brian Hughes. Carrigeen Castle will be having his third start for us since arriving from Ireland, and he took a step forward last time at Hexham 24 days ago, from his yard debut at Kelso in November. Carrigeen Castle who won an Irish point to point 11 months ago, has dropped 6lb for those first two starts for us.
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, Keep The Faith Partnership, The Golden Cuckoo, and The Cheltenham Trail.
Storm Spirit.
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