We send a runner down to Nottingham, where the going is currently described as good to firm, good in places, another up to Hamilton, where it is also good to firm, good in places, and we are at Leicester as well, where the going is also considered to be good to firm, good in places.
At Nottingham, Mandega is first up at 2.10.pm, in the 0-70, Hands N Heels Apprentice Handicap, over one mile and six furlongs, where he will be partnered by Dominique Van Der Kraats, who is having his first ride for the yard. Mandega has run his best two races for us on his last two starts, at Doncaster on the flat, and most recently at Cartmel 29 days ago over hurdles, when finishing second. This is a step up in trip for the first time, but he is likely to be able to see it out.
At Hamilton, Myboymax runs in their first race at 5.45.pm, in the 0-65, Saints & Sinners Amateur Jockeys Handicap, over one mile and five furlongs, where he will have the assistance of Becky Smith in the saddle. Myboymax ran with promise on his penultimate start at Catterick in May when finishing fourth, but he wasn't in the same form back at that track 19 days ago. He has now been dropped a further 2lb, and will wear blinkers for the first time.
At Leicester, Sparkle In His Eye runs at 6.30.pm, in the 0-58, Belmont Hotel 'Confined' Handicap, for horses which have not won a Flat race in 2024. The race is over a mile, with his regular jockey Aiden Brookes retaining the ride. Sparkle In His Eye is the winner of seven races, but in all of his seven races this year he has struggled to re-find his best form, which has seen his mark slip to 52.
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, and Anthony Bithell.
Mandega.
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