We send three to Wetherby on Friday where the going is currently described as good, good to soft in places, we also send one to Newcastle for their evening meeting on the all weather.
We will be doubly represented at 1.50.pm, in the 0-130 handicap hurdle, over the extended two miles and three furlongs. Singapore Trip got his just reward for his consistency when getting his head in front on his latest start at Perth back in May, for which the handicapper raised him 6lb to a new high of 116. Another exciting season looks on the cards for this progressive six year old, who will be reunited with Brian Hughes.
Our other runner in the race is the classy Foster'sisland who is the winner of six of his 32 starts to date, and has finished either second or third on another 13 occasions. Foster'sisland failed to get his head in front last season, but showed on more than one occasion that he retains all of his ability. The handicapper doesn't reward consistency, but Foster'sisland will start his new season from his last winning mark, with Emma Smith-Chaston, who has won on him on four previous occasions, back in the saddle.
Balkotic can go on a softer surface, but any drying out of the ground would be in his favour. He hasn't been at his best since his return from a break the last twice, but with those runs under his belt he should be competitive again from a 5lb lower mark than when he was last in the winners enclosure. Balkotic runs at 3.35.pm, in the 0-110 handicap hurdle, over two miles and five furlongs, with Emma Smith-Chaston who has won on him twice previously, retaining the ride.
At Newcastle Carnival Zain makes his third visit to the track, and his sixth overall start on the all weather, when he goes to post for the 5.15.pm, in the 0-75 handicap, over a mile, with Jason Hart on board for the first time. Carnival Zain finished a close up fourth at Redcar from a 2lb higher mark in August, but he hasn't been quite that good on either of his latest two starts, but this return to a stiff mile will be in his favour.
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, Andrew Phillips, The Oakwood Nobels, Raypasha, and Newroc & Partner.
Foster'sisland.
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