We are jumping on Tuesday at Newcastle, where the going is currently described as good on the hurdles course, and good to soft on the chase course.
Getaway Jewel is first up at 2.15.pm, in a 0-100 handicap chase over two miles, where he will have the services of the champion jockey Brian Hughes in the saddle. Getaway Jewel has under performed on both his last two starts since returning from a three months break, but he has probably found the ground too testing, so any drying out here will be to his advantage.
Balkotic is now within reach of a hat-trick having won his last two starts in September and November, which sees him race from a 4lb higher mark now of 99. Balkotic is progressive, but may need this first run back in six months to put him spot on, with the visor he has worn the last twice missing now. The race is a 0-110 handicap hurdle over the extended two miles and seven furlongs, with Josh Thompson in the saddle for the first time.
Burnage Boy must feel like he is hitting his head against a brick wall, as he is now a 45 raced maiden under both codes. He just lacks that extra gear to get his head in front, having finished second on four occasions, and third a further twice. He will be ridden by Joshua Thompson who will take 10lb off his back, which gives him a featherweight. The race is a 0-100 handicap hurdle at 4.35.pm, over the extended two miles.
Penpal returns from 375 days off the track, in which time he has had a wind operation. He arrived from France in the autumn of 2020 with a rating of 125, which in 14 subsequent starts has been reduced to 75, making him a very well handicapped horse if the breathing operation is the key to the decline in form. He goes to post for the 5.10.pm, in division 2 of the 0-100 handicap hurdle, over the extended two miles, at the time of writing there is no jockey booked as yet.
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, Phil Ellerby, Raypasha, JFW Properties Ltd, and The Golden Cuckoo.
Penpal.
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