We have one runner at Thirsk, where the going is currently good to firm, and a further three in the evening at Beverley, where the going is also good to firm, but rain is expected at both venues between now and race time.
At Thirsk, Cedar Rapids has raced for us twice since arriving from Ireland in the spring. He made a very satisfactory stable debut for us at Ripon in May, when finishing a close up fourth over 10 furlongs, but at Pontefract over a mile, 25 days ago, he weakened from over a furlong out, and was eventually eased. He now steps up to 12 furlongs for the first time in his 23 flat race career. He runs at 5.25.pm, in a 0-72 handicap, with Paul Mulrennan taking the ride.
At Beverley we are doubly represented at 6.15.pm, in the maiden fillies stakes, over seven furlongs. The three year old filly Magnolia Hawks will make her racecourse debut, with Aiden Brookes taking the ride. Magnolia Hawks is by the 2005, 2000 Guineas winner Footstepsinthesand, out of an unraced Kodiac mare, and we will know more about her after this run.
Our other representative in the race is Expert Lady, who looked very green on her racecourse debut at Catterick 10 days ago, when after being reluctant to enter the stalls, she was slowly away, and was then pushed along, and then bucked repeatedly soon after the start, she then hung right, and received reminders, and eventually finished seventh of the eight runners, she will be partnered by Cam Hardie.
Irv served notice that he was running in to form at Ripon 30 days ago, when finishing fifth, after being denied a clear run. Irv was a winner over this course and distance last July from 1lb higher mark than now, and although he has some form on a soft surface, he would probably prefer the rain to stay away. He goes to post for the 8.45.pm, in a 0-55 handicap over 10 furlongs, with Aiden Brookes retaining the ride.
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Good luck to the connections, Barran & Hogg, Peter Davies & Sons Limited, Sharp Hill Thoroughbreds, and Anthony Bithell & Partner.
Irv.
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