The going at Newbury on Thursday where we have one representative is currently described as good to firm, while up in Scotland at Musselburgh, where we have two runners, it is currently good to firm, good in places.
Fiftyshadesaresdev makes the trip down to Newbury to contest the 0-70 amateur jockeys handicap, over 10 furlongs, at 1.45.pm, where he will be partnered by the top lady amateur rider Becky Smith, who is having her first ride back since being injured at Wetherby back in October of last year, we wish her all the best, as she gets her riding career back on track. Fiftyshadesaresdev ran the best of his three starts this season on debut back in April at Pontefract, and would go close on that run, from a 3lb lower mark now. He appears to act on most surfaces.
At Musselburgh, Rioja Alta will face three rivals at 6.40.pm, in the 0-68 handicap, over two miles, with Billy Garritty on board for the first time. Rioja Alta is attractively handicapped on the best of his Irish flat form, and since arriving at the yard late last year, he has run respectably in two hurdle races, finishing third on both occasions. He will be wearing cheek pieces for the first time, on ground that will be the fastest he has encountered to date.
Sparkle In His Eye has been a tremendous servant, winning five races for us, including twice over this course and distance, both from marks higher than now. He hinted at a return to form at Nottingham eight days ago, and he can once again race from the same mark of 55. Sparkle In His Eye goes to post for the 0-60 handicap, at 8.15.pm, over seven furlongs, with Aiden Brookes being re-united in the saddle.
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Good luck to the connections, Resdev, Mrs B M Lofthouse, and Samuel Sutton.
Sparkle In His Eye.
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