We have runners at four different venues on Saturday, with runners on the flat at Doncaster and Ripon, and over the jumps at Perth and Market Rasen where they return from their 13 days summer jumping break.
We kick off at Doncaster at 1.0.pm, with Alaskan Wind in the 0-60 Apprentice handicap over 10 furlongs, he is having his fourth start for us since arriving in the yard back in May. Alaskan Wind was a winner over seven furlongs from a 5lb higher mark than now at Newcastle last September, but his form has been in decline since then, and he appeared to fare no better over 10 furlongs when last seen at Nottingham 18 days ago, he will be partnered by Aiden Brookes who has been on board for all his last three starts.
Up at Perth Shaws Bridge goes to post for the 0-120 handicap hurdle over two miles and four furlongs at 3.05.pm, where he will be reunited with Emma Smith-Chaston who has ridden him three times previously. Shaws Bridge is now back on the same mark as when he won at Perth over this trip in April of last year, and a repeat of that would probably be good enough, but his latest runs suggest that at the moment he isn't quite performing to that level.
Also at Perth The Rutland Rebel remains a very well handicapped horse, he took advantage of a very attractive mark at Perth 17 days ago, and the 5lb rise in the weights should not be enough to stop another big run. The probable faster surface is to his advantage, as is the step up in trip. The race is a 0-105 handicap hurdle over three miles with Emma Smirth-Chaston.
Over at Ripon Milltown Lily makes a quick reappearance just four days after finishing a below par fourth at Carlisle over a trip that probably stretched her stamina. Prior to that she had run to a similar level on all her three previous starts for us, and a repeat of any of those runs will see her bang in the mix here. The race is a 0-60 handicap over the extended nine furlongs with Andrew Elliott taking the ride.
At 4.33.pm, Merlin's Gold makes his handicap debut in a 0-52 handicap over 12 furlongs, with Billy Garritty retaining the ride. Merlins Gold starts out handicapping from the basement mark, but so far in three novice events he has shown nothing at all, so any progress will be a big step forward.
Our other six runners are all at Market Rasen in the evening. Getaway Jewel is on a hat-trick having won both his last two starts at Market Rasen, which has seen him climb to a career high mark of 98, but there is no reason to think he wont be competitive again. The race is a 0-100 handicap chase over two miles and one furlong with Becky Smith, who was second on him at Fakenham in May taking the ride.
Also on a hat-trick is the rejuvenated Who's The Guv'Nor, who has also won his last two races at Market Rasen. His mark has climbed to 100 but on bits of old form over hurdles it can be argued that he is still on a very winnable mark. The race is a 0-100 handicap chase over the extended two miles and six furlongs, a trip he ought to see out. The very experienced Tom Cannon who is having his first ride for us is in the saddle.
We are doubly represented at 7.10.pm, in the 0-100 handicap chase over two miles and five furlongs. Onenightintown went close on a couple of occasions in the spring but has appeared to have gone off the boil in his last two starts, his best runs have come over a shorter trip, and this new distance isn't sure to suit, he will once again have the services of Becky Smith in the saddle.
Our other runner in the race is Amber Run who is now looking very limited. He has finished fourth on three occasions since arriving from Ireland, and the best hope this time will be that this will be the fastest surface he has encountered to date, he will be ridden by Brendan Powell.
We are also doubly represented at 8.10.pm, in the 0-105 handicap hurdle over the extended two miles and two furlongs. Brickadank returned from a four months break at Market Rasen 13 days ago to post one of his better efforts when finishing second, his other placed form from slightly higher marks than now would also give him a shout, but he has to show he can back up that last run, he will once again be partnered by Becky Smith.
We are also represented in the race by Mac Suibhne who made the perfect start for us when winning on stable debut last month, he has since been an unlucky fourth having been left short of room at a crucial point, and on his latest start 13 days ago he probably failed to see out the near three miles trip. He will have the services of Jack Hogan who takes off a very handy 7lb.
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Good luck to the connections, Anthony Bithell, Newroc & Co, Maybe The Last Time, Oakwood Racing, Ryder And Alex Sugden, Phil Ellerby, Mr & Mrs I P Earnshaw, The Rat Pack Racing Club, Lady S Toomes, Mrs J Hill & Partners, and A & S Associates.
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