We have three runners on Tuesday, with Balkotic making the trip down to Southwell, where the going is good, good to firm in places at the time of writing. We also sent two up to Newcastle for their evening meeting on the all weather.
Balkotic arrived from France last year with a mark of 100, and after mainly struggling on his first six starts he got off the mark with something to spare at Sedgefield last time, from a much reduced mark of 87. He has only been raised a very generous looking 4lb for that success, so his chance is obvious. The race is a 0-100 handicap hurdle at 2.32.pm, with Becky Smith retaining the ride.
Both of our runners at Newcastle will go head to head in the same colours at 5.0.pm, in a 0-55 handicap over 10 furlongs. Quoteline Direct seems to reserve his best for Wolverhampton these days, but he has no problems with Newcastle, so he shouldn't be too far away over his optimum trip. He appears to have very little in hand off his current handicap mark, and will have Billy Garritty in the saddle.
Burnage Boy who runs in the same ownership will have the services of Aiden Brookes, who was also on board when Burnage Boy finished fourth at Wolverhampton 18 days ago. Burnage Boy remains frustrating, and is now a 34 race maiden under both codes, but we have seen that there is ability there, as he has finished runner up on four occasions, although on the flat in 13 starts he has only managed one place, when finishing third at Pontefract in July 2019.
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, Raypasha, and JFW Properties Ltd.
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