We have two runners on Friday at different venues, with Irv making his way to Haydock, and Red Amapola making her way down to Nottingham.
The going at Haydock is good to soft at the time of writing, but there is every expectation that it will dry out to at least good on the day. Irv makes a quick reappearance at 5.15.pm, in a 0-70 handicap over a mile, just one week after finishing a respectable fourth at York. Irv has run well on all his four previous starts this season, and despite hanging left inside the final furlong last time, he was keeping on at the finish. Friday's race represents a drop in grade, in what looks his best chance so far to add to his two previous wins. Aiden Brookes who has been in the saddle on all his previous starts this season, retains the ride.
Our three year old filly Red Amapola has her third start when going to post in the 4.20.pm, at Nottingham, where the going is good to firm at the time of writing. She will face five rivals over the extended mile, with Joe Fanning riding her for the first time. Red Amapola ran with a lot of promise on her debut at Wetherby in June, and probably ran to a similar level in better company at Nottingham 22 days ago. On Friday she faces more quality than quantity, but this race will aid her education, and give her, her first handicap mark.
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Good luck to the connections, Irvine Lynch, and Miss Rebecca Dennis.