CARNIVAL ZAIN COULD ROLL BACK THE YEARS.

We have two runners on Bank Holiday Monday at Ripon, where the going is currently described as good, and they have watered.

The first time cheek pieces did the trick for Arranmore at Newcastle on his penultimate start when he got his head in front for the fifth time in his 66 race career. The extra two furlongs, and step up in class were the most likely reasons for his below par fifth at Thirsk last time, so back down in trip and grade will see him to better effect here. Arranmore runs at 4.58.pm, in the 0-50 Classified Stakes, over the extended one mile and one furlong, with Aiden Brookes retaining the ride.

Carnival Zain is now on his 21st start since he last got his head in front at Thirsk in August 2022. He is now eight years old, and 24lb lower in the weights, and at Beverley 27 days ago he signalled that career win number seven could be just around the corner. The combination of a first time tongue tie and a step up in trip appears to have revitalised him, and a repeat of that Beverley run makes him the one to beat. Carnival Zain runs at 5.33.pm, in the 0-65 amateur jockeys handicap, over very nearly one mile and three furlongs, with Becky Smith retaining the ride.

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, The Rat Pack Racing Club, and Newroc & Partner.

Carnival Zain.