We have two runners on Friday, where the going at Ascot is currently good, and up at Hexham it is good to firm, good in places, and they are watering.
Carnival Zain arrived at the yard from France in the spring of last year with a mark of 77, but he took a long time to acclimatise, which saw that mark drop down to 64 for the start of this season. He has now run on nine occasions this term, and has really found his form having won five times, which has seen his mark climb to 91. He was a winner at Ascot back in July, and has since gone in at Thirsk last time out, for which he was raised another 5lb which does look harsh, but he does keep on putting up new personal bests. The race is a 0-95 Amateur Jockeys handicap over seven furlongs at 2.0.pm, with Becky Smith who has already won on him twice this season taking the ride.
Another prolific winner for us this season has been Larry Looby who completed a four timer at Sedgefield in August, which took his mark from 72 to his current rating of 98. The bubble burst at Hexham last time when he put in a rare lack lustre run, but it is probably best to forgive him that, as this race looks winnable on those previous runs. He appears to be versatile when it comes to the ground, so even if the rain comes he should still be able to cope. The race is a 0-105 novices handicap chase over three miles, with Emma Smith-Chaston who was on board for all the four previous wins retaining the ride.
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Good luck to the connections, Newroc & Partner, and Mr & Mrs D Lees & D Pollitt.
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