Dragons Will Rise who would have faced 19 opponents at York last Sunday missed that engagement which could turn out to be a blessing as he now faces only four rivals at Ripon on Thursday, where the going at the time of writing is good. Dragons Will Rise has never raced beyond 10 furlongs, and will now step in to unknown territory has he tackles 12 furlongs for the first time, my gut feeling is that he will get the trip. Dragons Will Rise goes in search of his ninth win in his last 13 starts at 2.20.pm, where he will be partnered by Robert Havlin who has won on him on five previous occasions.
King Of Unicorns has looked a different horse since transferring to the flat, where he has exclusively raced over one mile to date. He has contested three hot novice events in order to receive his opening handicap mark of 74, which on balance looks about right. He has run with credit on all three occasions finishing third twice, and fourth on his latest start. He now steps up to an extended nine furlongs, and if that eeks out anymore improvement he will be bang there. The race is a 0-90 handicap at 2.50.pm, with our stable apprentice Aiden Brookes on board for the first time.
Countess Olivia makes her flat debut at 3.50.pm, over one mile in a hot looking novice event where she will be partnered by Andrew Elliott. Countess Olivia finished tailed off in all of her first three starts in bumpers which were all on soft ground, and although finishing last of four last time at Sedgefield on good ground she was only beaten 13 lengths, which represented a big step forward. Countess Olivia is bred for flat racing, and this is step number one on the way to her receiving a handicap mark.
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 Golden Cuckoo, Joe Buzzeo, and John Sidebottom & Mrs Kate Sidebottom.