We send three down to Stratford, where the going is currently described as good, good to firm in places, and we also send two up to Perth, where the going is currently good.
At Stratford, Who's The Guv'nor is first up at 1.30.pm, in the 0-100 handicap chase, over two miles and three furlongs, with Brian Hughes retaining the ride. Who's The Guv'nor returned from nearly 21 months off the track when pulling up at Market Rasen 30 days ago. That race will have helped greatly to getting him somewhere back to his best, which includes three wins from his four previous starts prior to his long break.
We are doubly represented at 2.30.pm, in the 0-105 handicap chase, over the extended two miles and six furlongs. Ingennio arrived at the yard on the back of two quick successes at Fakenham in April, and in his two starts for us from higher marks in better class company, he has run to around the same level when finishing fifth, and then fourth. He is now back down to just 2lb above his last winning mark, and will have Brian Hughes to aid him in the saddle.
Our other runner in the race is Buto, who will be partnered by Joe Williamson for the first time. Buto was the winner of a handicap hurdle at Hexham in May of last year from an 8lb lower mark than now, and made his chase debut when finishing eighth at that same track 29 days ago. With that first experience behind him, he should be more competitive this time.
At Perth, Contre Ordre missed his intended engagement earlier on this week, and is now re-routed. Contre Ordre was at his best when winning at Sedgefield in November, and was also seen to good effect when finishing second at Wetherby in March. All of his best form is on a softer surface, so any rain would be appreciated. He runs at 2.45.pm, in the 0-110 handicap chase, over two miles, with Emma Smith-Chaston in the saddle.
Not What It Seems has struggled since returning from a near career ending injury. At his best, back in December 2022, he achieved a BHA mark of 123, which has now dropped to 105, so any resurgence in form will make him a very difficult opponent. Not What It Seems will go to post for 0-120 handicap hurdle, over three miles, at 4.15.pm, with Emma Smith-Chaston retaining the ride.
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Good luck to the connections, Mr & Mrs I P Earnshaw, Phil Ellerby, D Pollitt & Partners, North Star Racing, Newroc & Co, and Ryder And Alex Sugden.
Not What It Seems.
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