We take four runners down to Market Rasen on Sunday, where the going at the time of writing is good, and they are watering to maintain.
First up at 1.50.pm, in the Tom Halliday Memorial conditional jockeys 0-105 handicap hurdle over the extended two miles and four furlongs is Mac Suibhne who is making his first appearance for us, with Emma Smith-Chaston taking the ride. This ex Irish gelding was second in a point to point when last seen nine weeks ago on his fourth start in that discipline, he has also raced seven times previously over hurdles, with his best run coming on his second start at Gowran Park back in October 2020. We will know more about him after this run.
Getaway Jewel has been frustrating since being sent chasing last December, and has subsequently become well handicapped on his hurdles form. He was a good second at Fakenham on his penultimate start suggesting that his turn wasn't far away, but he disappointed when last seen at Market Rasen 30 days ago when once again his jumping at times left something to be desired. He goes to post for the 0-105 novices handicap chase over two miles and one furlong at 3.0.pm, with the champion jockey Brian Hughes retaining the ride.
Who's The Guv'Nor finally got his act together over this course and distance 16 days ago when keeping on well for a convincing six and a half lengths success, he steps up a grade for the 3.35.pm, in a 0-115 handicap chase over two miles and three furlongs, with Brian Hughes retaining the ride. Who's The Guv'Nor who had largely been disappointing up until this latest success will attempt to put back to back good runs together from an 8lb rise in the weights.
Royal Village has pulled up on his last two starts, but prior to that was a promising third from a 5lb higher mark than now at Carlisle back in March. He was a fortunate winner from a 10lb higher mark than now in this corresponding race last year, where he would have finished second had the one in front not come down at the last. Royal Village may not be the quality horse he once was, but on his day he can still make his mark. He goes to post for the 0-125 handicap chase at 4.10.pm, over two miles and five furlongs with Emma Smith-Chaston on board.
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Good luck to the connections, Phil Ellerby, Mr & Mrs I P Earnshaw, and the Cheltenham Trail & Cleeve Racing Club.