We send four to Pontefract on Wednesday where the going at the time of writing is good, good to firm in places.
The old warrior Quoteline Direct will have his 78th career start at 2.20.pm, in the 10 furlongs 0-65 handicap for Gentlemen Amateur riders, where he will be partnered by Mr Frederick Tett who will be having his first ride for the yard. Quoteline Direct was last seen having a rare spin over hurdles at Cartmel 40 days ago when running a creditable fourth. His recent runs on the turf on the flat haven't been so good, and you would have to go back six runs and over a year since he last got competitive on the turf at Ripon.
We introduce our third individual two year old runner of the season at 2.50.pm, when the very well related Witchford makes her racecourse debut in a six furlong maiden stakes, with Aiden Brookes taking the ride. Witchford is the sixth racecourse representative of her dam who has already produced three runners who have surpassed a RPR in the mid to high 90's, and as the Dam was a middle distance performer, it is certain that Witchford will be seen racing over longer distances in due course.
Frankelio made a pleasing seasonal return at Pontefract in April, and improved on that at Wetherby in June when finishing third. He took a backwards step at Thirsk last time but that can be put down to the drop back in trip to seven furlongs. He is weighted to go very close in this event, but his chance would be enhanced by any easing in the ground. The race is a 0-80 handicap over his favoured mile at 3.50.pm, with Graham Lee retaining the ride.
Sparkle In His Eye has had a very productive season to date winning on four of his last seven starts, and he probably found the nine furlongs at Musselburgh last time stretching his stamina when finishing a close up fourth. Prior to that he had won at that same track from a 3lb lower mark than now over seven furlongs. He now tackles the stiff mile at Pontefract as he steps up in grade to Class 5 company, but his last run shows that he remains in good form. The race is at 4.20.pm, where he will once again have the assistance of Aiden Brookes in the saddle.
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, JFW Properties Ltd, Keep The Faith Partnership, Forty Forty Twenty, and Samuel Sutton.
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