We take four down the A1 to Wetherby on Saturday, where the going is currently described as soft, heavy in places.
Not What It Seems returned from 10 months off the track through injury, when posting a promising third at Newcastle in December, on the face of it, he was disappointing next time on New Years Day at Catterick, when finishing a 15 lengths third, but the chances are he didn't see out the three miles and one furlong, so from a 3lb lower mark now, and a drop in trip, he should be competitive. Not What It Seems runs at 1.32.pm, in the 0-125 handicap chase, over two miles and three furlongs, with Emma Smith-Chaston retaining the ride.
Foster'sisland put a rare below par run behind him, when returning to his best at Wetherby three weeks ago, for which the handicapper has shown no mercy be raising him 1lb. Although Foster'sisland loves it around Wetherby, surprisingly he has still to win there in nine previous attempts, but there is no reason to think that he wont be challenging at the business end again. He runs at 2.42.pm, in the 0-130 handicap hurdle, over the extended two miles and three furlongs, with his regular rider Emma Smith-Chaston on the saddle.
We will be doubly represented at 3.17.pm, in the 0-100 novices handicap chase, over tho miles and three furlongs. Great Raffles was 32 lengths behind his stable mate Carrigeen Castle, who he re opposes here on 9lb better terms, from their meeting at Newcastle four weeks ago. Great Raffles is yet to take to fences in two tries, but is now looking attractively weighted on the best of his hurdles form, he will be partnered by Emma Smith-Chaston.
Our other representative in the race is Carrigeen Castle, who came good on his third start for us, since being purchased out of the Irish point to point field. Carrigeen Castle was a winner just under a year ago in a point to point, so even with the 5lb extra for winning his latest start at Newcastle, his mark of 99 should be within his compass, he will be partnered by Alice Stevens for the first time, who can claim 5lb.
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Good luck to the connections, Ryder And Alex Sugden, The Oakwood Nobels, The Golden Cuckoo, and The Cheltenham Trail.
Carrigeen Castle.
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