We are jumping and we are flat racing on Monday, with two declared on the flat at Ripon, and two entered at Cartmel over the jumps.
At Ripon where the going at the time of writing is good our first representative is Little Jack in the 4.15.pm, a three year old and upwards maiden over the extended nine furlongs. Little Jack certainly has enough ability to win as he showed when winning a bumper in 2018 first time out. Unfortunately he has got in to the habit of not wanting to race, a quirk he showed for both his previous trainers. In two starts for us he has consented to race, but only after being very reluctant, and coming out of the stalls slowly. Aiden Brookes who has ridden him the last twice retains the ride.
Quoteline Direct is the winner of five races in a 67 race career for us, but has not won since July 2018 at Pontefract. He ran some cracking races on the all weather at Wolverhampton last season, finishing second or third on four occasions, but he has not run to that level since returning to turf. He runs in the 4.50.pm, having been dropped to an all time low mark of 45, in a 0-65 Amateur Jockeys handicap over the extended 10 furlongs, with James Waggott taking the ride.
Over at Cartmel the predicted going is also good, where we are also doubly represented, with both runners entered at 5.55.pm, in a 0-100 handicap hurdle over two miles and six furlongs. Arctic Quest ran his best race since joining us on stable debut over this course and distance in August of last year when finishing second under Becky Smith, who will be back in saddle this time. That day he raced from a 9lb higher mark than now, so a return to that form would put him right in the mix.
Our other runner in the race is Papal Count whose form in Ireland for two other yards suggests that he is capable of winning a race, having gone close to winning on both the flat and over jumps. He made his stable debut for us at Market Rasen 29 days ago when finishing well down the field, but that was his first start in 10 months, so he is entitled to progress from that, Alain Cawley retains the ride.
To keep up to date with all the latest happenings at Oakwood Stables, and Sharp Hill, click on 'NEWS' at www.mickyhammondracing.
Good luck to the connections, Anthony Bithell, JFW Properties Ltd, Ian Barron & Oakwood, and Red & Whites.
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