We have four declared runners for Tuesday, with three over the jumps at Market Rasen, where it is good to soft, soft in places on the chase course, at the time of writing. We also send one down to Southwell on the all weather for their evening meeting.
First up in the extended two miles 0-100 handicap hurdle at 2.10.pm, is Penpal who will once again be partnered by Alain Cawley. Penpal has raced on nine occasions for us since arriving from France in the autumn of 2020, having won a claimer at Pau in May of that year. His one standout run for us was on his second start at Catterick in December 2020 when carrying a penalty in a novice hurdle, he attempted to make all, and only gave best from two out to be beaten 11 and a half lengths. A repeat of that would see him go very close here as his mark has slipped from 125 to a current 87.
Another ex French recruit is the lightly raced five year old gelding Hideo, who has placed form in France over hurdles and fences, before badly losing his form on his last two French starts in June and November of last year. Unfortunately in two starts for us he has again failed to get competitive, and will now step up to an extended two miles and seven furlongs for the first time to see if that can bring around improvement. The race is at 3.20.pm, a 0-120 handicap chase with Emma Smith-Chaston retaining the ride.
Desaray Girl made her chase debut at Wetherby 12 days ago in the hands of Conor O'Farrell, who will once again be on board for her second start over fences. She goes to post for the 4.30.pm, a 0-100 mares only handicap chase over two miles and three furlongs, from a mark of just 99. It is only just over two years ago that Desaray Girl was winning a Listed race at Haydock which earned her a BHA rating of 133. The problem appears to be that she may have fallen out of love with racing, so it is to be seen whether the first time cheek pieces can have the desired effect.
We also have one runner on the all weather at Southwell where The Retriever runs at 6.30.pm, in a 0-70 handicap over seven furlongs, with his regular jockey Aiden Brookes in the saddle. This will be The Retriever's first run on the new Southwell Tapeta surface, but he enjoys all the other artificial surfaces he has run on so there should be no problem. He has raced twice since returning from his summer break, and will now be approaching peak fitness. He has drawn well in stall three, but this is a grade higher than he normally competes in, and he still remains 7lb above his last winning mark.
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Good luck to the connections, The Golden Cuckoo, Two Nicks And A Mick, Resdev, and RM&T Holdings Limited & Partners.
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