Boxing Day comes early to Sedgefield, with the rearranging of fixtures this year, at least I won't have the yearly dilemma of do I go to Sedgefield or Wetherby on Boxing Day. The going at the time of writing is soft, heavy in places, which appears to have affected field sizes, with the exception of our race.
Sincerely Resdev and Great Raffles go head to head against 12 other rivals in the extended two miles and three furlongs 0-100 handicap hurdle at 2.55.pm.Sincerely Resdev won at Sedgefield last time out, exactly a month ago, over two furlongs shorter, and on good ground, on his first start for us. His past record suggests this going, and the step up in trip will be no problem, as he attempts to double up off a lifetime high mark of 85. Aiden Macdonald retains the ride, and will claim 10lb off his back.
Great Raffles joined us after three runs in France earlier on this year, all on a soft surface, twice over jumps where he never got competitive, and once on the flat when showing a hint of ability to finish in sixth place.He made his debut for us at Wetherby last month, taking on some above average novices, when finishing a 36 lengths third at 200/1. Strictly on that run a mark of 98 looks very stiff, but he is very lightly raced, Joe Colliver will take the ride.
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Good luck to the connections, Resdev, and The Golden Cuckoo.