We send four up to Newcastle on Saturday, where the going is currently described as good, and they have watered.
Livano Bello is first up at 1.27.pm, in the extended two miles novices hurdle, with Brian Hughes retaining the ride. Livano Bello who will be having only his fourth racecourse start, was an excellent third on debut in France last September, but in two decent hurdles races for us he is yet to match that form, but his latest run at Wetherby was an improvement on his first for us. This race is weaker than those previous ones, and he should take a step forward again.
The first time blinkers helped to do the trick for Rioja Alta at Sedgefield 38 days ago, when making all for a very easy seven lengths success, for which the 8lb rise in the weights looks fair. Rioja Alta remains well handicapped judged on her flat rating of 72 when trained in Ireland in 2023. She would probably prefer a bit of cut in the ground, but she does have form on good ground. Rioja Alta runs at 2.37.pm, in the 0-100 handicap hurdle, over two and a half miles, with Brian Hughes on board for the first time.
Jericoacoara's future will lie over fences, but judged on his stable debut for us over this course and distance three weeks ago, he should be able to win one over the smaller obstacles first. Jericoacoara ran an excellent fourth that day on his first start in eight months, and will find this race less competitive. He has some solid French form over both hurdles and fences, but will be racing on the fastest surface he has yet encountered. He goes to post for the 0-140 handicap hurdle at 3.47.pm, over the extended two miles, with Sean Quinlan riding him for the first time.
Our much loved veteran Onenightintown who is now 11 years old, and who has given us loads of fun over the years, has his 49 start under all codes at 4.22.pm, in the 0-100 handicap chase, over two miles and seven furlongs, with Brian Hughes, who has ridden him twice previously, back in the saddle. Onenightintown who is a three times winner, and acts on most ground types, has struggled for form since finishing second to his stablemate Brickadank just over a year ago. He will retain the blinkers he wore for the first time at Musselburgh last time.
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Good look to the connections, Mike And Eileen Newbould, Mrs B M Lofthouse, G R Orchard & Mrs J M Gray, and The Rat Pack Racing Club
Jericoacoara.
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