We have five runners on Friday, with four representatives at Thirsk for their evening meeting, and also a runner at Nottingham for their afternoon card.
Quoteline Direct is declared at Nottingham for the 4.45.pm, a 0-60 handicap over 10 furlongs for Novice Flat Amateur Jockey's who have not ridden more than three winners at the start of this season, Quoteline Direct will be partnered by our very own James Waggott.
Over at Thirsk the going is good, good to soft in places, and we are represented by our first two year old runners of the season in Division 1, and Division 2 of the Novice Stakes over seven furlongs. Fiftyshadesaresdev will be partnered in the first Division at 5.20,pm by Billy Garritty, and Merlin's Gold goes at 5.53.pm, in Division 2, with Billy Garritty also in the saddle for that ride as well. Both horses will greatly benefit from the experience, and it will be fascinating watching them have their first day at school.
It was back in June of last year when Irv ran what was a personal best when finishing second over this course and distance on good to soft ground, from a 13lb higher mark than now. He is declared for the 7.53.pm over a mile, with Aiden Brookes who has ridden him on all of his six previous starts this season in the saddle. You couldn't say Irv has run a bad race this year, but he has appeared to just lack that turn of foot to see him fight out a finish. He has a good draw in four, and if able to run anywhere near that form from last season, he will go very close.
Myboymax has proven to be a bargain buy out of the Richard Hannon yard, his rating had dropped to 50 after some lacklustre efforts, but since joining us he has certainly taken advantage of a handy mark. He was a clear cut winner at Yarmouth in June from a mark of 48, and when stepping up to 12 furlongs at Catterick in July from a 7lb higher mark, he was just as authoritative. A further 6lb rise looks within his range, and if in the same mood it will take a very well handicapped horse to beat him.The race is at 8.23.pm, over 12 furlongs with Aiden Brookes retaining the ride.
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Good luck to the connections, JFW Properties Ltd, Resdev, S Nicols, Irvine Lynch, and Anthony Bithell.