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NEW YEARS DAY PREVIEW.

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We kick off the New Year in traditional style with seven runners at Catterick, where the going is currently described as good.



Shadowfax Of Rohan is first up at 12.45.pm, in the two miles and three furlongs novices hurdle, where he will be partnered by Joshua Thompson. Shadowfax Of Rohan ran to a similar decent level in three bumpers during the summer, but has not got near that level in his two hurdle starts to date. He has worn a hood or a tongue previously, but this will be the first time that they have been worn as a combination. He will be eligible for a handicap mark after this.



Beat The Edge makes a quick return over course and distance, only four days after finishing a creditable second to a vastly improving sort. This was the seventh time that Beat The Edge has now finished runner up, but he appeared to give his all in that latest race. He will face only three rivals at 1.20.pm, in the 0-100 handicap chase, over two miles and three furlongs, with Emma Smith-Chaston retaining the ride.



Master Breffni will also only face a maximum of three opponents when he goes to post for the 0-105 handicap chase, at 2.25.pm, over the extended one mile and seven furlongs, with Conor O'Farrell, who won on him at Carlisle in March, back in the saddle. Master Breffni was returning from a near eight months break when finishing a good fifth at Carlisle 31 days ago. The big question mark is the ground, as all of his form is on soft or heavy.



We will be doubly represented at 3.05.pm, in the 0-100 handicap hurdle, over three miles and one furlong. Fainche who will be partnered by Joshua Thompson was a model of consistency last season, with form figures reading '3232.' She hasn't reached those heights yet so far this term in two starts, as cheek pieces will be added to her regular tongue tie for the first time. The ground is a big unknown, with all of her best form being on soft and heavy.



Our other representative in the race is Balkotic who has always preferred a sound surface, he will be partnered by his regular rider Emma Smith-Chaston. Balkotic is the winner of three hurdles races for us since arriving from France back in 2021, where he was also a winner on the flat. He was an excellent third at Cartmel back in June, but has failed to fire in four subsequent starts, which has seen his mark slip 8lb below his last winning rating.



We also have two runners in the finale at 3.39.pm, in the 0-105 handicap hurdle, over the extended one mile and seven furlongs. Belle Na Bann will be partnered by Joshua Thompson, who has ridden her three times previously, and does go on good ground, but any rain would be a bonus. She was a dual winner last season, including at Catterick in this corresponding race on heavy ground, and will now race from the same mark. She has finished down the field on both starts this term, with the first race probably needed, and on her latest start she found the trip stretching her stamina.



Bunker Bay returns from a seven months break, and will once again be ridden by Emma Smith-Chaston, who was also on board for all three hurdles races last season. Prior to those runs Bunker Bay was a fairly decent performer on the flat for his previous yard, including finishing second at Sandown in July 2023, from a mark of 71. On that form his opening jumps mark of 89 gets the heart rate accelerating, but as we know, comparing jumps form with flat form can prove very expensive.



To keep up to date with all the latest happenings at Oakwood Stables, Sharp Hill, and Curlew, click on 'NEWS' at www.mickyhammondracing.



Good luck to the connections, K Jardine R Griffiths D Boyce W Duffus, Smartwater Utilities, Phil Ellerby, D Pollitt & Partners, In 4 A Grand, Raypasha, Ms D Morley & Partner, and The Golden Cuckoo.



Bunker Bay.


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