Newcastle host their second National Hunt meeting in the space of four days on Friday, where the going is currently good, good to soft in places.
Rory and Me began his career in 2019 by winning a couple of bumpers, and then went flat racing where he placed on three occasions, achieving a mark of 74. He was a creditable second on his hurdles debut at Wetherby in November 2020, but was then away from the track for 13 months before returning at Newcastle to finish third. He was under par at Wetherby over Christmas on a soft surface, and ran to his previous best hurdles form when second at Newcastle on his latest start. He runs in the 2.30.pm, a novice hurdle over two miles, with his regular jockey Alain Cawley in the saddle.
Foster'sisland is the winner of five of his last 10 starts which has seen his mark climb from 89 to his current sealing of 121. His last win came at Ayr in December when dead heating from a 3lb lower mark than now, that was followed by an audacious attempt at the Listed Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Sandown in January where the occasion appeared to get to him as he raced over keenly, and paid the price by weakening from three out. His latest run at Wetherby 34 days ago showed he was still in form when finishing a five and a quarter lengths third in class 3 company. He goes to post for the 4.15.pm, a 0-135 handicap hurdle over two and a half miles, with Emma Smith-Chaston who has won on him on three previous occasions retaining the ride.
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, Richard Howard & Ben Howard, and The Oakwood Nobels.
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