We send two to Pontefract where the going at the time of writing is good, good to firm in places, and we also send two up to Musselburgh where the going is also good, good to firm in places.
At Pontefract Myboymax is first up at 1.45.pm, in a 0-70 Female Amateur Riders handicap hurdle over 10 furlongs, with Becky Smith in the saddle for the first time. Myboymax finally got his just desserts last time out after a series of consistent efforts, when having the run of the race off the front end in a slowly run event. He has been raised 3lb for that win, in what now looks a more competitive race, and this will be his first run at this trip since winning at Yarmouth off a 22lb lower mark in July of last year.
Our other runner at Pontefract is the equally consistent Carnival Zain, who went down by a neck over this course and distance 31 days ago. He has been raised a further 2lb for that run, but he hasn't been out of the first two in four runs this term. The race is a 0-85 handicap over the mile, with Billy Garritty retaining the ride.
We also send two runners up to Musselburgh, where at 7.0.pm, in a 0-65 handicap over two miles Balkotic switches back to the flat, with Andrew Elliott on board for the first time. Balkotic was a comfortable winner over jumps at Sedgefield back in May, but on his latest start at Southwell three weeks later he failed to fire, with the jockey reporting that he was never travelling. He has only run on the flat on four previous occasions, but was a winner for his previous yard in France at Craon back in 2020.
The majority of our flat horses this season have been admirably consistent, and Sparkle In His Eye is another who hasn't let the side down. He is the winner of three of his last five starts, with the best of his form coming on the all weather, although he is probably just as effective on turf. He was slowly away over this course and distance last time out, but he generally has no problems with the stalls. The race is a 0-65 handicap over seven furlongs with Aiden Brookes 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, Anthony Bithell, Newroc & Partner, Raypasha, and Samuel Sutton.