Wetherby stage one of the most important meetings of their season on Saturday, with the running of the prestigious Grade 2 Towton novices chase, which has attracted a select field of just four at 2.30.pm, that takes centre stage, in fact the seven race card has only a total of 41 runners, which is very disappointing considering the good, good to soft ground in places.
We have four representatives with Cockney Beau first up at 12.50.pm, in an extended two miles and three furlongs novice hurdle, with Becky Smith who has ridden him on all his seven previous starts back in the saddle. Cockney Beau hasn't been seen since disappointing at Sedgefield back in November 2020, prior to that he had shown ability at Wetherby when finishing a 14 lengths fourth to the high class Third Time Lucki, he also was placed in three of his bumper runs.
The very classy 142 rated Schiehallion Munro deservedly got his head in front over this course and distance on Boxing Day, for which the handicapper has raised him 4lb. He faces only three rivals in this Class 2 handicap chase over two miles and three furlongs at 1.22.pm, with Conor O'Farrell retaining the ride. The probability is that he will have to run a personal best to win, but he is in the form of his life currently, and if he comes through this test he could be one of those flying the flag for the North at Cheltenham next month.
We are doubly represented in the 0-130 handicap hurdle over the extended two miles and three furlongs at 3.0.pm, where Foster'sisland runs for the first time since finishing down the field in the Lanzarote Hurdle three weeks ago where he was far too keen, and paid the price. Prior to that he had completed a hat trick of wins which saw his mark rise from 105 to 123. Emma Smith-Chaston who was on board for all those victories retains the ride.
We also run Perfect Man who will be ridden for the fourth time by Alain Cawley. Perfect Man is the winner of seven races, but since arriving at Oakwood Stables in May of last year has shown precious little in his six starts, which has seen his mark tumble to 107, he may also be seen to better effect on a softer surface.
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, Cheerleader Racing, Tennant, Lynch, Sharpe And Boston, The Oakwood Nobels, and The Rat Pack Racing Club.
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