They say it's every owners dream to own a Saturday horse, well we don't want to brag, but we've got seven.
First up in the two miles novice hurdle at 2.0.pm is Stormin Norman, who is the winner of six of his 16 starts to date.He made the perfect start over hurdles when winning on debut at Sedgefield in October of last year, and then finished a close up forth at Catterick under a penalty. He has since finished fifth in a bumper at Newcastle in February, to keep him ticking over, Conor O'Farrell rides him for the first time.
Enfin Phil runs in the two and a half miles 0-120 handicap hurdle at 2.35.pm,with Connor O'Farrell taking the ride. Enfin Phil was a winner from a 1lb higher mark at Catterick in January of last year, but has failed to get anywhere near that form in five subsequent runs, four of which have been this season, the predicted good to soft surface, and the trip are both in his favour.
The softer the ground the better for Knocknamona who will contest the 0-110 two and a half miles handicap chase at 3.45.pm.He was a decisive winner off a 7lb lower mark in heavy ground at Bangor in December, and backed that up with a solid second over hurdles seven days later. This race would be better quality than those two events, Connor O'Farrell will ride him for the first time.
The seven year old mare Ilaya was very much on an upward curve last season, winning twice at Newcastle, and probably bettering both those efforts when finishing second under a double penalty in a novice hurdle at Catterick in March. She is yet to fire this season, but is now back down to the same handicap mark of 113 she last won off. Connor O'Farrell will be in the saddle for this two miles event at 4.20.pm.
Commanding Spirit runs in the extended two miles and seven furlong handicap chase at 4.55.pm, with Connor O'Farrell taking the ride.He was last seen on Boxing Day at Wetherby when pulling up behind his stablemate Trimmers Lane, but prior to that he had only been beaten by six and a half lengths, into forth place at Sedgefield. He remains a maiden after 15 runs under rules, but has won a point to point in Ireland, back in 2018.
We are doubly represented in the finale, the bumper at 5.25. Clear White Light made an excellent debut in an all weather bumper at Newcastle 46 days ago, doing all his best work once the penny dropped.He is a very well bred horse with his mother being a Listed winner in Ireland, and a daughter of Galileo. Conor O'Farrell who will take the ride will be having his sixth ride of the day for us.
Our other runner in the bumper is the newcomer Daddyjacks Special who will be partnered by Henry Brooke. Daddyjacks Special is a French bred five year old grey gelding, and has some talented siblings,including the Gordon Elliott trained Akorakor who was a winner in a bumper, and over hurdles, and fences, achieving a best Racing Post Rating of 143. Another of his brothers Ticarin made up in to a quality 10 furlongs performer, achieving a Racing Post Rating of 95, from just three runs, before having to retire through injury.
To keep up to date with all the latest happenings at Oakwood Stables, and Sharp Hill, click on 'NEWS' at www.mickyhammondracing.
Good luck to the connections, The Monday Club, Randall Orchard & Partners, The Rat Pack Racing Club, The Golden Cuckoo, Mrs Jennifer Hill & Mrs Samantha Toomes, Run For Home Racing, and S Nicols.