SIDNEY STRATTON IS LEARNING ON THE JOB.

We send two up to Carlisle on Monday evening where the going is currently described as good to firm, good in places.

Sidney Stratton has improved with each of his four starts to date. After three runs in maiden company he made a more than satisfactory start to his handicap career when finishing second over this course and distance 25 days ago, for which he has been pushed up 1lb. If there is a niggle, it is that the good run came on good to soft, but there is no reason to think that he wont be just as effective on this surface. Sidney Stratton runs at 8.10.pm, in the 0-65 handicap, over one mile and three furlongs, with his in form jockey Aiden Brookes retaining the ride.

Irv is our other declared runner at 8.45.pm, in the 0-55 handicap, over nine furlongs, where he will be ridden by Aiden Brookes who has won on him twice previously. Irv who also has an entry at Catterick on Wednesday over two miles ran his best race for a while at Catterick over 12 furlongs on his penultimate start when finishing runner up, and then at Wolverhampton 13 days ago over 14 furlongs he was keeping on from the rear, and whether he stayed or not is open to interpretation, nevertheless Irv is obviously in good form at the moment.

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, Peter Davies & Sons Limited, and The Rat Pack Racing Club.

Sidney Stratton & Nell.