The ground at the time of writing for Catterick on Tuesday is good to soft, good in places.
We are represented by three of the 17 runners in the first race at 12.15.pm, a 0-105 Amateur Jockeys handicap hurdle over two miles and three furlongs. It's a big day for Charlie Boddy who is a very popular member of the staff at Micky Hammond Racing, as he is having his very first ride under rules when he partners Trouble Shooter. Since arriving at the yard back in July Trouble Shooter has struggled for form both on the flat and over jumps, but on form he has shown when trained previously by other yards he would hold every chance from his current mark of 93.
We also run the ex French Balkotic, who was a winner in France on the flat in September 2020, he was also placed twice from seven starts over hurdles. He made his British, and yard debut at Sedgefield 11 days ago, which was his first start in six months, when never making any impact, for which the handicapper has eased him 4lb, he will be ridden by James Waggott who can take off a further 7lb.
Our third runner in the race is Burnage Boy who although still a maiden after 27 starts has been knocking on the door very loudly of late. In both of his last two starts at Sedgefield over their extended two miles he has finished runner up. He steps up to two miles and three furlongs for the first time, and there is no reason to think he won't see it out, he has the advantage of having Becky Smith as his partner, the most successful and experienced jockey in the race.
Just Paddy's Band has his second start over hurdles at 12.45.pm, in the two miles and three furlongs novices hurdle, with Conor OP'Farrell retaining the ride. Just Paddy's Band won a bumper first time out in March at Kelso, and has run creditably under a penalty twice since in bumpers this season. He made his hurdles debut at Newcastle 17 days ago when never getting competitive, with the consensus being that the ground was too soft.
The three year old Frankel gelding Uccello who showed limited ability in four starts on the flat when trained by Karl Burke, failed to do himself justice on his hurdles debut at Wetherby 20 days ago when having not jumped with fluency, unseated Becky Smith at the fourth flight. Becky will once again take the ride, at 1.45.pm, a juvenile hurdle over the extended one mile and seven furlongs.
Our final runner is Monaghan Boy at 3.15.pm, in the bumper over the extended one mile and seven furlongs with Alain Cawley retaining the ride. Monaghan Boy made his racecourse debut over this course and distance 25 days ago when finishing a 12 and three quarter lengths sixth of the nine runners, he looks sure to improve for that run, and any improvement should see him be competitive here.
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, JFW Properties Ltd, T M Clarke, Raypasha, Chapman, Tennant & Turnbull, Red & Whites, and The Golden Cuckoo.
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