We have declared five for Wetherby's final jump meeting of the 2022-2023 season on Thursday, where the going is currently described as good to soft.
Halpha Soleil is first up at 2.35.pm, in a maiden hurdle over two miles, with Conor O'Farrell retaining the ride. Halpha Soleil has some above average looking form over hurdles, and also in bumpers from his time when trained in France. On his stable debut at Wetherby back in February he ran a respectable fifth, but he then disappointed badly at Sedgefield when last seen 23 days ago, so in what on paper doesn't look a strong race, he needs to get back on track.
Grand Du Nord continues to struggle to find his useful form of last season. In four runs this term he has failed to get competitive, which has seen his mark drop by 14lb, to now what looks a very tasty mark, if he was to return to anywhere near his best. Grand Du Nord will take his chance at 4.20.pm, in a 0-100 handicap hurdle over three miles with his regular jockey Conor O'Farrell in the saddle.
We are doubly represented at 4.55.pm, in a 0-115 handicap chase, over three miles. Grange Ranger returned from an 11 months break at Wetherby last November when winning by a neck from 1lb lower than now, but his form has tailed off drastically on his last three starts, including pulling up at Newcastle last time. This return to three miles on a better surface will help, with Conor O'Farrell in the saddle for the first time.
We are also represented in the race by Larry Looby who was a prolific winner last season, when scoring on five occasions. He started out from a mark of 72, and when he was last seen at Newcastle in November, that mark had shot up to 101. This race should put him spot on for another productive summer campaign, as all of his best form has come on a sounder surface, although he has run well on good to soft ground as well.
Air Of Approval has her second start in Division 2 of the bumper over two miles at 5.55.pm, with Conor O'Farrell keeping the ride. Air Of Approval finished a well beaten fifth at Newcastle 19 days ago, but probably found the heavy ground testing her stamina, so this better surface will see her in a better light, as she continues her education.
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, T I S Partnership, Middleham Park & The Cheltenham Trail 7, Oakwood Rainbow, Mr & Mrs D Lees J Kaye & D Pollitt, and Mr G King.
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