The going at Cartmel at the time of writing is good, good to firm in places, and they have been watering, there is also the chance of showers arriving.
We run two in the first race at 1.15.pm, a 0-100 Amateur Jockey's handicap hurdle over two miles and six furlongs, Artic Quest has run well on two of his six starts since joining us from Ireland last summer, and will once again be partnered by Becky Smith. His best run was on stable debut when finishing second over this course and distance last August, from a 5lb higher mark than now. If he can put two recent well below par runs behind him, he is entitled to be competitive.
We are also represented in the race by Roxyfet who will be ridden by Amie Waugh, fresh from her win in the 'Queen's Mother's Cup' at York a week last Saturday.Amie knows Rockcliffe very well having ridden him on three previous occasions, including when he won at Catterick back in December 2018. Rockcliffe has struggled to find his best form for quite a while, which has seen his mark drop to it's lowest yet of 73, he should see out the two miles and six furlongs around Cartmel, but wouldn't want the ground to get softer.
Maison D'Or has his second start over fences at 3.35.pm, in a 0-100 extended three miles and one furlong handicap chase, where he will once again have the services of Conor O'Farrell. Maison D'Or has not appeared to enjoy his racing in recent runs, over hurdles, and on the flat, so it is hoped a switch to fences might rekindle his enthusiasm. He made his chase debut at Hexham 20 days ago, jumping around safely, and staying on from three out. If he can put that experience to good use, he is now a well handicapped horse, being 6lb below his last winning mark.
We also have one runner up at Newcastle on the All Weather at 8.55.pm, when The Retriever returns to an artificial surface, in a 0-60 handicap over seven furlongs, with his regular jockey Aiden Brookes in the saddle. Since appearing to take his form to a new level at Southwell in April, for which he received this mark of 60, he has run three times on turf. At Hamilton he found the six furlongs on the sharp side, and at Redcar on his penultimate start, he put in a rare below par effort. He reappeared just three days later at Catterick, and ran a much better race than his finishing position of fourth suggests, having had to run wide from a bad draw, but keeping on well in the final furlong. This straight seven furlongs at Newcastle is probably just about right for this consistent performer, but can he cope with his stiffer mark?
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, RM&T, S Toomes, J Hill & Partners, Ian Barran & Oakwood, D Lees, and RM&T Holdings Limited & Partners.
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