The going at Hexham on Wednesday is good to soft at the time of writing, with showers forecast.
Knocknamona runs in the 0-100 handicap chase over two and a half miles at 2.40.pm, with his regular rider Alain Cawley on board. Any further softening of the ground would be a bonus, as he shows his best form in heavy conditions. He was a winner at Bangor by eight lengths in December, from a 4lb lower mark, as he goes in search of an eighth career victory.
Another representative who also wants the ground to be softer is Square Viviani who runs in the 0-100 three miles handicap chase at 4.45.pm, with Billy Garritty retaining the ride. Square Viviani was a winner in January of last year at Market Rasen, but never got the chance to run again because of lock down. He didn't reappear until 38 days ago at Uttoxeter, where he ran with great promise, especially since he had been off the track for 13 months.
Harry Go has his second career start in the bumper at 5.20.pm, with Billy Garritty retaining the ride. He made his debut at Southwell in December when finishing 10th of the 13 runners, but only beaten by 15 lengths, after racing in midfield throughout the race. He has had a good break of 120 days since, and will now continue his education.
We also have one runner at Southwell in the bumper at 2.20.pm, when the four year filly Shighness has her third start. She will be ridden by Becky Smith who is having her first ride back since Covid restrictions were lifted on amateur jockeys being allowed to ride. Shighness made her racecourse debut in an all weather bumper at Newcastle in January, finishing ninth, but only beaten by nine lengths.She was disappointing when finishing down the field next time at Wetherby but these are very early days. The ground at Wetherby was soft, and maybe the predicted good going at Southwell will help, but this is a slightly above average looking bumper for the track.
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Good luck to the connections, Keep The Faith Partnership, The Rat Pack Racing Club, Ryder Sugden, and J B Harrison.