It's good, good to soft in places at the time of writing for Catterick on Monday, for their six race card, where we are doubly represented in one of the events, and have a runner in another.
We have two of the seven declared runners for the 1.30.pm, a 0-120 novices handicap chase over two miles and three furlongs. Disc Donc has struggled in all of his three starts since arriving from Ireland in the autumn of last year, which has seen his mark drop by 17lb. It was only around a year ago that he finished in the frame in two chases, and he will once again have the assistance of Alain Cawley in the saddle.
We are also represented in the race by Shaws Bridge, who is related to some very good horses including the recent Sky Bet Handicap Chase winner at Doncaster, Windsor Avenue. Shaws Bridge was a comfortable winner over hurdles at Perth last May over two and a half miles, but possibly didn't stay the trip over three miles from a 7lb higher mark on a return to Perth three weeks later. He made his chase debut at Musselburgh 108 days ago when never getting involved, and will be ridden for the first time by Emma Smith-Chaston.
Monaghan Boy has his third start in bumper company at 3.50.pm, over the extended one mile and seven furlongs, with Alain Cawley retaining the ride. Monaghan Boy has raced over this same course and distance in both his previous starts, finishing sixth on his racecourse debut, and than stepping up on that significantly nine weeks ago, to finish a six and three quarter lengths fourth. Another step forward will see him firmly in the mix.
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, Ursa Major and Partners, Newroc & Co, and The Golden Cuckoo.