The going at Sedgefield on Friday at the time of writing is good, and they have been watering to maintain.
We have three runners, with the four year old filly Howzat Hiris making her hurdles debut at 2.0.pm, in an extended two miles and three furlongs novice hurdle. To date Howzat Hiris has run in three bumpers, showing improved form on each occasion, finishing fifth at Sedgefield last time, 10 lengths behind the winner. She receives all the allowances, on this her hurdles debut, and we hope to see her progress further, Conor O'Farrell retains the ride.
Ciarabella ran a cracker when last seen 43 days ago over the same course and distance she will tackle again. That last run was on heavy ground, where she stayed on strongly to be beaten by three quarters of a length, for which the handicapper has raised her 3lb. The only real proof we have that she will be effective on this faster surface is a third at Cartmel last August on good to soft, but she comes into the race in good form.The race is over the mammoth three miles and three furlongs at 4.22.pm, with Alain Cawley retaining the ride.
Our final runner is Getaway Jewel in the 0-100 handicap hurdle over the extended two miles at 5.30.pm, and as has last time, he will once again be partnered by the champion jockey Brian Hughes. Racing over two and a half miles at Sedgefield 24 days ago Getaway Jewel looked all over the winner coming down to the last, only to not find as much as perhaps it looked. He may not have fully seen out the trip that day, so this step back down in distance could be the answer for this very consistent performer.
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Good luck to the connections, Sticky Wicket Racing, Ursa Major And Partners, and Mkjp Racing.