We send three runners up to Scotland on Wednesday evening, where the going at the time of writing is good, good to soft in places.
Late Date is our first runner at 6.40.pm, in a 0-100 extended two miles and seven furlong handicap chase, with Billy Garritty retaining the ride. Although Late Date has pulled up on each of his last four starts, the handicapper has only dropped him 6lb, and he will run from the same mark of 96 for the third start in a row. Nevertheless Late Date remains 6lb below his last winning mark gained at Sedgefield back in November 2019. He was a winner at Perth over hurdles on good ground in 2016, and is versatile when it comes to underfoot conditions.
Thirty minutes later at 7.10.pm, Shaws Bridge aims to follow up his recent win at Perth when contesting the 0-115 three miles handicap hurdle, with Billy Garritty once again in the saddle. Shaws Bridge was a comfortable winner 19 days ago over a full four furlongs shorter, and off a 7lb lower mark. The trip would be more of a concern than the rise in the weights, but there is no real reason to think he won't stay. Judged on his jumpers bumpers form Shaws Bridge is probably still ahead of the handicapper.
Our final runner is The Very Thing at 8.10.pm, in a 0-100 three miles handicap hurdle, with Alain Cawley taking the ride. The Very Thing is also versatile when it comes to ground conditions, as he has shown form on a sound surface for another yard. He was just running into form in March 2020 when racing went into lock down, having finished second at Wetherby from a 6lb higher mark on soft ground. He ran well on his seasonal debut in November, but has failed to complete in two subsequent starts, but on the later occasion he did scope dirty.
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, County Set Six & Partner, Graeme Newton, and Derek Walpole.
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