We send three to Wetherby on Tuesday, where the going at the time of writing is soft.
Carrigeen Castle was a course and distance winner by 22 lengths on his penultimate start back in February, and lost nothing in defeat when runner up at Catterick three weeks ago, from a 10lb higher mark. Carrigeen Castle is still on the upgrade, and comes into this race in better form than his rivals, who all under performed to some extent last time. Carrigeen Castle runs at 3.15.pm, in the 0-120 handicap chase, over two miles and three furlongs, with the champion jockey Brian Hughes in the saddle.
Shighness was a good winner at Catterick from a 4lb lower mark than now, on her penultimate start in February, but she never seemed happy on her latest start at Carlisle 29 days ago, when jumping without her usual zest, but to her credit she did stay on to finish an 11 lengths fourth. She will now race in first time cheek pieces, and hopefully will continue her progress over fences. Shighness runs at 3.45.pm, in the 0-135 novices handicap chase, over three miles, with Brian Hughes retaining the ride.
Fainch has now run back to back solid races since arriving from Ireland, when finishing third at Wetherby in January, and then finishing second at Carlisle 29 days ago, for which the handicapper has nudged her up 6lb. Fainch appears to stay forever, and loves the soft ground, so conditions should be in her favour. She runs at 4.15.pm, in the 0-100 handicap hurdle, over three miles, with Brian Hughes in the saddle for the first time.
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Good luck to the connections, The Cheltenham Trail, Keep The Faith Partnership, and In 4 A Grand.
Fainch & Mia.
