THREE TO PERTH AND ONE TO SOUTHWELL ON FRIDAY.

The going at Perth at the current time of writing is good to soft, while down at Southwell it is good, good to firm in places.

First up in the novice hurdle at 1.30.pm, over two miles is our dual bumper winner Rory And Me, who will have his usual partner Alain Cawley on board. When Rory And Me has had conditions to suit, which is good ground, he has run to a consistent level over hurdles. On that form he should get into the frame, but a baking sun would definitely add to his chances, expect to see him back on the flat in the coming weeks.

At 3.15.pm, Geryville runs in the same colours, but wants completely the opposite conditions. He runs in a 0-125 Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, with his regular jockey Alain Cawley retaining the ride. Geryville looked a very exciting prospect when winning by 12 lengths at Wetherby last October, for which he was raised 10lb, he has since finished runner up on three occasions before winning again at Newcastle last month. At just six years old he still has lots of improvement in him, but the softer the ground the better.

Split The Bill will have his second run in bumper company at 4.53.pm, over two miles, with Sean Quinlan retaining the ride. Split The Bill who is a half brother to the top class mare Indefatigable made a promising start to his career at Catterick last month when finishing fourth, after making the running, and looking green, he only weakened from a furlong and a half out to be beaten eight and a quarter lengths. This is probably a better race than the one at Catterick, but Split The Bill will be more streetwise this time.

We send Royle Steel down to Southwell to contest the novices' hurdle at 6.40.pm, over two miles and four furlongs, with our stable conditional jockey Jack Hogan riding him for the first time. Royle Steel got off the mark at 80/1 at Sedgefield in February, and then ran at least as well when runner up at Newcastle 34 days ago. He faces four rivals, of which three are also previous hurdles winners, and the other won a point to point. Royle Steel should continue to progress, but will have to, to win this, he will have underfoot conditions to suit.

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, Richard Howard & Ben Howard, J N Swinbank, and A E Tasker.