We have declared five runners for Thursday at Wetherby where the going at the time of writing is good to soft, soft in places, and they have already watered.
Rory And Me is first up at 2.15.pm, in a maiden hurdle over two miles, with his regular jockey Alain Cawley in the saddle. This will be Rory And Me's fifth attempt over hurdles, and it can be argued he has run to a similar level in three of those four races, with the exception coming on his penultimate start when failing to handle the soft ground. His form should once again see him involved at the finish, although at least three of his rivals bring similar form to the table.
Next up at 2.50.pm, is Disc Donc who contests the selling hurdle over the extended two miles and three furlongs, with Jamie Hamilton retaining the ride. Disc Donc was a horse of above average ability when trained in Ireland, winning a maiden hurdle in 2018, and although failing to win over fences still achieved a mark of 126. In five starts for us over fences, and hurdles he has failed to get competitive, and he will have to up his game to get involved in this.
Bulldoze continues to progress. It was only a week ago that he finished runner up at Sedgefield, bettering his previous second at that track back in January. Another small step forward again will see him go close in this event at 3.25.pm, which is a 0-115 handicap chase over one mile and seven furlongs, where he will once again be partnered by Alain Cawley.
The five year old mare Howzat Hiris is next up at 5.05.pm, in Division 1 of the 0-100 three miles handicap hurdle, where she will once again have Jack Hogan on board. Howzat Hiris showed ability in two of her three bumper starts last season, but has been very disappointing since being sent hurdling in five attempts. Her mark is now it's lowest yet at 75, on what will be her second try over three miles.
Our final runner of the day is The Very Thing who will contest Division 2 of the handicap hurdle at 5.35.pm, with Emma Smith-Chaston riding him for the first time. The Very Thing was a winner in a first time visor at Catterick over fences in January, but pulled up at Wetherby the next time after having bled from the nose. His latest start saw a return to hurdles at Sedgefield seven days ago where he never got competitive, and got himself tailed off. It was only a little over two years ago that The Very Thing was finishing second over this course and distance from a mark of 18lb higher than now, so if he put his best foot forward he would be a danger to all.
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 and Ben Howard, Ursa Major And Partners, RM&T Holdings Limited & Partners, Sticky Wicket Racing, and Derek Walpole.
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