We send two to Cartmel on Saturday where the going at time of writing is good, good to soft in places, while at Catterick for their flat meeting it is good to firm, and they are watering.
Uccello appears to be finally getting his act together, and has now strung three solid runs together with the promise of more to come. He was keen at Musselburgh seven days ago, but still had enough left for a challenge inside the final furlong which saw him finish third, if he can settle better this time he could go two places better. The race is a 0-55 handicap over 12 furlongs, with Andrew Elliott retaining the ride.
Over at Cartmel the ex French Furax goes to post for a 0-110 handicap chase over two miles and five furlongs at 4.29.pm, where Jack Hogan retains the ride. Furax did everything wrong at Perth 16 days ago when jumping poorly in the main, running in snatches, and hanging up the run in, but he still managed to finish a one and three quarters lengths third. That was the first form he had shown for us in six starts, so any improvement on that latest effort will see him go very close.
Our other runner on the day is the veteran Justforjames who could be having his swan song at the age of 13, with 44 races now under his belt, of which he has won seven times, including this corresponding race at this meeting last season. Justforjames has disappointed on his last two starts, but prior to that he showed that there is still fire in his belly when finishing third on two occasions at Catterick in December and January.The race is a 0-100 handicap chase at 5.39.pm, over the extended three miles and one furlong, with his regular jockey Becky Smith in the saddle. The unique track at Cartmel seems to bring out the best in Justforjames, so it would be great if he could go out with a bang.
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Good luck to the connections, Red & Whites, Ursa Major And Partners, and J4J Partnership.