We have three runners on Thursday, where the going over the jumps at Hexham is good to soft, good in places, and at Newcastle on their all weather Tapeta surface, which is currently riding as standard.
At Hexham, Halpha Soleil had a very successful season over hurdles last year winning twice, latterly from 3lb higher than now. He has run in four chases this term, and although not making the first three yet, has shown that he is capable if pulling out a little more. The track and trip are no problem, but any easing of the ground would be a bonus. Halpha Soleil runs at 2.22.pm, in the 0-100 handicap chase, over two and a half miles, with Emma Smith-Chaston, who has won on him twice previously, back in the saddle.
Shighness steps up in distance by almost a mile for the first time in her career, and she should see the trip out. She is now back on the same mark as her last success at Catterick just over a year ago, but in her three starts this term she has not shown the same form, and hopefully first time blinkers will help to sharpen her up. Shighness who would also benefit from some rain, goes to post for the 0-120 handicap chase at 3.02.pm, over the marathon trip of just under four miles, with Conor O'Farrell, who has ridden her on one previous occasion, taking the ride.
At Newcastle, Evoluir will compete in the final race at 8.30.pm, in the 0-55 handicap, over one mile, with his regular rider Aiden Brookes taking the ride. This will be the horses first run over a mile as all of his previous runs have been over shorter. Evoluir is an habitual slow starter and generally finishes his races off well, so this step up in trip could be the answer on this stiff track. He was a winner on his penultimate start over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton, for which the handicapper did him no favours with a 5lb rise.
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, T I S Partnership, Keep The Faith Partnership, and Anthony Bithell.
Shighness & Heather.
Comments