The going for Market Rasen on Monday evening is currently described as good, and they are watering to maintain.
The Very Thing is first up at 6.45.pm, in the 0-100 novices handicap chase, over the extended two miles and seven furlongs, with Emma Smith-Chaston on board for the first time. The Very Thing has seriously lost his way since finishing second over this course and distance just over a year ago, from a mark 15lb higher than now. With the ground being no problem, a return to anywhere near his best would make him a very well handicapped horse.
High Noon who is now 11 years old returns from a 353 day break to contest the 0-110 handicap chase at 7.15.pm, over two miles and three furlongs, where he will be partnered by Conor O'Farrell. In his heyday High Noon was somewhat of a Market Rasen specialist, having won their twice, and finishing second or third on a further five occasions. He is now 10lb below his last winning mark, so if he strips anywhere near fit he should be competitive.
Rory And Me will have the ground to suit, as all his three previous wins have come on a sound surface, and also all of those wins were here at Market Rasen. He has disappointed in all three starts since winning a maiden hurdle in June of last year, which has seen his mark drop to a competitive 99. He goes to post for the 7.45.pm, which is a 0-110 handicap hurdle, over the extended two miles and four furlongs, with Conor O'Farrell retaining the ride.
Royle Steel was an 80/1 winner at Sedgefield last season, and then backed that run up at Newcastle the following month. He was good again at Catterick in February, but has failed to get competitive in either of his last two starts. A return to faster ground could well be the key to getting the best out of him from a falling mark of 99. He runs in the 8.15.pm, in a 0-105 handicap hurdle over the extended two miles with Conor O'Farrell in the saddle.
Marlins Darlin will make her racecourse debut in the bumper at 8.45.pm, over the extended two miles, with Joshua Thompson able to take off 10lb. Marlins Darlin is bred for the jumps, so she may find things happening a bit too quick, but she will gain great experience from this, which will set her up nicely for her future career.
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, Derek Walpole, Nick Pietrzyk And Partner, Richard Howard & Ben Howard, A E Tasker, and Thje Monday Club.
High Noon.
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