Our first representative on Saturday at Wetherby is the ex French Great Raffles, who makes his stable debut in the 12.03.pm, with Alain Cawley taking the ride.He is a four year old gelding who has only raced on three occasions to date,all in France, twice over hurdles, and once on the flat.He failed to get competitive over jumps back in the spring, but on his sole start on the flat in June, he was staying on over an extended one mile and five furlongs, to be beaten 13 and a half lengths.He is a very well bred horse, being the first racecourse representative of hes dam Une Artiste who won 11 races, and was rated 142 at her peak, when trained by Nicky Henderson.
One of last seasons success stories, Schiehallion Munro races for the second time this term.He was last seen in the 'Bobby Renton' 31 days ago, when finishing sixth, and that race should have brought him right up to speed. He won three of his five starts last season in lesser company, and is 8lb above his last winning mark.This race is probably not as competitive as the 'Bobby Renton,' and the trip and going will suit, the race is at 1.48.pm, and he will be partnered by his regular jockey Joe Colliver.
Another top achiever last season was the grey mare Ilaya, she won twice, and climbed the handicap by 19lb. Ilaya is a keen going type, who has learnt to settle a lot better since joining us back in 2018, and at Wetherby, on her seasonal debut last month, she ran her usual game race, maybe just not seeing the race out through lack of match practise. The handicapper has dropped her 2lb from that run, and her regular jockey Becky Smith will take off an extra 3lb, the race is at 2.58.pm.
It was heart warming to see our 12 year old Silver Tassie run with such enthusiasm on his first run since January, at Wetherby two weeks ago, when finishing third in that race for the second year running. He is taking the same route again this year, as he was also third in Saturdays corresponding race as well.He will be coming up 13 in a few weeks, so he isn't getting any faster, but he does try his best. Billy Garritty who has ridden him on all those aforementioned occasions, is once again reunited.the race is at 3.33.pm.
We also send one runner to Uttoxeter, with Emma Smith-Chaston making the trip down south to partner Ex S'Elance at 12.57.pm.He was running well when finishing second twice just before the lock down curtailed his season, and ran as if needing the race on his return three weeks ago. He is now back on his last winning mark, but could find this trip of two miles a shade on the short side.
To keep up to date with all the latest happenings at Oakwood Stables, and Sharp Hill, click on 'NEWS' at www.mickyhammondracing.
God luck to the connections, The Golden Cuckoo, The Fifty Fifty Partnership, Tennant, Lynch, Sharp, And Boston, and R M Howard.