The new jump season in the north of England continues to gather momentum, and the show moves on to Carlisle on Thursday. The going at the time of writing is good, and they are watering to maintain.
Who's The Guv'Nor has missed his last two intended engagements due to the ground being too soft, but he should get a run this time. He made a pleasing seasonal debut at Hexham 44 days ago when staying on in to third over two miles, on his second at Market Rasen back in May he would have a big shout here. The race is at 2.30.pm, over two miles and one furlong, with his regular jockey Alain Cawley in the saddle.
We have runners in Division 1, and Division 2 of the 0-105 handicap hurdle over two miles and one furlong. Soloheadbeg goes in Division 1 at 3.40.pm, with the 7lb conditional jockey Jack Hogan riding for us for the first time. Before joining us last spring Soloheadbeg had been in training in Ireland with Henry De Bromhead, racing on 11 occasions, on the flat, and over the jumps. His best run over hurdles was when finishing fourth at Tipperary in June 2020. He has raced twice for us to date in June and July, being beaten around 12 lengths on each occasion, seeing his mark ease 7lb to 100.
Foster'sisland runs in Division 2 under top weight at 4.15.pm, with Emma Smith-Chaston who has ridden him on three previous occasions able to claim 7lb. Foster'sisland found his form with vengeance last season when winning twice in six days, and seeing his mark soar from 89 to 107. A good third, when perhaps not having the race to suit over this course and distance in March suggests that his current mark of 106 is workable. He is entitled to come on from this run, his first since April, and any easing of the ground would be a bonus.
King Of Unicorns was sent off the 9/5 favourite for his debut in a bumper at Perth 38 days ago, he came home in fourth being beaten by five and three quarter lengths. He looked very green that day, not really knowing what to do when asked to quicken, he will have benefited greatly from that first start. He will go to post at 5.20.pm, in the two miles and one furlong bumper, with Conor O'Farrell retaining the ride.
To keep up to date with all the latest happenings at Oakwood Stables, and Sharp Hill, click on 'NEWS' at www.mickyhammondracing.
Good luck to the connections, Ryder Sugden, Lady S Toomes, Mrs J Hill & Partners, The Oakwood Nobels, and Joe Buzzeo.