Date set for Hammy to put an end to losses
Back Hammy End @ 15/2 in the 18:30 at Wolverhampton
Two out of three in terms of each-way picks yesterday and a second at 16.5 in the Cork National. Only Tartan Skirt finishing fifth denied us of the placed portion. Hopefully many boosted to five places in that 16-runner Birdcatcher.
A real collection of rogues are competing for honour and glory on Monday, and for some, to finally get their head in front and end years of pain.
Hammy End has just one victory from 32 starts. His record of 10 runner-ups and eight seconds can be flipped two ways; he doesn't find a lot in a finish or he is very consistent. He has quite a few short trades in-running next to his name, so it's probably the former.
He travelled well enough at Brighton recently although I am not sure old Hammy enjoyed the hurdling experience at Wincanton on his latest start and managed to take a few hurdles home with him after a woeful round of jumping. Back on the Flat today will be a relief.
The 5yo stays well and I'd like to see a repeat of the Martin Dwyer ride earlier in the season at Bath when he made the horse's mind up and kicked far earlier than normal.
He's been the strongest stayer out of Northern Affair by far; so he won't be wanting for stamina and he could get the lead from Love For Louise - although it's hard to place faith in an unexposed runner competing at such a lowly level.
Beau's return to Wolverhampton eagerly awaited
Back Beau Geste @ 4/1 in the 19:00 at Wolverhampton
Quite a few in-form horses take their chances in the closing 19:00 at Wolves, with the likes of Scottish raider Oot Ma Way bidding for the hat-trick and Scarborough Castle boasting a last time out victory, but Tony Carroll's Beau Geste has a fine record around here as he looks for win number four at the venue.
He ran well during the halcyon days of the Brighton summer, winning from 52 back in July with a strong staying performance.
On his latest outing at Lingfield he travelled well enough, but was caught too far back as he eventually finished third behind the handier placed top two. That was over 1m, and he'll enjoy reverting back to a more suitable trip.
The 5yo isn't the quickest and he's more of a grinder needing to pick them off from a good pace but he isn't harshly treated and Mollie Phillips can also claim. It's nearly a year to the day he finished second at Wolves, but the wait could be over and we can also use the Extra Place Special on the Sportsbook.