Nicky Richards, fresh from an extraordinary run of eight consecutive winners, saddles three contenders at Hexham on Monday as his stable’s hot streak continues.
3.30 Hexham — Jamesieconn heads Richards’ team
Jamesieconn tackles the Mick Walsh Open Ditch Handicap Chase aiming for a fourth straight victory. The seven-year-old impressed over three miles on good ground at Carlisle last time and has been raised 5lb to a rating of 100. That rise could be significant in a competitive heat, but Danny McMenamin’s mount looks well suited to the test and arrives in excellent form.
Streamsforth Lad remains seeking a first win after 18 starts, having been placed several times in bumpers, hurdles and a chase. He stays on a mark of 97 after a solid second to Three Zambezi at Bangor, showing signs of improvement. Rightbackatyou, trained by Stuart Coltherd, was the best of the rest when second to Scottish King over course and distance last time and carries the form claims — Coltherd has enjoyed a small fortune recently with a strong level-stakes return.
2.30 Hexham — Young Getaway meets That One on chasing debuts
Young Getaway is out to prolong Richards’ streak as he switches to chasing for the first time, a year on from falling to That One over smaller obstacles. That One also makes his fence debut after a disappointing run at Newcastle for James Walton; Jack Power’s 5lb claim makes the seven-year-old’s effective rating closer to 105, which should help his chances.
Lucinda Russell teams up with jockey Michael Scudamore to run two: Heads Or Harps and Choose A Copper. Heads Or Harps arrives in consistent order, having placed in his last four starts, and could be dangerous again.
7.00 Newcastle — Grant Wood returns to Gosforth Park
Paul Midgley’s Grant Wood drops back to Gosforth Park, where he has won his two most recent visits and been placed in every one of five starts at the track. He was beaten at Wolverhampton last time but the return to familiar territory suits.
Wicket Keeper, a dual six-furlong winner, was fourth of 14 over this course and distance last month, narrowly behind Power Fizz despite starting at big odds. Paddy’s Day goes into a race wearing a tongue-tie for the first time for Nigel Tinkler, while former Constantine Handicap winner Albasheer partners Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle on his comeback.
Best of the rest
Gardener looks to confirm his last victory was more authoritative than the margin suggested when he lines up in Hexham’s Happy Retirement Maurice & Anne Barnes Handicap Hurdle at 4.30pm.