After notching eight wins on the spin, Nicky Richards sends three runners to Hexham for National Hunt action on Monday.
3.30 Hexham — Jamesieconn leads Richards’ challenge
Jamesieconn lines up in the Mick Walsh Open Ditch Handicap Chase seeking a fourth successive success for the red-hot Nicky Richards yard, which has enjoyed eight consecutive winners through a sensational spring. The seven-year-old won over three miles on good ground at Carlisle last time and has been raised 5lb to a mark of 100. That extra weight could make a difference, but Danny McMenamin’s mount looks well placed to take up the challenge once more.
Streamsforth Lad has been placed in two hurdles, a bumper and a chase across 18 starts but is yet to win. He remains on a mark of 97 after showing improvement when chasing home Three Zambezi at Bangor recently. Stuart Coltherd, who has a level-stakes profit of +298 over the last two weeks, saddles Rightbackatyou — the best of the rest behind Scottish King over course and distance on the latest outing.
2.30 Hexham — Young Getaway meets That One
Young Getaway attempts to extend Richards’ hot run in the Anthony Woods Electrical Lightning Bolt Handicap Chase while making his chasing debut, a year after falling to That One over smaller obstacles. That One also makes his first start over fences after a poor run at Newcastle for James Walton; Jack Power’s 5lb claim effectively reduces the seven-year-old’s mark to a more workable 105.
Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore combine to run two, Heads Or Harps and Choose A Copper. Heads Or Harps has been ultra-consistent, placing in his last four starts.
7.00 Newcastle — Grant Wood back at Gosforth Park
Paul Midgley’s Grant Wood, beaten at Wolverhampton last time when falling short, returns to Gosforth Park where he has won on his two most recent visits and never finished outside the top three in five trips to the track. Wicket Keeper has two six-furlong wins but was fourth of 14 over this course and distance last month, just over two lengths behind Power Fizz at 33-1.
Paddy’s Day wears a tongue-tie for the first time for Nigel Tinkler, while former Constantine Handicap winner Albasheer returns in the saddle of Sky Sports Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle.
Best of the rest
Gardener likely won more comfortably than the bare winning margin suggested last time and returns for Hexham’s Happy Retirement Maurice & Anne Barnes Handicap Hurdle at 4.30pm.