‘Ginge’ for another ‘Big’ run under Jamie again!

Obligatory CT – 2.47

ticks off three big boxes for the six-runner Novice Stakes over five furlongs of ‘soft’ Catterick this afternoon and is expected to continue momentum built up by the formidable Tim Easterby firm during this first month of the 2024 turf-flat racing season.
Tim’s Malton operation, assisted tremendously by one of the best, most consistent jockeys in the United Kingdom, David Allan, is worth monitoring closely and Obligatory smacks of an Easterby ‘special’ in what is an intriguing dash at this sharp North Yorkshire course.
Thrice-raced Obligatory is second ‘best-in’ on the time-handicap, judged on a creditable seasonal debut earlier this month, is obviously able to act on a demanding surface and has much-needed experience; more than ‘three boxes’ are ticked in fact!
It’s not a slam dunk by any stretch of the imagination, Moral Standards, 150/1 having her third run, was a length or so in front of Obligatory (80/1) last time and will probably be favourite but there has to be a good reason why Tim is prepared to reoppose and, in any case, my selection smacks of a solid each-way inclusion for the Trixie on which we place great dependence.

No other race on a seven-race is non-handicap and so focus is switched to the jumping scene and four fixtures, Perth, Uttoxeter, Taunton and Ludlow where

Big Ginge LU – 5.45

by virtue of a 7lbs claim of Nigel Twiston-Davies’ amatuer conditional jockey, Mr Jamie Nield, has the beating of fifteen rivals in the ‘Bumper’ over two miles of forecast ‘good to soft’ ground which should represent a superb NH surface.
This track was always a particular favourite, it’s strange how we have preferences but race-programming is usually a factor and Ludlow definitely meets requirements.
Betting on this finale will be fascinating, Dan Skelton is represented with Disco Davis (a long absentee!) and Milan Milos a progressive sort, should be ‘on the premises’ but Jamie has been aboard Big Ginge both times, a major plus.

Roaring Home UT – 7.20

can’t be seriously opposed in division one of the Uttoxeter (soft/heavy) ‘Bumper!’