The return of Shoeshine Boy

If we were a political spin doctor, Shoeshine Boy would be returning to the racecourse after being freshened up with a mid season break during the prolonged dry spell. (Spoiler - he had a little longer off after sustaining a minor leg cut after his last race at the end of January).
Mousetrap Racing's gelding is entered in the near 3 mile handicap hurdle at Hexham (4.30pm Thursday) where he'll face 14 opponents. The advanced going is already heavy and there is a fair amount of heavy rain around Wednesday evening into the morning of the race, so let's hope racing survives.

Sandy's Lissen To The Lady has slipped back to a winning mark and may well return to her best form on this testing ground, and the same can be said about Moffat's Lady Bowes although she will be without the assistance of Charlotte Jones (who is unfortunately in the middle of an enforced spell on the sidelines). But Jamie Hamilton will be relishing the ride here and the partnership looks one to go very close.

Harriet & Gary's Don Brocco beat our lad by a short head a year ago at Ayr and, remarkably, is 4lb better off. This is effectively his seasonal debut, so just might be better for the race.

Top weight Mr Harp is clearly back in form on the evidence of his January success at Ffos Las. This 10 yr old was placed in a Grade 2 hurdle in his youth, so that January win is an ominous sign for his opponents in this 0-105 contest. The one to beat.

Good luck to connections and Craig Nichol.