Carlisle : Shoeshine Boy runs in the Pertemps Qualifier
Carlisle 15th December : 2.07 pm 3m 1f Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
Shoeshine Boy has
developed into a fine handicap hurdler and goes for this Class 2 event
at Carlisle, a Pertemps qualifier for the series final which, as always,
is to be run at Cheltenham in March.
No illusions about being rated high enough for that event but with a
qualifier on our doorstep, connections are keen for 'Theo' to take his
chance in such a race.
The distance, 3 miles and change (he's a c&d winner) and the
softening conditions will be in his favour.
However he is officially 2lb outside of the handicap, although young
Murray Dodd can partially offset this by claiming 7lb.
He'll run his race but may find several of this field just a bit too
classy for him.
This is a cracking handicap hurdle, with a few progressive types like
Gwennie May Boy and D Art D Art sure to be to the fore in the closing
stages. But Jonjo could land this with JP's Icare Allen who served
notice that a return to the form of Summer '23 could be on the cards
with a win at Uttoxeter last month.
That win was achieved off OR115 and he's been raised 7lb. But in his
prime he was competitive off OR142, so he has a great chance here.
Nights In Venice last week at Wetherby
Our handicap chaser Nights In Venice ran at Wetherby last weekend. He
was jumping quite well but jockey Conor O'Farrell pulled him up while
still in touch with the leaders before 3 out.
Conor reported (officially) that our gelding weakened quickly.