Wetherby Saturday, Dali Mail runs in 2m handicap hurdle

Thankfully, Wetherby racecourse seems to be a part of Yorkshire that has escaped the worst of the flooding which has affected large parts of Britain this week. The advance going for Saturday's meeting is soft, with light rain showers expected from a grey sky overhead.

10 runners are declared for the 2m Class 3 handicap hurdle at 3.20, in which our own Dali Mail takes part.

There are 4 or 5 horses here that look to have a bit to prove. A couple of ex French geldings who may be a bit high in the British handicap at present, two useful handicappers who have not run particularly well on their last outing (on Flat/Hurdles) and McCain's progressive chaser Dear Sire returns after a year off.
Though running well is not out of the question, it would be somewhat of a surprise if any of this group were up to winning here.

Chris Grant may provide the favourite with his improving 6yr old hurdler Theatre Legend, who showed his well being when runner up over course and distance four weeks ago.
Another progressive hurdler is top weight Cornerstone Lad who is making his hurdling debut for the season. But, Mickey Hammond's useful sort caught the eye when staying on well to win over 2 miles on the level (heavy) at Catterick recently, first two finishing well clear. He'll be hard to beat.
Another horse in form is Ewart's 10-time winner Aristo Du Plessis, who gets on well with Lucy Alexander. A course and distance winner who likes to lead, but he may be challenged in that department by the good doctor's Yccs Portocervo. Sam T-D is in the saddle for this ex-French gelding who's best form in Britain is on a sound surface but has run well on soft in France. Yccs Portocervo can be inclined to race keenly and wears a hood in this race.

Dali Mail wasn't quite finishing his races last season, so to help him a little he's undergone a minor wind operation this summer (soft palate cautery). He's very well at home, but all bar none of our runners in November have needed that first outing of the season, and this is our gelding's seasonal reappearance.

Regular jockey Callum Whillans takes the ride. Best of luck, and have an enjoyable day at the races, to members of The Zidane Partnership especially Nicola and John Mackin.

Dali Mail (Callum)