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By Billy Blakeman ValueChecker

Hughes Cuts Hanagan’s Lead Down to Just Six
29/10/10

Richard Hughes continues to finish the season with a flurry, and a double at Wolverhampton reduced his deficit to six. Today, Hughes is due to ride at both Newmarket and Dunstall Park again whereas leader Paul Hanagan is only due to ride the evening AW meeting. Both have a number of decent looking rides and it will be a surprise if either draws a blank.

Ian Williams has confirmed that his stable star Weird Al will not be asked to contest the Bet 365 Charlie Hall, rather he will take up an easier looking challenge in the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase at Carlisle on Sunday. Williams said "We're giving the Charlie Hall a miss. We just think it's the right thing to do at this stage."

Not that the race is an easy one as the smart Ferdy Murphy trained The Hollinwell heading the opposition. Murphy doesn’t usually have his horses at peak fitness at this time of year and he had this to say about his horse, who has the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham as his target.

"He will head to Carlisle on Sunday and though he'll come on for the run, he schooled brilliantly this morning. We're very happy with him and very happy to take on Weird Al. It should be a cracking race." I would favour just Weird Al of the pair.

On to Friday’s racing and the classy Bywell Beau is an interesting contender in the 2.45 at Wetherby. Really well treated if back to his best and his trainer can get one ready at home. Likely to blaze a trail and if nothing else, he is sure to trade shorter in-running than his current 25/1.

Recommendation: Wetherby 2.45 – Bywell Beau