Loriko set for Sedgefield test as Sky Sports Racing stages seven-race card
Dan Skelton’s hurdler enters handicap company and steps up in distance as Ladies Day and Glory And Honour provide the principal challenges.
Loriko will headline Wednesday’s seven-race Sky Sports Racing card at Sedgefield, with live coverage scheduled from 2pm. The Dan Skelton-trained hurdler is among five runners in the feature Sedgefield Racecourse For Outdoor Events Handicap Hurdle.
Loriko has won three of his five starts this season, including a narrow novice-hurdle victory at Market Rasen last month. The race represents a change in conditions, with the six-year-old stepping up in distance and moving into handicap company.
Ladies Day is identified by Sky Sports as a principal rival after adapting well to hurdling. She faded into fourth at Cartmel but may benefit from the extra distance, while Glory And Honour was narrowly beaten at Sedgefield last time and is considered another leading contender.
The card also features a clash between Saint Polo and Pergamon in the Whitegates Nursery Northallerton Handicap Hurdle. Saint Polo has won three of four starts over jumps, while Pergamon has won his past three hurdle races and has five victories from eight outings over jumps. His prospects may depend on the ground remaining suitable.
Glenmalure Flyer and Limerick Leader lead the field for the Christmas Parties At Sedgefield Racecourse Handicap Chase. Glenmalure Flyer has won two of three starts since joining Skelton from David Nagle, while Limerick Leader arrives after a three-mile handicap chase success at Bangor. The remaining runners are Sir Carnegie and Thank You Blue.
