PPORA Race Previews: 21/03/26

The first two of four PPORA-supported races this weekend take place on Saturday.

George Atkinson and Sports Magic return after winning at Sheriff Hutton (Tom Milburn)

Garthorpe hosts a PPORA Restricted, for which 13 have been entered, four of whom won last time out and – at a course starting “Ga” – jockeys with the initials “GA” could hold the key! Yorkshire-based trainer-rider George Atkinson has enjoyed his first successes this season, getting off the mark on Sports Magic at Sheriff Hutton before scoring on the impressive Driveondonn at Charm Park earlier this month. If the latter takes his chance, he would be the highest-rated runner, but does have to shoulder a 5lb penalty. Perennial female champion jockey Gina Andrews also has the choice of two mounts. The mare Main Stage, who she trains herself, is consistent but has not raced since January 2025, while Nigel Padfield’s Ice Prowler took an Ampton Maiden last time out. Mount Gay Run, formerly trained by Dan Skelton and now in the care of Nick Pearce, caught the eye when winning on his pointing debut at Didmarton and another to consider – albeit under a 5lb penalty – is Ed Turner’s Atlantic Fleet, another who scored at Ampton earlier this month.

Will Biddick (right) - enjoying success with his newcomers (Carl Evans)

Milborne St Andrew hosts a PPORA Maiden, over the shorter trip of 2m4f and for five-year-olds and over, which has attracted 12 entries. Several trainers have two entries, so it is difficult at this stage to predict the make-up of the field. Will Biddick has his string in excellent form and has won with three newcomers in recent weeks, so his well-bred debutant Strictlycommercial must be of interest. Uncle Boss showed promise on his first start but was weakening when falling last time and looks the trainer’s second string. Ed Walker has also entered two – Don’t Ask Aidan made a pleasing reappearance behind the aforementioned Mount Gay Run and has better form than Down The Inner. Of Francesca Poste’s two potential runners, Laudable ran very well last time but is more likely to go to Siddington, while Louis Dor Du Livet was beaten a long way on his Larkhill debut. Luca Morgan has just the one entry. Prince In The Park was highly fancied on his first start in Britain at Badbury Rings and finished a good third despite some hairy jumping!