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Franny Norton hoping lightning will strike twice on Good Friday at Bath

What a difference a year makes. Bath's corresponding card last year was washed away by rain after four races when the ground became unsafe, yet Good Friday in Somerset is forecast to be a scorcher this year for the track's biggest meeting.

One of the few people with happy memories of last year is back again, as Franny Norton returns to a happy hunting ground having won all four races 12 months ago before rain stopped play.

"Any day you have four winners is a good day," said the veteran jockey. "I've had a couple of four-timers in my career but that was the strangest as they only got halfway through the card.

"One thing that sticks in my mind was on the way home, Frankie Dettori called to say well done but couldn't help but mention his seven-timer before he put the phone down."

Norton has five rides on a card with two £50,000 handicaps and a £55,000 Listed race as its nucleus and is hopeful of adding to last year's haul.

"I'm confident we can have another good day," said the rider. "Living Legend (2.55) has won his last two and I like the look of him, but Mark Johnston also has West End Charmer in the same race, who might be the danger.

"Don't Joke (2.20) is first time out could be anything, while The Daley Express (5.05) ran a smashing race the other day but I would like to see a bit of rain for him.

"Highest Mountain (1.50) is up against a hot-pot in Global Prospector but Bayshore Freeway (4.35) goes okay and I wouldn't rule any of them out. Bath's been a lucky track and I'm happy to be heading back there."

Cowell runs three in search of black type

A field of 11 have been declared for the 5f Listed EBF Lansdown Stakes (4.05), with Newmarket trainer Robert Cowell responsible for more than a quarter of the field.

"Everyone is keen to sneak into some black type, which is obviously why we're running three," said Cowell.

"Ocelot is the lowest rated but she goes nicely and seems to pick up well off a fast pace, which there should be. She's a longshot that might sneak into a place.

"Blame Roberta won a couple of nice races from near the front last season and loves fast ground. She'll be up there and gets a nice weight allowance. She's sneaking up the rating and is not far off them.

"One Last Night looks a useful recruit. She's run over seven but looks fast enough for this trip and it looks a good race for her. She looks good from what I've seen at home. They will all like the ground."

Conditions were described as good to firm, good in places on Thursday, with temperatures forecast to peak at 21C on Friday.


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Published on 18 April 2019inPreviews

Last updated 16:24, 18 April 2019

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