CONNECTIONS of Saint Thomas hope the four-times course winner can banish memories of a subdued display last month when he returns to Beverley today.
Despite being sent off the 15-8 favourite, the John Mackie-trained six-year-old beat just one horse home in a curiously-run race.
Mackie said: "I think he ran a little flat last time so we've tried to freshen him up at home. I was thinking about going hurdling with him, but there's not much out there for a horse like him so we came here instead.
"We know he loves the track and hopefully he can show his last run was all wrong.
"Graham (Gibbons) gets on with him very well and I think Classic Punch will guarantee a nice, even gallop."
Trainer Tim Etherington reports Classic Punch is in "magnificent form".
He goes to post for the feature race of Journal Ladies' Day, the Wold Construction Brian And Ian Memorial Handicap, on the back of an impressive victory at Doncaster last month.
He was victorious over this course in May, when he dead-heated with Saint Thomas.
"I think he's a grand chance," said Etherington. "Technically his best days are behind him, but he's acting like a young kid at home and is physically and mentally on top of his game. "Hopefully, he'll bounce out under Graham (Lee) and run another smashing race. "The horse is in absolutely magnificent form and is jumping out of his skin." Triple Eight is also riding high ahead of the mile-and-a-quarter handicap after having won at Ripon nine days ago. The five-year-old son of Royal Applause must shoulder a 6lb penalty, with trainer Phil Kirby one of just a few on Ladies' Day hoping the heavens open. He said: "He was fairly impressive last time and has definitely got his confidence back. "In fairness to him, though, he's run well all year and deserved that. "He's been high enough in the weights all year, but he showed at Ripon what he can do when things are right for him. "The more rain they have, the better his chances – though he can handle it quick. "We'd have to be hopeful of a good run."• Look out for pictures and updates from Journal Ladies Day this afternoon.
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"I think he's a grand chance," said Etherington. "Technically his best days are behind him, but he's acting like a young kid at home and is physically and mentally on top of his game. "Hopefully, he'll bounce out under Graham (Lee) and run another smashing race. "The horse is in absolutely magnificent form and is jumping out of his skin." Triple Eight is also riding high ahead of the mile-and-a-quarter handicap after having won at Ripon nine days ago. The five-year-old son of Royal Applause must shoulder a 6lb penalty, with trainer Phil Kirby one of just a few on Ladies' Day hoping the heavens open. He said: "He was fairly impressive last time and has definitely got his confidence back. "In fairness to him, though, he's run well all year and deserved that. "He's been high enough in the weights all year, but he showed at Ripon what he can do when things are right for him. "The more rain they have, the better his chances – though he can handle it quick. "We'd have to be hopeful of a good run."• Look out for pictures and updates from Journal Ladies Day this afternoon.
