Geraghty hopeful of Punjabi chance Barry Geraghty believes his mount Punjabi has strong claims in Saturday's WBX.COM "Fighting Fifth" Hurdle at Wetherby. The jockey is praying the meeting takes place after the race was lost at Newcastle, its traditional home, due to frost last Saturday. He was left stranded in the North East leaving champion jockey Tony McCoy to ride a four-timer at Newbury for his new boss Nicky Henderson, Punjabi's trainer. "Hopefully, it goes ahead," said Geraghty. "He has a great chance. Sublimity, I thought, was the one to beat but the ground wouldn't be ideal for him. "My lad has handled soft ground in the past, so I'd be hopeful." Philip Hide expressed his delight at picking up the ride on Blue Bajan for his old friend, trainer Andy Turnell. "I rode quite a few winners for Andy some years back, so at least he hasn't forgotten me," said Hide. "My agent gave me a ring and it was good of Andy to even think of me. "Blue Bajan won the Swinton in the spring and ran a great race off top weight last time. "He's obviously a decent horse and is possibly still progressive. We'll find out more about him tomorrow."
