Good Ground Sets Up Competitive Card
Right then, racing folk, Monday's card at Brighton promises to be a proper treat with eight races on good ground – and isn't that a blessing after all the soft stuff we've been trudging through lately! The going's riding fast and true, which should suit the sharper types who can quicken off a strong pace.
The feature race is undoubtedly the Class 2 RF Miller & Co Handicap Hurdle over three miles and a furlong, carrying a tidy £30,100 in prize money. But there's plenty of competitive action throughout the afternoon, including a fascinating mares' novice hurdle to kick us off and some proper staying chases for the veterans later on.
Looking at today's Brighton racecard, the Skelton and Bowen operations are mob-handed, and you can bet your bottom euro they'll be scrapping for every winner. The good ground should play right into the hands of the sharper, handier types – exactly what both yards excel at producing.
Feature Race: Class 2 Handicap Hurdle Dissected
The 3m 1f 83y handicap hurdle at 15:23 is where the serious money changes hands today, and what a cracking renewal we have on our hands. Twelve runners face the starter, headed by Roger Pol (129) for Jamie Snowden with Isabelle Ryder doing the steering.
But hold your horses before backing the topweight – I'm much keener on Imperial Data (125) for Rebecca Menzies. This nine-year-old has both course and distance form in the bag, which counts for plenty around Brighton's unique undulations. Ellis Collier knows the horse well, and at 125 he's still well handicapped for a horse of his class.
Al Sayah (125) represents the Neil Mulholland yard and comes here fresh, which could be crucial over this stamina-sapping trip. The six-year-old is lightly raced over fences and might have more improvement in him than the handicapper realizes.
Don't overlook Tranquil Sea (121) either – Harry Skelton aboard for the Dan Skelton stable, and this six-year-old has distance form that reads well. The good ground will suit his racing style perfectly.
Opening Mares' Novice Hurdle: Skelton vs The Field
The day kicks off with a tasty mares' novice hurdle, and Hidden Fortune looks the one to beat for the Skelton team. Unrated but representing the champion trainer's yard with Harry Skelton in the saddle – that combination alone demands serious respect in a race like this.
Mighty Fleur (110) brings the highest rating to the party for Mickey Bowen, with Sean Bowen taking the ride. At six years old, she should be hitting her peak, and the good ground won't inconvenience her one bit.
Keep an eye on Autumn Getaway for Lizzie Quinlan – Peter Kavanagh is a shrewd booking, and this five-year-old could be well handicapped if the market speaks kindly of her chances.
Veterans' Chase: Experience Counts
The Hugh Cavendish Veterans' Handicap Chase over 3m 5f 80y is where the old warriors get their day in the sun. Tommie Beau (127) brings course and distance form to the table – crucial credentials around Brighton's testing track.
At eleven years old, this fellow knows his job inside out, and Benjamin Macey's 5lb claim could prove the difference in what should be a tight finish. The good ground suits his front-running style perfectly.
If Not For Dylan (117) for the Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore partnership shouldn't be underestimated. These northern raiders don't travel south without serious chances, and eleven-year-old legs that still have spring in them are worth their weight in gold over this marathon trip.
Shorter Chases: Speed and Class
The Molson Coors Handicap Chase over 2m 1f 61y brings just four runners to post, but what they lack in numbers they make up for in quality. Coup de Coeur (127) tops the weights for Micky Hammond, but in a small field like this, class usually tells.
Sir Tivo (123) has course and distance form and, despite being twelve years old, still retains enough ability to win races like this. Sean Bowen takes the ride, and that's a significant positive.
The Warrior Down Handicap Chase sees Pour Les Filles (130) attempting to concede lumps of weight to her rivals. Mickey Bowen's eight-year-old is a class act, but that's a hefty burden over 2m 5f 34y, even on good ground.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
Right, here's where the rubber meets the road, and I'm putting my neck on the line with these selections:
- Imperial Data in the feature Class 2 handicap – course and distance winner with more in the tank
- Hidden Fortune in the mares' novice – Skelton power couple rarely misfire in races like this
- Tommie Beau in the veterans' chase – experience and course form trump everything over this trip
- Sir Tivo in the shorter chase – each-way value with proven course form
The good ground plays into the hands of the handier, sharper types today, so don't be afraid to side with horses that can quicken off a strong pace. Brighton's unique layout rewards those who know the track, so course winners deserve extra respect throughout the card.
It's shaping up to be a cracking afternoon's racing, with competitive fields and genuine quality on show. The feature race should provide the highlight, but there's value to be found throughout this Monday card if you're willing to dig a little deeper than the obvious favorites.
