Ladies First on the South Coast
Well now, what a treat Brighton served up on this fine Saturday afternoon! Seven races of proper National Hunt action with the going riding good to soft - perfect conditions for the jumping game, and didn't the punters know it. The bookies were kept honest all day, and there were enough talking horses on show to keep us scribbling notes well into the evening.
The feature of the day had to be those two mares' handicaps - the Hadwins EBF at 2m1f and the PSR Marquees marathon over 3m1f. Christ, what depth in both contests! When you've got the likes of My Chiquita (rated 122) taking on Kientzheim (121) and Dunsy Rock (120) in the shorter affair, you know you're in for a proper battle. Harry Cobden aboard Kientzheim caught the eye - that combination doesn't often get things wrong, and the mare's been knocking on the door.
But it was the longer mares' contest that really got the juices flowing. Penny Perfect leading the charge for Sean Bowen at the top of the weights, with Musique de Fee and Pinot Rouge snapping at her heels. Three miles at Brighton sorts the wheat from the chaff, and any mare who runs well in that heat is worth following through the summer.
Novice Chasers Show Their Hand
The William Hill Novices' Limited Handicap Chase might have only attracted three runners, but what quality! Tellherthename carrying top weight of 132 for Harry Skelton - now there's a horse with a engine. The Skelton brothers don't mess about with their novice chasers, and anything rated that highly after just a handful of runs over the bigger obstacles is screaming 'potential'.
Tamarind Bay for Sean Bowen looked the obvious danger off 115, and you'd have to fancy him to make a race of it. The Bowen boys have been in flying form lately, and they know how to place their horses to perfection. Half A Chance completing the trio under Paddy Hanlon - a small field but packed with quality.
The Handicap Chasers Steal the Show
That RF Miller & Co Handicap Chase over 3m1f was the race of the day on paper, and it didn't disappoint. Eight runners all within a stone of each other - that's what handicap chasing is all about! My Gift To You, Loughderg Rocco, and Ki Woo all sharing top weight at 125 - talk about a proper lottery.
Harry Skelton on Ki Woo was the pick of many, and you can see why. The horse has been progressive all season, and Skelton's record over the longer trips at Brighton is nothing short of phenomenal. But don't sleep on Loup de Maulde for Harry Cobden - that's a horse who's been crying out for this sort of test, and the 'D' next to his name suggests he loves the place.
Caughtinyourtrance for Charlotte Jones was the each-way special for me. The mare's been running consistently without quite getting her head in front, and Brighton's unique undulations could be just what she needs to finally break her duck.
The Supporting Cast Delivers
Those two Class 5 chases to finish the card might not have set pulses racing on ratings alone, but there were nuggets to be found. Isle of Sark in the Molson Coors Handicap looked overpriced at 100 - Alice Stevens claiming her 7lb allowance could make all the difference in a race like this.
The St Marys Hospice finale was a proper cavalry charge with twelve runners, but Clonakilty for Alan Doyle looked the one to be with. The horse has been finding his feet nicely, and this looked like the perfect opportunity to strike while the iron's hot.
Line of Descent caught my attention too - James Bowen in the saddle and that 'C' next to his name suggesting Brighton brings out the best in him. Sometimes it's as simple as horses for courses, and this lad looks like he's found his happy hunting ground.
Ones to Follow and Looking Ahead
Right, let's talk about the horses to keep on your radar going forward. From today's Brighton racecard, there were several who caught this old hack's eye for all the right reasons.
Woodythewoodpecker in the opening maiden hurdle is one to follow religiously. Rated 101 already and still a maiden over hurdles? That screams 'well-handicapped' when he eventually goes into handicap company. Conor Ring knows his way around a horse, and this lad looks like he's just been waiting for the right opportunity.
From the mares' races, whoever runs well will be worth following into the summer festivals. These Brighton mares' handicaps are often good form races, and any horse who can handle the track's peculiarities usually has the class to win elsewhere.
The novice chasers are all heading for bigger things. Tellherthename looks Cheltenham Festival material if he continues on his current trajectory, while Tamarind Bay has the profile of a horse who could clean up in the summer novice chases.
Keep an eye on the handicap chase performers too - Ki Woo and Loup de Maulde both look like they're heading for significant prizes before the season's out. Brighton form often works out well at the bigger tracks, and today's action should throw up a few winners down the line.
All in all, a cracking day's sport on the South Coast. Brighton might not have the glamour of Cheltenham or the prestige of Aintree, but for proper National Hunt racing where every runner has a chance, you can't beat it. Roll on the next time!
