Good to Soft Gold at Cartmel
Ah, Cartmel in April – there's nowhere quite like this little Lake District gem for an afternoon's sport, and Saturday's seven-race card promises to be a cracker. The going's reading good to soft, good in places, which is perfect for separating the men from the boys on this tight, turning track that demands stamina and jumping nous in equal measure.
With £69,700 in prize money up for grabs across the Cartmel racecard, we've got a proper mix of novice events and handicaps that should provide plenty of entertainment. The ground conditions will suit the genuine stayers – those flashy speed merchants who've been winning on the all-weather can forget about it here.
Henderson's Star Headlines the Card
The feature race has to be the 2:15 Tiptop Clean Convenience Handicap Hurdle, a Class 3 affair worth £12,000 that's drawn together a competitive field of nine. But before we get there, the opening EBF Junior National Hunt Hurdle at 12:35 catches the eye with Nicky Henderson's Planters Punch making the long journey north.
Now, I don't often get excited about 128-rated four-year-olds taking on unrated opposition, but there's something about this Henderson inmate that screams class. Mr Daniel Williams takes the ride, and while amateur jockeys can be a worry, this lad knows his way around. The distance winner tag beside Planters Punch's name tells you everything – he's been there and done it over this trip.
The danger could come from Joe Tizzard's Longmoor, who brings Freddie Gingell into the saddle. Tizzard's horses have been in cracking form lately, and unrated doesn't always mean outclassed. Dan Skelton's Evening Tess with Liam Harrison aboard also deserves respect – Skelton knows how to get them ready for these northern raids.
Mares Take Centre Stage
The 1:05 Mares' Novices' Hurdle looks wide open, with nine fillies and mares going to post. Tenter Le Tout brings the highest rating at 123 and sports both course and distance form, which is gold dust around here. Freddie Gingell gets the leg up again for Chester Williams, and that combination has been clicking lately.
But don't sleep on Dan Skelton's double-handed assault with Burning Embers and Jollie Dame. Skelton's been having a stellar season, and when he sends two to a race like this, you know he fancies his chances. Paul O'Brien on Burning Embers catches the eye – he's been riding with real confidence this spring.
The going will be crucial here. These good to soft conditions will find out any mare who's been getting by on speed alone. Look for those with stamina in their pedigrees and proven form in testing ground.
Handicap Highlights and Hidden Gems
That feature handicap hurdle at 2:15 is a proper puzzle. The Kemble Brewery heads the weights for Kim Bailey, and while 127 is a hefty burden, this seven-year-old has course and distance form that's hard to ignore. David Bass knows his way around here, and Bailey's horses have been running with credit.
Authodidacte for Venetia Williams also brings a 127 rating and distance-winning form. Charlie Deutsch takes the ride, and this combination has been profitable to follow. The good to soft going should suit this one down to the ground – Williams' horses tend to improve for cut in the ground.
But here's where it gets interesting – look at In The Air for Alastair Ralph at 121. Course and distance winner, and Tom Broughton knows this track like the back of his hand. At those weights, he could be the value play in what looks a competitive heat.
The staying handicap hurdle finale over 2m3f is always worth a punt, and with 14 runners, there's bound to be a bit of value lurking. Thorgath tops the weights for Tom Lacey, but in these big-field handicaps, it's often worth looking further down the list for an improver.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
If I'm putting my money where my mouth is, Planters Punch in the opener looks a class above his rivals, even giving weight away. Henderson doesn't send horses this far north for the scenery, and the good to soft ground should suit perfectly.
In that feature hurdle, I'm leaning towards Authodidacte each-way. The 127 rating might look harsh, but Venetia Williams has this horse in cracking form, and the ground conditions are ideal. Charlie Deutsch's 5lb claim effectively brings the weight down to a manageable level.
For the value hunters, keep an eye on In The Air in the same race. The course and distance form is solid gold around here, and Alastair Ralph's horses have been running well above their ratings lately.
The mares' race is tricky, but Tenter Le Tout's course form gives her a significant edge. Chester Williams has been quietly going about his business, and that 123 rating might just be enough to see off these novices.
It's shaping up to be a cracking afternoon at Cartmel. The ground's perfect, the fields are competitive, and there's genuine class scattered throughout the card. Just remember – around this tight, turning track, stamina and jumping ability count for more than raw speed. Back the stayers, trust the course winners, and enjoy one of the most picturesque days racing has to offer.
