Evening Delights at Cartmel Beckon
Right then, racing fans, time to turn our attention to the jewel of the Lake District for what promises to be a cracking evening's entertainment. Cartmel serves up eight races on Friday evening, and with the going described as good to soft, good in places, we're looking at proper National Hunt conditions that'll separate the wheat from the chaff.
The unique figure-of-eight track never fails to throw up a surprise or two, and with the ground having just enough give in it, stamina will be at a premium. Those punters thinking this is just a gentle evening's flutter might want to think again – Cartmel's racecard is packed with competitive handicaps and a novice hurdle that could take some winning.
Feature Race: The Final Pride Chase Commands Respect
The evening's feature has to be the 16:55 Final Pride Handicap Chase over three miles and two furlongs – a proper test of stamina that'll have the old timers nodding approvingly. At £11,700 to the winner, it's the richest prize on offer, and with just six runners, each one will fancy their chances.
Manothepeople catches the eye immediately, not just because he's the highest-rated at 130, but because he's a course and distance winner. At eleven years old, he knows every blade of grass around here, and Jack Hogan's booking suggests Fergal O'Brien's charge is primed for another big effort. The old warrior has been there and done it, and you'd be foolish to dismiss him lightly.
But hold your horses before lumping on the favourite. Charles Ritz at 122 looks dangerously well handicapped for Tom George, and at ten years old, he's entering that sweet spot where experience meets opportunity. The ground won't inconvenience him one bit, and Ciaran Gethings knows how to get a tune out of a staying chaser.
Novice Hurdle Holds the Key
The 16:20 opener might be 'just' a novice hurdle, but with Nicky Henderson sending Mr Daniel Williams up from Lambourn to partner Quay Item, you know there's serious money behind this six-year-old. Rated 124, he's head and shoulders above this field on paper, and Henderson doesn't send his conditional jockeys on wild goose chases to Cumbria.
That said, I'm not convinced he's the betting proposition of the century. Paul Nicholls' Treasure Planet might only be rated 116, but he's a four-year-old with Harry Cobden aboard, and Ditcheat's master trainer has a knack of finding improvement in his youngsters. The ground will suit, and at likely bigger odds, he could be the value play.
Don't sleep on Piping Rock either. Emma Lavelle's five-year-old has Gavin Sheehan in the plate, and that partnership has been clicking lately. At 119, he's not far behind the Henderson horse on ratings, and the softer ground might just bring out the best in him.
Handicap Highlights and Course Specialists
The 19:07 Cherry Gold Handicap Hurdle over two miles looks a cracker, with The Kemble Brewery and Wreckless Eric both rated 129 and both course winners. It's rare to see two horses so closely matched at the head of the weights, and with both having won around here before, it could come down to which jockey can find the better position coming to the final flight.
Tom Bellamy gets the leg-up on The Kemble Brewery for the Kim Bailey team, while Jonjo O'Neill Jr. partners Wreckless Eric. Both jockeys know Cartmel like the back of their hands, so expect tactical fireworks.
The 18:37 Gats and Co Chase might only have four runners, but what a quartet it is. Torneo for Jamie Snowden is both a course and distance winner, and Gavin Sheehan clearly fancies his chances with a second booking of the evening. At 125, he's well clear of his rivals on ratings, but in a small field, anything can happen.
Maiden Hurdle Minefield
The 18:05 My Coranna Maiden Hurdle with fourteen runners is where the real puzzle lies. Maiden hurdles with this many runners are notoriously difficult to solve, but David Bass riding Both of Us for Kerry Lee catches my attention. The four-year-old is a course winner over fences – yes, you read that right – so he clearly handles the unique demands of this track.
Henderson's Mariole with Sam Twiston-Davies aboard deserves respect too. When the master of Seven Barrows sends a four-year-old this far north, there's usually a plan behind it. Don't be surprised if this one shows significant improvement from whatever he's shown before.
Evening's Best Bets
Right, let's cut through the waffle and get to the meat and potatoes. Here's how I'm playing this evening's card:
Banker: Quay Item in the opener might be short odds, but Henderson doesn't mess about, and Mr Daniel Williams is riding with confidence.
Value Play: Treasure Planet in the same race at likely bigger odds – Nicholls' four-year-olds often improve dramatically for racecourse experience.
Each-Way Special: Charles Ritz in the feature chase – ten years old, well handicapped, and Tom George's horses are in good heart.
Saver: Toby McCain-Mitchell rides both Beau Quali in the opener and Loup de Maulde in the feature chase – the man's in form and knows how to get horses home around here.
The ground conditions favor those with stamina and jumping ability, so don't be seduced by the flashy speedsters. This is Cartmel in April – it's all about getting home in one piece and having something left for the finish. Sláinte to a profitable evening, and may the racing gods smile upon us all!
