A Perfect Day for Cartmel
There's something rather special about a Friday afternoon at Cartmel, isn't there? Reminds me of those summer holidays as a lad when my grandfather would take me to the local track for what he called 'a proper education in horseflesh.' The anticipation of the weekend ahead, the slightly relaxed atmosphere, and today we've got the added bonus of good to firm ground with some good patches – exactly what you want this time of year.
Friday's seven-race card offers a lovely mix for the everyday punter, from apprentice handicaps to a cracking novice stakes that's caught my eye. The going should suit the speedier types, though there's enough give in those good patches to keep the stamina horses interested over the longer trips.
Feature Race: Bill Lewton's 80th Birthday Celebration
The 3:00 Bill Lewton 80th Birthday Novice Stakes is clearly the highlight of our Cartmel racecard – a Class 3 affair worth £12,000 over a mile and two furlongs. Now, I don't know Bill personally, but any man reaching his 80th deserves a proper celebration, and this field should provide it.
Alfaraz stands head and shoulders above this lot with a rating of 90, and David Probert's booking tells you everything about connections' confidence. Andrew Balding's three-year-old has clearly shown enough at home to warrant this step up in trip, and on these conditions, he looks the one they'll all be chasing.
That said, Echo of Stars brings solid form with an 87 rating, and Jamie Spencer rarely makes the journey north without a live chance. Oliver Cole's charge could be the each-way value if Alfaraz doesn't handle the ground or trip as expected.
The Apprentice Handicap: Youth Gets Its Chance
The opening 2:00 apprentice handicap always warms my heart – reminds me why this sport continues to thrive. Watching the next generation of jockeys cut their teeth on these competitive handicaps is half the fun, and today's field of nine provides plenty of intrigue.
Stage Show tops the weights with Mason Paetel aboard, and there's a 'D' next to his name indicating previous course form. Alexandra Dunn's six-year-old has been thereabouts recently, and the longer trip should suit.
Sea of Charm catches the eye with Myla Coppins taking the ride. At eight years old, this one knows the game inside out, and Georgina Nicholls has her string in good heart. The course and distance form makes her a serious player despite the modest rating.
Sprint Specialists and Course Specialists
The 3:30 five-furlong dash looks a cracking little contest, and with only five runners, each one has a genuine chance. On Edge brings both course and distance form to the party, with Gina Mangan's claim helping offset that 73 rating. Christopher Mason's eight-year-old has been knocking on the door recently.
Cayman Tai represents the Richard Hannon stable and brings course form, though he'll need to find a bit more to trouble the principals. Sometimes these smaller fields can throw up surprises though – I remember backing a 20-1 shot in a similar contest here a few years back that came from nowhere to land a proper touch.
In the evening's finale, the 5:10 seven-furlong handicap, keep an eye on Redredrobin. Malcolm Saunders' nine-year-old is a course and distance winner, and Ben Ffrench Davis knows this track like the back of his hand. At his age, every run is precious, but when they're right, the old-timers often know exactly what's required.
Ones to Watch and Best Bets
If I'm putting my money where my mouth is today, Alfaraz in the feature race looks as close to a good thing as we'll find. The class difference is significant, and Balding doesn't send them this far north for the scenery.
For a bit of each-way value, Sea of Charm in the opener appeals at likely odds, while On Edge in the sprint could outrun her odds if the pace sets up right.
The three-year-old contests look competitive but trappy – exactly the sort where you might be better off enjoying the racing for its own sake rather than trying to solve the puzzle. Sometimes the best bet is the one you don't make, as my old grandfather used to say, usually after backing another 10-1 shot that finished last.
Whatever you're backing today, enjoy the racing. Friday afternoons at Cartmel don't come around often enough, and with weather like this, it promises to be a proper day out. Just remember to back within your means and keep something aside for the journey home – you never know when that long-priced winner might come in!
