A May Afternoon to Remember
There's something rather special about flat racing returning to Cheltenham in May. I remember my grandfather telling me stories of the old days when the Festival course would host summer meetings that drew crowds from across the Cotswolds. While those days are long gone, today's seven-race card proves that this famous venue still knows how to put on a show when the jumps are put away for the season.
The going is posted as good, good to soft in places – perfect conditions really for this time of year. After a showery April, the ground has dried out nicely, and I suspect we'll see some sharp times today. The Cheltenham racecard is headed by the £120,000 Listed Cheshire Oaks, but there's quality throughout the afternoon that should keep punters busy.
The Cheshire Oaks Takes Centre Stage
The 14:35 Weatherbys Cheshire Oaks is undoubtedly the day's feature, and what a treat it promises to be. At a mile and three furlongs, this Listed contest for three-year-old fillies has attracted a compact but classy field of five runners.
Sugar Island heads the betting and rightly so. Rated 106, she's the highest-rated filly in the field and represents the Aidan O'Brien stable that knows how to win these big prizes. With Wayne Lordan in the saddle, she'll be hard to beat if bringing her A-game.
However, I'm particularly taken with I'm The One from the John and Thady Gosden yard. While unrated on official figures, the booking of William Buick suggests the stable thinks highly of this daughter of Frankel. The Gosdens have a knack for placing their fillies perfectly, and this looks like it could be a coming-out party.
Amelia Earhart, also from Ballydoyle, provides O'Brien with a strong second string. At 99, she's proven at this level and Ryan Moore's presence in the saddle adds further weight to her claims.
The Chester Vase: A Derby Trial with Bite
The 15:05 Boodles Chester Vase Stakes is the afternoon's other Group race, and it's one that always gets the pulse racing. This Group 3 contest over a mile and four furlongs has been a Derby trial for generations, and today's field suggests we might see a future Classic contender emerge.
Benvenuto Cellini stands out like a beacon. Rated 112, he's streets ahead of his rivals on paper and represents the O'Brien juggernaut that's been so dominant in recent years. With Ryan Moore aboard, he'll take some stopping if handling the unique demands of this track.
Del Maro from Charlie Appleby's Newmarket base is the obvious danger. Rated 101, he's proven at Group level and William Buick knows exactly how to ride these big-race targets. The Godolphin operation has been in fine form lately, and this fellow could easily upset the favourite.
Jockeys to Follow and Early Opportunities
The afternoon kicks off with the 13:30 Stellar Lily Agnes EBF Conditions Stakes, a £50,000 prize for two-year-olds over five furlongs. These early-season juvenile contests can be tricky to solve, but Oisin Murphy on Wait Geordie from Hugo Palmer's yard catches the eye. Palmer knows how to ready his youngsters, and Murphy's booking suggests confidence.
Clifford Lee partners Final Appeal for Karl Burke, another trainer who excels with his two-year-olds. The good ground should suit, and Burke's juveniles often improve significantly from their debuts.
Don't overlook Kaiya Fraser on Adonius either. Fraser has been riding with real confidence this season, and Rebecca Menzies' charge could easily spring a surprise at bigger odds.
Later in the afternoon, Sam James looks to have some decent chances, particularly Solar Aclaim in the Earl Grosvenor Handicap. This five-year-old is a course winner, which is always significant at a track like Cheltenham where local knowledge counts for plenty.
Handicap Highlights and Value Plays
The 14:05 Earl Grosvenor Handicap over seven furlongs looks a competitive affair with 14 runners declared. Al Shabab Storm tops the weights off 103, but it's Snow Master from Andrew Balding's yard that appeals. Oisin Murphy takes the ride, and this four-year-old has been running consistently well in similar company.
Percy's Lad might be eight years old, but he's both a course and distance winner, which gives him a significant edge. Tom Marquand knows this horse well, and at his mark of 90, he could easily outrun his odds.
The evening's finale, the Roodee Handicap, sees Dance In The Storm and Midnight Strike heading the market. Both are rated 90, but it's Spangled Mac for George Boughey that might offer the best value. Rowan Scott has been among the winners recently, and this seven-year-old is a proven course winner.
Ones to Watch and Final Thoughts
If I'm putting my money where my mouth is today, I'm drawn to three particular runners. I'm The One in the Cheshire Oaks offers each-way value in what looks an open renewal, while Benvenuto Cellini in the Chester Vase looks a banker if you're building any multiples.
For those seeking bigger prices, Wait Geordie in the opener could reward early supporters, and Percy's Lad in the Earl Grosvenor represents solid each-way value with his course-winning form.
The good ground should ensure we see some smart times today, and with the quality of jockeys on show – Murphy, Buick, Moore, and Doyle among others – we're in for a treat. Cheltenham might be famous for its jumping, but afternoons like this remind us that the flat game has its own particular magic when the sun's shining and the ground is right.
Whatever you're backing today, enjoy the racing. There's nothing quite like a May afternoon at one of our finest racecourses, and today's card promises to deliver memories that'll last long after the final winner has crossed the line.
