Good to Soft Ground Sets Up Stamina Test
Right then, Friday afternoon at Chepstow and we've got proper jumping weather with that good to soft, soft in places description doing exactly what it says on the tin. Those softer patches around the Welsh venue will sort the men from the boys, and I'll tell you what - this is the kind of ground that separates the genuine stayers from the speed merchants trying to nick a living over trips that don't suit.
Eight races on the Chepstow racecard today, ranging from a packed 16-runner maiden hurdle to kick us off to a lovely mares' handicap hurdle to finish. The feature race is that £20,000 Veterans' Handicap Chase at 3:40, and by God, it's a cracker with some proper old warriors lining up for one more crack at glory.
Veterans' Chase: The Old Boys Still Have Bite
The Unibet Middle Distance Series Veterans' Handicap Chase over two and three-quarter miles is where the real action lies today. Gunsight Ridge tops the weights on 139 for Olly Murphy, and at eleven years young, this lad knows every trick in the book. Sean Bowen takes the ride, and that's a combination that's been clicking like a well-oiled machine lately.
But don't be writing off Numitor just yet - James Bowen's mount for Heather Main is twelve years old and rated 137, and he's got the course and distance form that marks with a [D]. That experience around these bends could be worth its weight in gold, especially when the ground's testing the stamina reserves.
Pull Again Green for Fergal O'Brien catches the eye at 133. This ten-year-old has been knocking on the door lately, and Liam Harrison knows how to get a tune out of a horse when the ground's in his favour. Don't overlook Outlaw Peter either - Freddie Gingell takes the ride for Paul Nicholls, and that's a yard that doesn't send them anywhere without a serious chance.
Maiden Hurdle Minefield
The opening maiden hurdle is one of those 16-runner affairs that'll have you scratching your head, but there's a few that stand out from the rabble. Can't Resist It brings a rating of 108 to the party, and Jonathan Burke aboard for Fergal O'Brien suggests they mean business.
Crystal Orchard for Joe Tizzard with Freddie Gingell up is another that catches the eye. The Tizzard yard has been in flying form, and when they fancy one in a maiden, you'd better sit up and take notice. Sea Warrior at 104 for the same stable looks overpriced if the market doesn't fancy him.
Keep an eye on Amatchmadeinheaven - what a name that is! - with Miss Amber Jackson-Fennell taking the ride for the Twiston-Davies team. Course and distance winner marked with [C,D], and that's gold dust in a maiden hurdle where half the field wouldn't know a winning post if it jumped up and bit them.
Limited Handicap Chase: Quality Over Quantity
The 2:40 novices' limited handicap chase might only have five runners, but what it lacks in numbers it makes up for in quality. Excelero heads the market on 126 for Jane Williams, and Ciaran Gethings has been riding with real confidence lately.
Georgi Girl at 122 for Philip Hobbs looks the main danger. This seven-year-old has been progressive over fences, and Ben Jones knows the track like the back of his hand. The soft ground won't bother this one either - proper stamina in the pedigree.
Risk de Pluie is a non-runner, which opens things up nicely for the others. Kap Ouest for Harry Fry can't be dismissed at 116, especially with Bryan Carver's course knowledge coming into play.
Marathon Finale and Mares' Contest
The three-mile chase at 4:43 is a proper stamina test, and The Scorpion King looks well-handicapped at the top on 100. Gavin Sheehan's booking suggests Oliver Signy's charge is ready to strike, and the distance winner tag [D] is music to my ears over this trip on testing ground.
Gingerbred brings course and distance form [C,D] and looks overpriced if the market doesn't warm to him. These marathon chases often throw up surprises, and at his rating of 95, he could outrun his odds.
The mares' hurdle finale has Morning Air looking solid for Venetia Williams with Ned Fox up. At 98, she's nicely treated, and the Williams yard knows how to place their mares to perfection.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
Right, here's where I'm putting my money where my mouth is. Gunsight Ridge in the veterans' chase is the bet of the day - class horse, top jockey, and the experience to handle whatever Chepstow throws at him.
In the maiden hurdle, Crystal Orchard each-way looks solid value from the Tizzard stable. The limited handicap chase screams Georgi Girl to me - progressive type who'll relish the conditions.
For the longer shots, keep The Scorpion King onside in that marathon chase. The name alone suggests he's got a sting in his tail, and over three miles on soft ground, stamina beats speed every time. That's racing for you - when the ground gets testing, the cream always rises to the top.
