Finals Day at Town Moor
Right then, Friday at Doncaster and we've got ourselves a proper day's racing with three series finals taking centre stage. The going is good to soft, which is bang on what you'd want for this time of year - testing enough to sort the wheat from the chaff but not so heavy that it becomes a slog.
Six races on the card with £150k in prize money up for grabs across the three feature contests. This is the kind of day that separates the genuine articles from the pretenders, and with that good to soft ground, we'll see which horses have the engine to last home when the chips are down.
The Feature: Sea Pigeon Hurdle Series Final
The £40k Sea Pigeon Hurdle Series Final at 15:22 is the jewel in the crown, a competitive Class 2 handicap over 2m1f with 15 runners going to post. Star of Guiting heads the weights on 121, and there's a good reason for that - this Ewan Whillans-trained five-year-old has been progressive all season and gets the services of Craig Nichol.
But here's where it gets interesting. Haarar drops down from 119 and brings course form to the table, which on this good to soft ground could be the difference. The Sam England yard know their way around Doncaster, and at seven years old, this lad has the experience to handle a competitive handicap like this.
Light Fandango is another who catches the eye on 119. Neil Mulholland's charge has been knocking on the door in similar company, and the step up to this trip on testing ground should play to his strengths. Don't be fooled by some of the bigger prices further down - Vampire Slayer at 105 could be the each-way steal of the day for Daragh Bourke.
Night Nurse Series Final: The Novice Crown
The Night Nurse Series Final at 15:55 over 2m3f is where we'll see the future stars in action. Sanilam is the one they all have to beat on 122, and Sandy Thomson's six-year-old has been imperious in novice company this season.
But don't sleep on The G Wizard for N.W. Alexander. This six-year-old has been flying under the radar somewhat, and Bruce Lynn knows how to get one ready for the big day. The trip and ground conditions are spot on, and at 114, he might just have enough in hand to cause an upset.
Loulou Madrik represents the southern raiders for Mark Walford, and this five-year-old brings a different dimension to the race. Jamie Hamilton takes the ride, and they'll be looking to make every yard count from the front. Jonjo O'Neill Jr. partners Noonetellsmenothin - and with a name like that and the O'Neill magic, you'd be daft to completely dismiss the chances.
Brindisi Breeze Series Final: The Staying Test
The longest race of the day comes in the shape of the Brindisi Breeze Hurdle Series Final over 2m7f at 16:30. This is where the true stayers come to the fore, and on good to soft ground, stamina will be at a premium.
Authorized Mission for Nicky Richards looks the class act in the field on 117. This six-year-old has been building towards a race like this all season, and Danny McMenamin's booking suggests connections are confident. The trip and ground are ideal, and he's got the tactical speed to position himself well in a big field.
Spit Spot brings both course and distance form to the table, which is gold dust in a race like this. Lucinda Russell's seven-year-old knows exactly what's required around here, and at 114, he's well positioned to strike. Snowrocco is another with the course form, and Ryan Mania knows how to time a challenge to perfection.
The each-way angle has to be Romeo Brown at 106. Yes, he's 12 years old, but this old warrior has been there and done it. Oscar Palmer takes the ride for the Parkinson & Smith team, and if the pace is strong early, this fellow could be picking up the pieces late on.
The Supporting Cast
The maiden hurdle that opens proceedings at 14:20 looks competitive for its grade. Quercus Robur is the only one with a rating (110), but don't be surprised if one of the unrated types springs a surprise. Sean Quinlan on Ned Broy for Iain Jardine could be the value play.
The mares' handicap hurdle to close the card sees Railway Bell as a warm order on 120 for Fergal O'Brien. This seven-year-old mare has been in cracking form, and Jonathan Burke's booking suggests they mean business.
The Verdict: Where the Smart Money Goes
Right, here's how I'm playing Friday's card. In the Sea Pigeon Final, Haarar is the bet at the prices - course form and a yard in form make him hard to oppose. The Night Nurse Final goes to Sanilam, who simply looks a cut above this grade. For the staying final, Authorized Mission has the class edge, but Romeo Brown each-way offers tremendous value.
The good to soft ground will play to the genuine stayers, and those with course experience will have a significant advantage. It's going to be a cracking afternoon's racing at Town Moor, and with three series finals to be decided, we're in for some proper competitive action. Nathan Moscrop looks to have a strong book of rides, particularly in the staying races where his patient style could pay dividends.
Get yourself settled in for what promises to be a belter of an afternoon. The ground is perfect, the fields are competitive, and the prize money is there to be won. Days like this are what National Hunt racing is all about - may the best horse win, and may your fancy come home in front!
