A Proper Midweek Treat at Fontwell
Well now, what a grand afternoon we had down at Fontwell Park on Wednesday. Seven races of honest flat action on good ground with a decent sprinkling of progressive types - the kind of card that separates the wheat from the chaff and gives us plenty to chew over with a pint in hand.
The going was riding a treat - good to firm with good patches - and the jockeys were getting proper rides out of their mounts. David Nolan had himself a right day out with three winners, while Jason Hart was busy as a bee with runners across the card. When you see quality operators like these lads getting multiple chances, you know the trainers are taking the meeting seriously.
Raulin Shows His Class in the Feature
The Cupa Slates Handicap over the extended mile and five furlongs was the pick of the card, and didn't it deliver in spades. Raulin, carrying top weight of 82, made light work of his burden under David Nolan to score with authority. This lad has been crying out for a step up in trip, and by Jaysus, he got it in spades here.
The way he picked up in the final two furlongs was the mark of a horse going places. Ludo's Landing tried to make a fight of it under Jason Hart, but Raulin had too many gears for him. The winner's got the look of a horse who'll be winning better races than this before the summer's out - mark my words.
Gentle Warrior ran his heart out for third under Shane Gray, and while he didn't have the class to trouble the principals, he's clearly in grand form. One for the notebook in lesser company, that lad.
Ones to Follow from the Feature
Raulin is the obvious one, but don't sleep on Ludo's Landing. Hart gave him a peach of a ride, and he stayed on strongly. Drop him back to a mile and a quarter in the right grade, and he'll be winning soon enough.
Maiden Action Throws Up Future Stars
The opening EBF Maiden Stakes over five furlongs was a cracking little contest that should produce its fair share of winners. North Star Kodi under Oisin Orr caught the eye in defeat - this one's got plenty of pace but just needs to learn his job properly.
The winner Carrow Road was workmanlike enough under Joey Haynes, but it's the runner-up that's got me excited. Jaijai with Joe Leavy aboard ran green as grass but showed a right turn of foot in the closing stages. Give this one another run or two, and he'll be a different proposition entirely.
The restricted novice stakes over the longer trip was won in good style by Togeather Forever, though the name makes me wince every time I write it. Lauren Young gave the filly a patient ride, and she quickened up nicely when asked. She's got the look of a filly who'll appreciate another furlong or two as the season progresses.
Handicap Highlights and Future Winners
The sprint handicaps were proper competitive affairs, with Back To Me taking the six-furlong contest under Andrew Mullen. This one's been knocking on the door for a while, and it was grand to see him get his head in front. The handicapper might not be as kind next time, but he's clearly in the form of his life.
In the five-furlong handicap, Tiva showed why David Nolan was having such a good day, quickening smartly to land the spoils. But keep an eye on Oriental Prince - Paul Mulrennan's mount ran a blinder in defeat and looks ready to strike when the handicapper gives him a chance.
The closing pair of Class 5 handicaps over a mile were won by Light Dreamer and Donna Nook respectively, both for different yards but both showing the kind of honest form that'll see them competitive in similar company through the summer.
Jockey Watch
As mentioned, David Nolan was the star of the show with a treble, but Jason Hart deserves a mention for some cracking rides throughout the afternoon. His positioning on Ludo's Landing was textbook stuff, and he got plenty out of his other mounts too.
Looking Ahead - Where Next for the Stars?
Raulin will surely be aimed at better handicaps now - perhaps a Listed contest if connections are feeling ambitious. The way he won suggests there's more improvement to come, and with David Nolan clearly understanding what makes him tick, he could be a right touch at bigger prices in classier company.
For the maidens and novices, give them another month to develop and we'll see several of them cropping up as short-priced favourites. North Star Kodi and Jaijai in particular have the look of horses who'll improve markedly for the experience.
The Fontwell Park racecard delivered exactly what it promised - honest, competitive racing on good ground with plenty of pointers for the future. Sometimes these midweek meetings can be a bit of a slog, but Wednesday's card was anything but. Roll on the next one, I say!
All in all, a grand day's racing that's left us with plenty to ponder and several horses firmly in the notebook for future reference. That's what good racing's all about - entertainment in the present and hope for the future. Sláinte to that!
