Saturday's Feast at Hereford
Right then, racing fans, Saturday's card at Hereford is serving up a proper treat with seven races that'll have you glued to the screen from first to last. The going is described as good to soft, soft in places, but with the entire course having been vertidrained and expected to dry back a bit by racing time, we're looking at conditions that should suit the bold, front-running types.
The feature attraction is undoubtedly the £100,000 Herring Queen Series Final at 2:10, but there's quality throughout the afternoon that demands our attention. With Listed company in the opener and several competitive handicaps, this Hereford racecard has the makings of a memorable Saturday session.
The Herring Queen Final - Where Dreams Are Made
The £100,000 Herring Queen Series Final Mares' Novices' Handicap Hurdle is the jewel in today's crown, and what a contest it promises to be. Sixteen fillies and mares line up over two miles and 51 yards, with Nicky Henderson's Khrisma heading the weights on a mark of 128.
Now, I've been watching this daughter of Kayf Tara with keen interest, and she's got all the attributes to take this prize back to Seven Barrows. Nico de Boinville takes the ride, and that partnership alone commands respect. She's a course and distance winner who'll relish these conditions - the soft patches won't bother her one jot.
But don't be thinking this is a one-horse race, because it's anything but. Beauty In The Park from the Paul Nicholls yard is a fascinating runner at 114. Gavin Sheehan knows his way around these big pots, and this mare has been crying out for this sort of test. She's another who's proven at the trip and won't mind if the ground stays on the easier side.
Listed Glory in the Beeswing Mares' Hurdle
The afternoon kicks off in style with the Listed Beeswing Mares' Hurdle over three miles and 100 yards, and this is where we'll see some proper staying power put to the test. Hollygrove Cha Cha tops the ratings at 140, and Jamie Snowden's mare has Gavin Sheehan in the plate - a combination that's been firing on all cylinders this season.
The three-mile trip is her bread and butter, and these testing conditions will play right into her hands. She's got the class edge over most of this field, but don't be writing off World of Fortunes at 137. Jordan Gainford takes the ride for J.W. Kenny, and this eight-year-old has bags of experience in these big staying contests.
The going will be crucial here - any horse that can't handle the soft patches will be found wanting over this marathon distance. It's a proper test of stamina and jumping ability combined.
Handicap Highlights and Northern Raiders
The Go North Cab On Target Series Final at 1:30 brings together 16 runners over two miles and four furlongs, and it's got all the ingredients of a proper cavalry charge. Judicial Deference heads the market at 124, and with good reason - he's both a course and distance winner, which counts for plenty at a track like Hereford.
Danny McMenamin has a couple of live chances throughout the afternoon, including Baratablet in this contest. The six-year-old is on a workable mark of 119 and represents the in-form Nicky Richards stable.
In the novice chase at 2:40, Diamond Dealer looks the one to beat for Dan Skelton. Tristan Durrell takes the ride, and this seven-year-old has been schooling like a natural over the bigger obstacles. The ground will suit, and he's got the class to make his mark in this Go North series final.
The Marathon Test and Closing Contests
The Remembering Duncan Davidson Handicap Chase over three miles and two furlongs is a proper stamina sapper, and with just six runners, it should develop into a tactical affair. Cadell is the highest-rated at 135, and being both a course and distance winner gives him a significant edge. Jack Power knows this horse inside out, and they'll be hard to peg back if getting first run.
The closing bumper is always worth a watch for future stars, and Diamond White from the O'Neill yard catches the eye. These National Hunt flat races can throw up some surprise packages, and with Jonjo O'Neill Jr. in the saddle, there's clearly something to work with.
Tom's Verdict: The Ones to Follow
Looking at the day as a whole, the ground conditions favor the proven stayers and those with course experience. My banker of the day is Khrisma in the Herring Queen Final - she's got everything in her favor and Henderson rarely misses with his big-race contenders.
For value, I'm sweet on Beauty In The Park in the same race at much bigger odds, while Hollygrove Cha Cha should take all the beating in the opener if she handles the ground as expected.
Best Bets:
- Banker: Khrisma (2:10) - Class act with everything in her favor
- Value: Beauty In The Park (2:10) - Nicholls runner ready for big pot
- Each-Way Special: Diamond Dealer (2:40) - Skelton novice with plenty of scope
- Outsider: Cadell (3:13) - Course specialist in small field
It's shaping up to be a cracking afternoon's sport at Hereford. The ground will play its part, the fields are competitive, and there's serious prize money on offer. Sláinte to that!
