A Modest Midweek Menu at Hereford
Right then, settle in for what promises to be a proper midweek affair at Hereford today. Eight races on the card, though you'd be hard-pressed to call it a spectacular spectacle with fields smaller than a Galway publican's generosity. Still, that's where the opportunities lie, isn't it? The going is riding good after some vertidrainage work, which should suit the sharper types who can travel and quicken rather than the dour stayers who grind it out in the mud.
The feature race, if we're being generous with our definitions, is the £15,000 Bedmax Handicap Chase over two miles and a furlong. Seven runners having a go at it, which passes for a competitive affair on today's Hereford racecard. Donald McCain sends a couple of useful sorts down from the north, and you'd be foolish to ignore anything from that stable when they make the journey.
The Feature Event: Bedmax Handicap Chase (16:32)
**Glory And Honour** tops the weights at 116, and there's good reason for that. Sam England's ten-year-old has been knocking on the door lately, and the step back in trip from his recent longer efforts could be just the ticket. He's a course and distance winner here, which counts for plenty around these parts where local knowledge matters.
But I'm more taken with **Chapel Green** for the Russell/Scudamore partnership. This nine-year-old has been running some cracking races in better company than this, and dropping back to this level with Alan Doyle in the saddle looks a shrewd move. He's another with course form in the book, and on this good ground, he should be able to use his natural pace to good effect.
**Moodofthemoment** is interesting for David Thompson. The name suggests a mercurial type, and his form figures back that up, but when he's in the mood, he's more than capable at this level. Ellis Collier takes the ride, and if the mood takes him, he could run a big race at a decent price.
McCain's Double-Barrelled Assault
Donald McCain has two runners to note, starting with **Dartmouth Castle** in the opening Novices' Hurdle at 13:55. Now, this is essentially a match between McCain's charge and Cian Collins' **Kashchei**, with Rebecca Menzies' unrated **Rupert The Prince** making up the numbers. Theo Gillard takes the ride on Dartmouth Castle, and that 14-point ratings advantage tells its own story. This should be a procession, barring any jumping mishaps.
McCain's second string is **Presentandcounting** in the 14:25 chase, and here's where it gets interesting. Yes, he's twelve years old, but he's also a course and distance winner who knows his way around these fences. The ratings suggest he's up against it with Walk On Quest and The Clonmel Kid, but I've learned never to write off a McCain veteran who's been freshened up for a specific target.
The Handicap Hurdle Puzzle
The 14:55 handicap hurdle brings together six runners in what looks the most competitive heat of the afternoon. **Rexem** heads the market on ratings, and John McConnell's charge has been running consistently without winning. The good ground should suit, and Alex Harvey knows him well.
However, I'm drawn to **High Dancer** for Nicky Richards. This six-year-old has been progressive this season, and Danny McMenamin's booking suggests connections fancy their chances. The trip looks ideal, and he's been crying out for this type of ground.
The Hunters' Chase: Amateur Hour Excellence
The Hunters' Chase at 17:02 celebrates Aidan & Margaret McDonnell's Golden Anniversary, and what a lovely touch that is. **Whatdeawant** brings the highest rating to the party, but in hunters' chases, ratings can be misleading. The amateur riders bring their own dynamic to proceedings.
**Brandy McQueen** catches the eye as a course and distance winner under Miss Lucy Brown, who trains and rides. That combination of local knowledge and partnership could prove decisive. **Northern Bound** is another course winner, though at twelve, Father Time might be catching up.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
If I'm putting my money where my mouth is today, **Chapel Green** in the feature race looks the standout bet of the afternoon. The class drop, course form, and good ground all align perfectly for the Russell/Scudamore team.
Charlie Maggs has three rides on the card, including **Tanking Along** in the feature, and he's a jockey worth following when he makes the trip to tracks like this. Joe Williamson partners **The Clonmel Kid** in the 14:25 chase, and that combination could surprise a few at decent odds.
For the more adventurous punters, **High Dancer** in the 14:55 handicap hurdle represents solid each-way value, while **Brandy McQueen** in the hunters' chase could provide the sentimental story of the day with a victory.
Remember, these smaller fields can throw up surprises, but they also mean less hiding places for the pretenders. Back your fancy with confidence, but don't go mad – there's always tomorrow's racing to consider. Sláinte to that, and may the odds be ever in your favour!
