A Monday at the Races — There Are Worse Ways to Spend a Day
My grandfather used to say that a Monday at the races is the universe's way of apologising for the weekend. I'm not sure he was entirely wrong. There's something wonderfully unhurried about a midweek summer meeting in the North — the crowds are manageable, the atmosphere is relaxed, and if you've done your homework, the opportunities are very real.
Today we're heading to Hexham, that cracking little track perched up in Northumberland, and while it's perhaps better known for its jumps action in the winter months, the flat summer programme has quietly built a reputation for producing competitive, fascinating racing. Six races are on the card this afternoon, and with the going reported as Standard to Slow, there's plenty to think about before you commit your hard-earned to the Tote. You can find the full Hexham racecard right here on Paddock Punter.
Let's get into it.
The Going: What Standard to Slow Means for Your Selections
Standard to Slow is the kind of going description that separates the wheat from the chaff. It's not heavy — horses aren't wading through treacle — but there's enough give in the ground to make life uncomfortable for anything that wants a true fast surface. Stamina becomes a premium currency. Horses that have shown they can grind it out, that stay on under pressure rather than quickening away from their rivals, are the ones to be looking at today.
It also tends to expose horses that are a little green or immature — and that's particularly relevant in our two opening maiden races for two-year-olds, where we'll be seeing a lot of horses running for the very first time. On softer ground, those with a robust, workmanlike action often outperform the flashier types who need a zip in the surface to show their best. Bear that in mind as we work through the card.
The Feature Race: The 17:00 Staying Handicap
The richest race of the day — at £12,000 in prize money — is the Unibet More Extra Place Races Handicap Stakes over an extended mile and seven furlongs at 17:00. It's also a London Stayers' Series Qualifier, which gives it a bit of extra prestige and will have attracted connections who fancy a tilt at the series proper.
With twelve runners declared, this is a proper staying handicap and on Standard to Slow ground over nearly two miles, it's going to be an examination of stamina and class in equal measure.
Believitanducan (Alan King / Luke Catton)
The horse that catches my eye most is Believitanducan, the five-year-old trained by Alan King and ridden by Luke Catton. Rated 87 — comfortably the highest mark in the race — he carries the [C,D] flag, meaning he has both course and distance form to his name. That is an enormous advantage in a race like this. He knows the track, he's stayed the trip, and Alan King's horses tend to show up ready to run when they travel this far north. At the top of the weights he'll need to work for it, but on ground that will suit a genuine stayer, he's the one they all have to beat.
Senor Cortez (John Butler / Jack Callan)
Keep an eye on Senor Cortez at 16/1 or thereabouts. Rated 81, he holds a distance flag [D], so he's proven over this sort of trip. John Butler's horses can be a touch under the radar and that might mean a decent price is available. On soft-ish ground with a long straight run-in to the finish, he could be the each-way value of the race.
Barenboim (Tom Dascombe / Pierre-Louis Jamin)
An eight-year-old carrying both the course and distance badge [C,D], Barenboim is a wily old veteran who clearly loves Hexham. Rated 76, he's got weight in his favour compared to the top two and Tom Dascombe's horses are always well-presented. Don't dismiss him — experienced horses on a track they know are dangerous on slower ground.
Ones to Watch Earlier in the Card
The 14:30 and 15:00 Newcomers' Maidens
The opening two races are both seven-furlong maiden fillies' and colts' contests for two-year-olds who have never run before. These are always a leap of faith for the punter — you're essentially backing a horse on reputation, homework, and the market — but they're tremendous fun.
In the 14:30, Greta Tintin from Andrew Balding's yard catches my eye. Balding is a trainer who places his juveniles thoughtfully, and David Probert in the saddle is always a reassuring sight — a jockey who communicates beautifully with young horses and won't panic if things get a bit sticky on the slower ground. Rhythm of My Heart, also from David Menuisier's yard (who also saddles the market-likely Alidoolally), is worth watching in the market — trainers don't run two in the same race without one being fancied, and Saffie Osborne on Alidoolally is always a booking worth noting.
In the 15:00, Tojoannie (Andrew Balding / David Probert again) and Reichenbach Falls (Stuart Williams / David Egan) are the two I'd be watching in the market. Balding and Probert's combination has already been mentioned, and a horse named after one of literature's most dramatic locations deserves at least a cursory look.
The 15:30 Nursery Handicap
The six-furlong nursery at 15:30 is a Class 6 affair, and on Standard to Slow ground, Ten of Clubs — trained by Jamie Osborne and ridden by Saffie Osborne — is interesting. Rated 63, he's at the top of the weights but the Osborne family combination always merits attention. Lady Miranda from Richard Hannon's yard, ridden by Pat Dobbs, is the one I'd put alongside her each-way at a bigger price. Hannon's juveniles tend to improve with each run and if she's making her second or third start, she could be ready to hit the frame.
The 16:00 Three-Year-Old Handicap
The mile handicap at 16:00 is a competitive fourteen-runner heat. Roi de Coeur, trained by Marco Botti and ridden by Luke Catton, carries the [C,D] flag and is rated 70 — joint-top of the weights. Course and distance form on today's going is a significant tick. Berkshire Boom from Andrew Balding's powerful yard is another to note, and Jason Watson takes the ride on Hidden Beyond in the earlier race — a jockey who's been in good nick and worth following across the card.
The 16:30 Fillies' Handicap
Over a mile and two furlongs plus change, Sullom Voe — trained by David Menuisier and ridden by Saffie Osborne — is the one that jumps out. Rated 68 and a three-year-old, she gets the weight allowance and Menuisier has already shown today he's come north with intent. Luke Morris on Celestial Cen (Archie Watson, rated 68) is the obvious danger — Morris is a polished, experienced jockey who does well on this sort of ground and Watson's fillies are often spot-on.
Best Bets Summary
- Best Bet: Believitanducan (17:00) — Course and distance winner, highest rated, Alan King in form. The one to beat.
- Each-Way Value: Senor Cortez (17:00) — Distance form, likely bigger price, could run into a place at the very least.
- Jockey to Follow: Saffie Osborne — Rides in four races today. When a jockey has that kind of book at a single meeting, it's usually for good reason.
- Trainer to Watch: David Menuisier — Runs in three races across the card. He's clearly targeted this meeting and his horses deserve respect throughout.
- Speculative Shout: Roi de Coeur (16:00) — Course and distance form on today's going is hard to ignore in a wide-open handicap.
It's shaping up to be a lovely afternoon up in Northumberland. Whether you're making the trip to the track or watching from the armchair with a cup of tea — and there's absolutely no shame in the latter — I hope the day is a profitable one. Good luck, and enjoy the racing.
