Monday at Hexham: A Proper Day's Racing
Well now, isn't this a sight for sore eyes? Seven races at Hexham on a Monday afternoon with proper good ground underfoot - none of that heavy slog we've been enduring lately. The Northumberland track is serving up a cracking card that'll have the Monday punters rubbing their hands together with glee.
The going is riding good across the board, which should see some decent times and proper jumping. Hexham racecard shows seven races ranging from a maiden hurdle opener to a hunters' chase finale, with the feature being that tasty-looking Class 3 handicap chase over three miles at 4:05pm worth £22,000 to the winner.
The Feature Race: Paul Nicholls Brings The Big Guns
The 16:05 Virgin Bet Handicap Steeplechase is where the serious money lies, and by God, what a contest it shapes up to be. Five runners, all with course or distance form, and headed by Paul Nicholls' **Welcom To Cartries** under Harry Cobden.
This eight-year-old has been knocking on the door at a higher level and drops down to a mark of 134 here. With both course and distance form in his favour, he's the one they'll all have to beat. Cobden knows this track like the back of his hand, and when Nicholls sends one up to Hexham, you sit up and take notice.
But don't be writing the others off just yet. **Gustavian** for Anthony Honeyball is an eleven-year-old warrior rated 135 who's won here before. Rex Dingle takes the ride, and this old campaigner knows how to get his head in front when it matters. The age might be against him, but class is permanent.
**Annsam** represents Mrs C. Williams and comes here as a course and distance winner with Sean Bowen doing the steering. At eleven years old and rated 132, he's another who's been there and done it. The Welsh connection often does well up north, and this fellow won't be far away if jumping well.
Opening Salvo: Maiden Hurdle Puzzle
The 14:00 opener is one of those maiden hurdles that'll have you scratching your head. Twelve runners, most without a rating, and precious little form to go on. **Loustic du Chatel** stands out like a sore thumb with a rating of 112 for Henrietta Knight, and Tom Bellamy wouldn't be wasting his time if there wasn't something there.
**Into Battle** for Robert Stephens is a course winner, which counts for plenty at a track like Hexham. Robert Dunne knows the horse well, and that local knowledge could prove decisive in what looks a wide-open affair.
**Myrighthandman** brings a rating of 107 to the party for Tom Lacey, with Stan Sheppard in the saddle. That's decent form for a maiden, and Lacey's been in cracking form this season.
Nicky Henderson's Novice Surprise
The 14:30 novices' hurdle over two and a half miles has caught my eye, mainly because Nicky Henderson has sent **Caspari** all the way up from Lambourn. When the master of Seven Barrows travels this far north with an unrated five-year-old, there's usually a reason.
**Fountains Blenhein** tops the ratings at 125 for Anthony Honeyball, but at seven years old, you'd expect him to be showing more by now. **Step Ahead** for Kim Bailey brings solid form and course knowledge, which shouldn't be underestimated.
Conditional Jockeys' Showcase
The 16:40 conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle is always worth a watch - these young riders are hungry and fearless, often producing surprise results. **Poet Laureate** heads the weights for Chris Gordon and is a course winner to boot. Freddie Gordon takes the ride on his father's charge, and that family connection often works wonders.
James Davies has been riding with real confidence lately, and any mount he takes on should be respected. The going conditions will suit the faster, more athletic types in this field.
Tom's Best Bets and Ones to Watch
Right then, here's how I'm seeing this Monday card shaping up:
Banker of the Day: **Welcom To Cartries** in the feature chase. Nicholls doesn't send them this far north for the scenery, and with Cobden aboard, this looks the business.
Each-Way Special: **Loustic du Chatel** in the opener. That rating stands out a mile in maiden company, and Knight's horses often improve significantly for their debuts.
Sneaky Outsider: **Caspari** in the novices' hurdle. Henderson's northern raiders often spring surprises, and this unrated sort could be anything.
The good ground should produce some fast times and clean jumping, which always makes for better viewing and more predictable results. It's shaping up to be a proper Monday's entertainment at Hexham - just the ticket for anyone looking to start the week with a winner or two in their back pocket.
