When Tuesday Feels Like Saturday
There's something rather magical about stumbling across a proper Tuesday card that gets the pulse racing like a weekend feature. My old dad used to say the best racing often happened when nobody was looking, and this afternoon's fare at Newcastle proved his point beautifully. While most of the racing world was probably thinking about tomorrow's entries, those of us who tuned into this Newcastle racecard were treated to genuine quality and no shortage of talking horses.
The good ground with softer patches along the river bank played fair throughout, and what struck me most was the depth of talent on show. This wasn't your typical midweek fare – there were proper horses here, many of whom will be making headlines before too long.
Feature Race Delivers the Goods
The £15,000 'Visit Kauto The King' Handicap Chase was always going to be the day's centrepiece, and what a cracking contest it shaped up to be. Soldierofthestorm, carrying top weight off his 124 rating, looked every inch the class act we've been hearing whispers about. Jonjo O'Neill Jr. gave him a peach of a ride, and you could see why connections have been patient with this one.
The way he travelled through the race reminded me of watching a proper horse among handicappers – that effortless galloping action that suggests there's plenty more in the tank. Tapley, partnered by the excellent Isabelle Ryder, ran a blinder in defeat and looks ready to strike when the handicapper gives her half a chance. That's a mare on an upward curve, mark my words.
Clotilda caught the eye too, staying on strongly under Freddie Gingell. There's definitely a race in her before the season's out, particularly if they can find something over a stiffer test of stamina.
Mares' Maiden Throws Up Future Stars
The opening St. Austell Brewery Mares' Maiden Hurdle was one of those races that had 'future winners' written all over it. Onefournine, already rated 110, looked the part under Jonjo O'Neill Jr., but it was some of the unrated newcomers who really pricked up the ears.
Laffer Curve, with Harry Skelton doing the steering, moved like a mare who knows her job. The Skelton team don't send many to Newcastle unless they fancy their chances, and everything about her suggested she's learned plenty from her earlier experiences. That's one for the notebook, particularly if she steps up in trip.
I was equally taken with Jolissaint under Jack Tudor. There's something about a mare who travels kindly in her early races that suggests better things ahead, and she had that look about her. The way she picked up approaching the final flight suggested there's improvement to come.
Handicap Highlights and Future Pointers
The Newton Abbot Novices' Limited Handicap threw up some interesting performances, not least from No Panic under Lorcan Williams. Rated 94, he looked like a horse who's found his level and could pay to follow in similar company. There's often value to be found with horses who've settled into a comfortable rating, and he fits that bill perfectly.
Bredon Hill Dart deserves a mention too – Lucy Gardner's 5lb claim came in handy, and this one looks ready to take advantage of a lenient mark. Course and distance winners are always worth noting, and she clearly handles Newcastle's unique characteristics.
The extended three-mile hurdle saw Dearkeithandkaty show the benefit of Jonjo O'Neill Jr.'s patient riding. This is a horse who's been threatening to put it all together, and the way he stayed on suggests he's found his optimum conditions. One to keep onside in similar staying contests.
Ones to Follow and Future Engagements
Looking ahead, several horses from today's card deserve close attention. Soldierofthestorm looks ready for a step up in class – perhaps something like the Charlie Hall or even a tilt at the King George if connections are feeling ambitious. He's got that rare combination of class and consistency that marks out the better staying chasers.
From the maiden hurdle, both Laffer Curve and Jolissaint should be followed closely. The former looks ready for handicap company, while the latter might benefit from another educational run before tackling the ratings game.
The bumper threw up some interesting newcomers too, with Gospel Moon under Lucy Gardner showing enough to suggest she'll be competitive when she goes hurdling. Sean Bowen's booking for Taranis Dubh caught the eye as well – the Welsh maestro doesn't travel to Newcastle lightly.
Tuesday's Talking Points
What made today special wasn't just the individual performances, but the overall quality throughout the card. This felt like proper National Hunt racing – horses who'll be competing at decent levels throughout the winter, ridden by jockeys who understand the game inside out.
The jockey performances deserve mention too. Jonjo O'Neill Jr. looks to be riding with real confidence, while Isabelle Ryder continues to impress with her tactical nous. It's riders like these who can make the difference between a good horse and a winning one.
As I write this, I'm already looking forward to seeing where these horses pop up next. Tuesday afternoons like this remind you why we fell in love with this game in the first place – proper horses, properly ridden, providing genuine entertainment and plenty to ponder for the weeks ahead.
