Monday's Colwick Calling
Right then, a proper Monday afternoon's entertainment awaits us at Nottingham, where they've served up a tidy seven-race card that should separate the wheat from the chaff on this Good to Good-to-Soft surface. The going's riding a treat after the weekend's mild weather, and with £58,600 in prize money on offer, there's enough incentive to get the blood pumping on what could be a cracking afternoon's sport.
The Nottingham racecard reads like a proper jumps enthusiast's dream - maiden hurdles, handicap chases, and a bumper to finish. It's the sort of card where course knowledge and stamina breeding will count for plenty, especially with that testing Colwick hill waiting to sort out the men from the boys.
Feature Race Focus: The More Radio Maiden Hurdle
The £10,000 maiden hurdle at 14:15 is your headline act, and by Christ, it's got more star power than a Hollywood premiere. When you see Harry Cobden making the trip from Ditcheat for Paul Nicholls to partner Idaho Fire, you sit up and take notice. This five-year-old son of Flemensfirth has been knocking on the door in point-to-points, and the Nicholls-Cobden combination doesn't travel for the scenery.
But don't be writing off Escort'kheops just yet. This Laura Horsfall-trained six-year-old carries a rating of 110 into battle with Kevin Brogan doing the steering, and that's no accident. He's shown enough ability to suggest this maiden tag is a temporary inconvenience rather than a permanent address.
The dark horse - and I do love a good outsider story - could well be Viscountess Nelson from the Henderson yard. When Seven Barrows sends one to Nottingham with Nico de Boinville in the saddle, you'd be foolish not to give it a second glance. The booking speaks volumes.
Course Specialists and Ground Conditions
Now, here's where the real knowledge comes into play. Alto Alto in the 14:45 handicap chase carries both the [C] and [D] markers, meaning he's won at Nottingham over this distance before. At nine years old, this Chris Gordon-trained veteran knows every blade of grass around Colwick, and on this Good ground, he'll be loving life. Rated 109 with Freddie Gordon keeping it in the family, he's the sort of reliable old campaigner who could nick this at decent odds.
The going conditions are absolutely crucial today. That Good to Good-to-Soft description means we're looking at proper jumping ground - not too firm to jar the older horses, not soft enough to turn it into a stamina slog. David Bass will appreciate these conditions aboard both Delpotro in the chase and Lunar Morning in the opener.
In the mares' hurdle at 15:45, A Tickatickatiming brings both course and distance winning form to the table. She's rated 94, giving away plenty of weight to the classier opposition, but Marc Goldstein knows how to get her round Nottingham, and that local knowledge could be worth its weight in gold.
The Marathon Men
The 3m1f handicap chase at 16:15 is where the real stayers come out to play, and this is proper National Hunt territory. Ferret Jeeter and West Orchard both carry course-winning form, which on a track like Nottingham is worth more than a fancy rating from elsewhere.
West Orchard, trained by Joe Tizzard and ridden by Brendan Powell, looks particularly interesting. This nine-year-old has been there and done it over fences, and the step up in trip on this galloping track could be just what the doctor ordered. At 97, he's well-handicapped if the mood takes him.
But keep an eye on Inedit de Mee for Toby Lawes. This eight-year-old French import has been running some tidy races lately, and Kevin Brogan takes the ride again - that's two for Brogan on the card, suggesting he fancies his chances.
Bumper Business and Longshot Logic
The closing bumper might only be worth £5,000, but it's a proper breeding showcase. Double The Dance for the Moore brothers looks the most professional of these, while Getmyfriend represents Dan Skelton, who knows how to win these National Hunt flat races.
In the novice handicap hurdle, don't overlook My Lovely Horse - and yes, that's his actual name, the cheeky devils. Tom Cannon has been riding with real confidence lately, and this David Bridgwater-trained six-year-old could be overpriced at the weights.
The final handicap hurdle sees Ghasham carrying distance-winning form for Dan Skelton, while Bread And Butter brings both course and distance credentials to the party. At eleven years old, he's no spring chicken, but James Best knows how to get a tune out of the older horses.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
Banker: Idaho Fire (14:15) - The Nicholls-Cobden combination doesn't travel for fun, and this looks a perfect starting point.
Each-Way Special: Alto Alto (14:45) - Course and distance winner who'll relish these conditions. The family connection with trainer and jockey adds confidence.
Longshot: My Lovely Horse (15:15) - Great name, decent form, and Cannon's booking catches the eye at what should be generous odds.
Accumulator Anchor: West Orchard (16:15) - Course winner stepping up in trip for the in-form Tizzard yard.
It's shaping up to be a cracking afternoon's sport at Colwick, where the ground is right, the fields are competitive, and there's value to be found for those willing to dig a little deeper than the obvious favourites. Sláinte to that!
