Sunday's Seven-Course Feast at Colwick
Right then, settle in with your Sunday pint because Nottingham has served up a proper feast of National Hunt action that'll keep you entertained from half-past two until the lights go down. Seven races on good ground – and isn't that a blessed relief after the bog-trotting we've endured lately – with prize money totaling over £115k spread across the card.
The going description of 'Good' at Colwick is music to my ears, and it should be to yours too if you've any sense about picking winners. This track rewards stamina and jumping ability in equal measure, and today's conditions will suit the classier operators who can maintain their rhythm over these longer trips. The Nottingham racecard reads like a who's who of jump racing talent, with the Skelton brothers, Henderson's team, and a host of quality conditional jockeys all looking to make their mark.
Feature Race: The £65k Sussex Stayers' Hurdle
The jewel in today's crown is undoubtedly the 15:27 Betgoodwin Sussex Stayers' Handicap Hurdle, a Class 2 affair worth £65k over three miles and change. This is where the men are separated from the boys, and on these good conditions, I'm expecting a right proper test of stamina and class.
**East India Express** arrives here as the joint-topweight alongside Kamsinas and Double Powerful, all carrying 11st 7lb, but don't let that put you off Nicky Henderson's charge. This seven-year-old has been knocking on the door of a big handicap win, and the step up to three miles on this good ground could be exactly what unlocks his potential. Henderson doesn't send them to Nottingham for the scenery, and with amateur rider Mr Daniel Williams keeping the weight down, this looks a well-planned assault.
**Kamsinas** for Fergal O'Brien represents serious Northern opposition. This nine-year-old veteran knows his way around a staying hurdle, and with Jonathan Burke doing the steering, he'll be making every yard a test. Don't underestimate the old warrior – sometimes experience trumps youth in these marathon affairs.
The danger could well come from **Fountains Blenhein**, who gets in with just 10st 12lb. Anthony Honeyball's charge has Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle, and that's a combination that knows how to win the big ones when the pressure's on.
Early Doors: Conditional Jockeys' Chase Sets the Tone
The opener at 14:17 might only be a Class 5 conditional jockeys' chase, but it's worth paying attention to the names involved. Dylan Johnston takes the ride on **Alto Alto**, who's a class above these on ratings at 105. Chris Gordon's charge is a course and distance winner, and that's gold dust in a small field like this.
**Begin The Luck** could provide the main opposition for Daisy Hitchins, with Robbie David claiming a useful 7lb. This ten-year-old has been thereabouts in similar company and won't go down without a fight.
Keep an eye on **Line of Descent** for Warren Greatrex. Joe Anderson takes the ride, and this eight-year-old has shown glimpses of ability that suggest he could outrun his 96 rating on his day.
Maiden Hurdle: Skelton's Double-Handed Attack
The 14:52 maiden hurdle sees Dan Skelton unleash a two-pronged attack with **Ballyeaston** and **Loriko**. The latter, rated 121, looks the pick of the pair with Tristan Durrell in the saddle. That rating suggests this five-year-old has been mixing it in better company, and a maiden hurdle at Nottingham could be the perfect opportunity to get his head in front.
**Moon Monarch** for Chris Gordon and Harry Cobden is an interesting runner without a rating, suggesting he's been keeping his powder dry for the right opportunity. Gordon's horses have been in good heart lately, and Cobden's booking suggests they think plenty of this one's chances.
The Supporting Cast: Handicaps Galore
The 16:37 handicap hurdle over the minimum trip looks a competitive affair, with **Dissident** catching my eye for the Moore team. This four-year-old is still learning his trade but has shown enough ability to suggest he could be well-handicapped off 99.
**Market House** represents James Owen and Sean Bowen, a combination that's been among the winners lately. This six-year-old has been consistent without winning, and the drop back to this shorter trip might just be the key.
In the 17:12 handicap hurdle, **Alien Storm** looks the one to beat despite his 122 rating. Charlie Longsdon's charge is a course winner, and that local knowledge could prove decisive. Freddie Mitchell takes the ride on **The Bellhop** in the same race, and this four-year-old could be the improver in the field.
Tom's Sunday Selections
**Best Bet: East India Express (15:27)** – Henderson's charge looks ready to strike in the feature, and the good ground will suit his style perfectly.
**Each-Way Special: Loriko (14:52)** – That 121 rating in a maiden hurdle screams value, and Skelton's horses are flying at the moment.
**Outsider with a Chance: Moon Monarch (14:52)** – Cobden's booking suggests Gordon thinks this unrated sort has a big chance to make a winning debut over hurdles.
The good ground at Nottingham should produce some cracking sport today, and with this quality of horse and jockey on show, we're in for a proper Sunday treat. Remember, in this game, class usually tells – especially when the ground conditions allow the better horses to show their true ability. Sláinte to a profitable afternoon!
