Good Ground, Good Racing — Nottingham Sets the Scene

Well now, here we are. The jumps season is warming up nicely and Nottingham is rolling out the welcome mat this Sunday afternoon with a cracking seven-race National Hunt card. The going is Good, Good to Firm in places — a 75:25 split — which means we're on the quicker end of decent ground. That's no bad thing in September, but it'll separate the horses who relish a bit of cut from those who want the turf rattling beneath their hooves. Keep that firmly in mind as we work through the card.

It's the kind of afternoon that rewards homework. There are maiden hurdles, handicaps, a bumper to round things off, and crucially, a Class 3 feature worth nearly £24,000 that's drawn a quality field. Grab yourself a look at the full Nottingham racecard before we get stuck in, because there's plenty to get excited about.

The Feature Race: Class 3 Handicap Hurdle (16:08) — Norman Sharpe Memorial

This is the one that matters most on the day and, fair play, it's delivered a proper field. Six runners, all rated between 100 and 132, over an almost two-mile trip. On good to firm ground, pace and jumping fluency will be everything here.

Edelak (Dan Skelton / Harry Skelton, rated 132) heads the weights and carries the [D] course and distance form badge — he's been here before and he's been good here before. At the top of the handicap, he's giving lumps of weight to most of these, but when you've got Harry Skelton in the saddle and Dan Skelton in the yard, you don't dismiss them lightly. The Skeltons have been in ferocious form and they don't travel to a Sunday afternoon Class 3 for the fresh air. He's the one they all have to beat.

Mojito des Mottes (Ben Pauling / Harry Cobden, rated 126) is the one I'd be most interested in at a price. Six pounds below the top weight, Harry Cobden is an absolutely class act and Ben Pauling has been quietly knocking them in all season. No course and distance form on the card, but on this ground — quick enough to suit a horse who travels well — he could be the value play of the afternoon.

Eternal Angel (Tom Lacey / Stan Sheppard, rated 120) has the [D] flag and is 12 pounds below Edelak at the weights. That's a significant advantage if the handicapper has got his measure right. Tom Lacey is a trainer who spots his spots well, and this looks like one of them.

Nap Hand (Chris Gordon / Fern O'Brien, rated 118) also carries course and distance form and Chris Gordon's yard has been in decent nick. Worth a shout each-way at a likely bigger price.

Key Runners to Watch Across the Card

14:08 — Mares' Handicap Hurdle

Only three runners here but don't let the small field fool you — this is a fascinating little puzzle. Galeforcechopper (David Brace / Liam Harrison, rated 99) holds the [D] course and distance form and is the top-rated of the trio. On quicker ground like this, you want proven course form, and she has it. Liam Harrison is a conditional worth following — he's been picking up some decent rides and he'll be hungry to make the most of this opportunity.

Siorai (Harry Derham / Paul O'Brien, rated 97) is the interesting one for me. Harry Derham is a trainer on the rise and Paul O'Brien is a sharp rider. Two pounds below the top weight on what looks like fair ground for a four-year-old. Don't dismiss her.

Getarose (Mrs C. Williams / Adam Wedge, rated 79) is 20 pounds below the top weight, which sounds attractive, but she's got a mountain to climb on ratings. Adam Wedge is a quality jockey who can conjure something from nothing, but this looks tough for her.

14:38 — Maiden Hurdle (1m 7f 195y)

Premier Tenor (Dan Skelton / Harry Skelton, rated 109) is the standout on ratings in the maiden hurdle — he's the only one with a rating in the field and at 109 he's clearly had a decent career in bumpers or on the Flat to earn that mark. On good to firm ground over an even-paced maiden trip, he should have far too much class for these. Jonathan Burke rides the unrated Arcturus Flame for James Owen — Burke is a seriously talented jockey and if there's a dark horse in the field, it might be him.

Freddie Mitchell takes the ride on Padel Whacker for the Gary & Josh Moore yard. The Moores are always dangerous with a debutant and Mitchell is a sharp conditional. Watch the market on this one before you commit.

15:38 — 3m Handicap Hurdle — The Stamina Test

Three miles on good to firm ground in September is no joke. You want a horse that's fit, stays well, and doesn't mind rattling ground. Camino Rocio (Dan Skelton / Harry Skelton, rated 92) heads the market as you'd expect with that combination, but Mancero (David Pipe / Sean Bowen, rated 97) is the highest-rated runner in the field. A four-year-old going three miles on this ground is a significant ask, but Pipe and Bowen know what they're doing. Jefe Triunfo (Chris Gordon / Freddie Gordon, rated 90) is one to keep onside each-way at what should be a decent price.

Going Conditions and What They Mean Today

Good to Firm in places on a September afternoon at Nottingham — this is proper autumn ground, the kind that suits horses who are light on their feet and jump with fluency rather than brute force. Stamina merchants who rely on a soft surface to grind things out will struggle. You want horses rated on their jumping ability and their ability to travel through a race, not those who need the mud flying.

For the maiden hurdles, it means the better-bred, more athletic types will have an advantage. For the three-mile handicap, it's a test of genuine staying ability without the ground doing the heavy lifting. And in the Class 3 feature, it should produce a true-run race where the best horse wins — which, on paper, points firmly towards Edelak.

Best Bets — Tom's Ones to Watch

  • EDELAK (16:08) — Top-rated, course and distance form, Skelton in the saddle. The banker of the day. Don't overthink it.
  • MOJITO DES MOTTES (16:08) — The value play in the feature. Cobden + Pauling on good ground. Each-way at minimum.
  • PREMIER TENOR (14:38) — Should have too much class for the maiden hurdle field. Skeltons again. They're relentless.
  • GALEFORCECHOPPER (14:08) — Course and distance form in a three-runner race. Liam Harrison will make the most of it.
  • MANCERO (15:38) — Highest rated in the three-miler. Pipe and Bowen don't run horses without a plan. Worth including in your each-way multiples.

That's your Sunday sorted. Seven races, decent ground, and a feature race that should be a proper contest. Get yourself settled, check the Nottingham racecard one more time, and enjoy the afternoon. As ever — back them each-way, keep your stakes sensible, and remember: the best bet is always the one you've done your homework on. Good luck, and may the ground stay in your favour. Sláinte!