Monday Musing at Colwick Park
Right then, gather 'round for a proper Monday afternoon's entertainment at Nottingham. Seven races of National Hunt action await us at Colwick Park, and while it might not have the glamour of Cheltenham looming large next week, there's still decent prize money on offer and some intriguing contests to get the teeth into.
The going is sitting at Good, Good to Soft in places - that's a 50:50 split according to the clerk of the course, which means we're looking at proper jumping conditions. None of this firm ground nonsense that sorts the wheat from the chaff too harshly. This surface will suit the stamina-laden types and those who know how to use their scope when the ground's got a bit of give in it.
Check out the full Nottingham racecard for all the details, but let me walk you through what's caught my eye on this Monday card.
Feature Race: The 3m Handicap Hurdle
The feature contest is the 15:30 DragonBet Infernoboost Handicap Hurdle over three miles and change - £10,000 to the winner and a proper test of stamina. Six runners have declared, and there's a clear standout for me here.
Disco Davis for Dan Skelton looks the business at the top of the weights on 112. This seven-year-old has been knocking on the door in decent company, and Skelton's horses are flying at the moment. With Tristan Durrell in the saddle, he's got the tactical nous to make use of that rating. The ground conditions are bang on for him - he wants it with a bit of cut, and he'll relish every yard of this marathon trip.
The danger comes from Inferno Sacree and Confinentic, both rated 111 and carrying the course winner's tag. That local knowledge counts for plenty around Nottingham's undulating track, and both have shown they handle these conditions. But I'm not convinced either has the engine to live with Disco Davis when the whips are cracking in the final furlong.
Novice Hurdle to Start Proceedings
The opener at 14:00 is a novices' hurdle over two and a half miles, and we've got an interesting clash between experience and potential. Catchintsavo tops the ratings on 123 for Anthony Honeyball, with Rex Dingle doing the steering. This six-year-old has shown consistent form and should appreciate the longer trip.
But I'm taken with Five Bar Gate for Neil Mulholland. Richie McLernon takes the ride on this unrated six-year-old, which suggests connections think there's improvement to come. Mulholland doesn't run them unless they're ready, and McLernon's booking is significant - he doesn't waste his time on no-hopers.
Keep an Eye on the Novice Chase
The 14:30 novice chase might only have four runners, but it's worth a look. Rap Soul brings course and distance form to the table, which is gold dust in a small field. Richard Bandey's seven-year-old is rated 93 and has Harry Bannister aboard - that's a combination that knows how to get the job done on a Monday afternoon.
Handicap Hurdle Battles
The 15:00 contest over just shy of two miles is a proper cavalry charge with seven declared. Desert Halo and Kotari are closely matched on ratings (95 and 94 respectively), but I fancy Golden Circet to outrun his 93 rating. Richie McLernon is having a good season, and the Jim & Suzi Best team have their string in fine fettle.
The staying handicap hurdle at 16:30 - the John Ellis Memorial - brings together seven runners in what looks a competitive heat. Lasko des Obeaux heads the market on 112, but at five years old, he's still learning his trade. I prefer Valadon for Harry Fry - this six-year-old is rated 111 and has Bryan Carver in the plate. Fry's horses are coming to the boil nicely as we head towards the Festival.
Chasing Action and Bumper Finale
The staying chase at 16:00 over three miles and a furlong is a small but select field. Scottish King is the class act on 95, but at ten years old, you're never quite sure what you're getting. Gata Ban for Neil Mulholland might be the value play - this nine-year-old is dropping in class and has Richie McLernon aboard again.
The bumper to close proceedings is anyone's guess - seven runners without a rating between them. Mint Approved for the in-form Gary & Josh Moore stable gets a tentative vote, while Delgany Second Now represents Dan Skelton, and you ignore that yard's bumper horses at your peril.
Tom's Monday Selections
Best Bet: Disco Davis (15:30) - Class horse in the feature, conditions to suit, and Skelton's string is flying.
Each-Way Value: Five Bar Gate (14:00) - Unrated but well-connected, McLernon booking is significant.
Longshot: Golden Circet (15:00) - Could outrun his rating in competitive handicap.
The ground conditions are playing right into the hands of the staying types today, and with Cheltenham just around the corner, some of these Monday warriors might be using this as a final prep. Keep your eyes peeled for any market moves - they often tell the real story on a quiet Monday afternoon at Colwick Park. Sláinte!
