Good Ground and Decent Sport at Salisbury
Right then, Tuesday afternoon at Salisbury and we've got ourselves a proper jumps card on ground that'll suit the speedier types. The going's listed as good to soft, good in places after some recent verti-draining work, and with soil moisture at 47%, it's riding on the easier side of good to soft. Perfect conditions for the sharp types who can quicken off the bend, and there's a few of those lurking in today's Salisbury racecard.
Six races to get stuck into, ranging from a conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle to open up proceedings through to a mares' bumper to close the card. Nothing earth-shattering in terms of prize money, but there's decent competitive racing throughout and a few interesting types worth following up the grades.
Feature Race: Liberty Coach Heads Maiden Field
The pick of the card has to be the 14:58 Heritage Drives maiden hurdle over two miles and change, worth £10,000 to the winner. This is where the class lies today, and one horse stands head and shoulders above the rest - Liberty Coach for the John & Sean Quinn yard.
Now, Liberty Coach comes into this rated 112, which is frankly taking the piss in a maiden hurdle. This five-year-old has clearly shown plenty on the flat or over hurdles in Ireland to earn that mark, and Conor O'Farrell getting the leg up suggests connections are deadly serious about getting the job done first time of asking in Britain.
The danger could well be Laristote from Donald McCain's stable. McCain knows how to place his horses, and with Brian Hughes in the saddle, you know they fancy their chances. Hughes doesn't waste his time on no-hopers, especially not at this level.
Rebel Tribesman from Jamie Snowden's yard is another to note - the 'D' next to his name shows he's got winning form on this easier ground, and Gavin Sheehan booking the ride adds credence to his chances.
Handicap Hurdle Highlights
The opener at 13:38 looks a competitive conditional jockeys' affair, and I'm drawn to Blackwater Lilly from Brian Ellison's stable. Rated 102, she's the class act in the field, and Joshua Thompson has been riding with confidence lately. The 'D' next to her name shows she handles this ground, which could be crucial.
Captain Cool is the obvious danger - another with course and distance form plus ground form, and Luke Scott knows his way around Salisbury. At 101, he's right there on the ratings.
Don't completely dismiss Newport either. Rian Corcoran is a capable conditional, and at 95 the horse could be well treated if showing improvement. Iain Jardine's northern raiders often come south with purpose.
The novices' handicap hurdle at 14:18 over the extended two and three-quarter miles will test stamina reserves. Shan't Wait looks the pick here - Charlie Longsdon's horses are flying at the moment, and Gavin Sheehan in the saddle is a positive. The step up in trip should suit.
Chasing Action and Ground Conditions
The feature chase at 15:38 over three miles and two furlongs is a proper staying test, and Great Notions appeals at the weights. Rated 110, he's the class act, and this ground should be bang to his liking. Jack Andrews knows the horse well, and Fiona Needham has her string in good heart.
Upfordebate is the obvious danger with course and distance form plus Brian Hughes up. The 'C,D' next to his name tells you everything - he's won here before and handles the ground. Patrick Neville wouldn't be running him if he wasn't spot on.
The shorter chase at 16:18 over two miles looks wide open. Intenzo is unexposed over fences and could have more to offer, while Powerofjet has solid distance form and Charlie Maggs booking suggests confidence from connections.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
If I'm having a punt today, Liberty Coach in the 14:58 maiden hurdle is the banker bet. That rating of 112 in a maiden is just too good to ignore, and the Quinns wouldn't be sending him over if they didn't fancy him strongly.
Blackwater Lilly in the opener appeals as an each-way shout - Brian Ellison's horses often improve for a run, but she's got the class to win fresh. The ground's in her favour and Thompson is riding with confidence.
For the staying chase, Great Notions looks overpriced if the market doesn't fancy him. That rating suggests he's got more ability than most of these, and the trip and ground are ideal.
The going conditions today favour horses with a bit of pace who can quicken off the home turn. The good to soft, good in places description means it's not testing stamina to the extreme, so don't be afraid to side with the classier types who can show a change of gear when it matters. It should be a cracking afternoon's sport.
