Good Ground Greets Evening Punters
Right then, racing folk, we're off to County Durham this evening where Sedgefield serves up a tasty six-race card on good ground that's had the full spa treatment. The whole hurdle course has been verti-drained, which means we're looking at proper jumping conditions rather than the bog-standard heavy going that's been plaguing us through the winter months.
This freshened surface will suit the speedier types, and with Paul Nicholls sending a couple of his string up north, there's clearly money to be made on tonight's Sedgefield racecard. The Ditcheat maestro doesn't send his horses on a five-hour box journey for the craic, does he?
Feature Race: Ron Hatton Memorial Sets The Standard
The evening's centrepiece is the 6:00 Ron Hatton Memorial Handicap Hurdle, a Class 4 affair over two miles and three furlongs that's attracted a competitive field of nine. Top-weight Dirty Den (112) sets the standard for Syd Hosie, but at his rating, he'll need to be bang on song to give away lumps of weight to some progressive types.
The one that catches my eye is Myrighthandman for Tom Lacey, a five-year-old on the upgrade who's only 5lb behind the topweight but looks to have more improvement in him. Stan Sheppard takes the ride, and he's been riding with real confidence this season.
Public Enemy represents the Anthony Honeyball yard and comes here as a course winner, which on this freshened ground could be crucial. The good going will suit his style, and he's one who tends to find a bit extra when the chips are down.
Nicholls Duo Lead The Charge
Paul Nicholls has a couple of interesting runners that deserve serious respect. In the opening novices' hurdle, Kilnew Supreme makes his debut for the yard with Freddie Gingell in the saddle. Any horse making their first appearance for Nicholls demands attention, especially when they're unrated and could be anything.
The Ditcheat trainer also runs Jena d'Oudairies in the mares' handicap hurdle, where she faces Lady Caro, who boasts both course and distance form. But don't be fooled by the 100 rating - Jena d'Oudairies has been campaigned lightly and could have bags more to offer on this better ground.
Lady Caro's course and distance credentials make her the obvious choice for many, but at her age and with that form already in the book, there might not be much improvement left. The Nicholls mare, on the other hand, could be sitting on a decent handicap mark.
Dark Horses and Value Plays
In the Dave Criddle Travel Handicap, Old Bridge for David Pipe looks well-handicapped off 100. James Best has been riding with real purpose lately, and this five-year-old has the profile of a horse who could take a step forward on better ground.
Most Wanted is an interesting runner for David Bridgwater - an eight-year-old who's dropped to a workable mark and could find his old spark on this surface. Tom Cannon's booking suggests connections fancy their chances.
The Charles Clark Memorial looks a proper puzzle, with Gasmani holding strong course and distance form. But at 110, he's giving weight away to some talented types. Holeshot for Tim Vaughan is a course winner who could outrun his odds, while Sam's Amour brings solid credentials from the Keiran Burke stable.
Closing Thoughts and Best Bets
The evening finale, a novices' limited handicap, sees Lake Tiberias head the weights for Harry Derham. This looks like a race where the form book might not tell the whole story, and any of the lower-rated runners could spring a surprise if they've been working well at home.
Tonight's Ones to Watch:
- Kilnew Supreme (4:53) - Nicholls debut runners demand respect
- Myrighthandman (6:00) - Progressive type with more to offer
- Jena d'Oudairies (5:30) - Another Nicholls runner who could be well-handicapped
- Old Bridge (6:30) - Good ground could unlock improvement
The verti-drained ground is the key factor tonight. Those who've been struggling on heavy going through the winter could find their spark again, while the Nicholls runners warrant maximum respect. It's shaping up to be a cracking evening's sport in County Durham, and with competitive fields throughout, there should be plenty of value for the shrewd punter.
Sláinte, and may the racing gods smile upon your selections!
