Monday's Menu at Sedgefield
Right, settle in with your cuppa because we've got a proper Monday feast at Sedgefield today. Seven races on ground that's riding dead good – the clerk's calling it good to good-to-soft in places, but don't be fooled, it'll ride plenty quick enough for the speedier types. The Durham track always rewards those who know how to handle its quirky undulations, and with £78,000 in prize money up for grabs across the Sedgefield racecard, there's plenty to play for.
The feature race is that Class 3 chase at 15:40 worth £17,500 to the winner, but don't be sleeping on some of the earlier contests – there's value to be found if you know where to look, and yours truly has been doing his homework.
The Main Event: Royal Jewel's Crown to Lose
The 15:40 Dragonbet Handicap Chase over two miles and seven furlongs is where the serious money lies, and it's dominated by Philip Hobbs' duo of Royal Jewel and Kap Vert. Royal Jewel, rated 131 and carrying top weight, has Callum Pritchard in the saddle and boasts both course and distance form. That's gold dust at a track like Sedgefield where local knowledge counts for everything.
The seven-year-old has been knocking on the door in better company than this, and dropping back to this level looks a shrewd move from the Hobbs team. At these weights and with his proven ability to handle Sedgefield's testing finish, he's the one they all have to beat.
But hold your horses before lumping on the favourite – U Cant Be Serious for Joe Tizzard is no mug. Rated 128, he's got course form and Freddie Gingell knows his way around here. The eight-year-old has been running some cracking races in defeat and could easily turn the tables if Royal Jewel doesn't bring his A-game.
Early Doors Opportunities
The opening Junior National Hunt Hurdle at 14:10 is one of those races where the market often gets it wrong. Mecene stands out like a sore thumb with an official rating of 107 when most of these are unrated four-year-olds still learning their trade. Ciaran Gethings takes the ride for Jane Williams, and this looks like a penalty kick if the horse turns up in the right mood.
However, don't completely dismiss Another Enki from the Jonjo O'Neill yard. The father and son team know how to place their horses, and Kevin Brogan wouldn't be making the trip north without a decent chance. The booking suggests they think this one's ready to step forward.
In the 14:40 maiden hurdle, Gnomon catches the eye with a rating of 118 – that's proper form in the book. Toby Lawes doesn't send many up to County Durham, so when he does, you sit up and take notice. Kevin Brogan again gets the leg up, and this combination could take some stopping.
Ground Conditions: The Great Leveller
This good ground is absolutely crucial to how today's races will pan out. Sedgefield can be a real slog when it's soft, but on this surface, the track will reward those with a bit of pace. The likes of Royal Jewel will appreciate the faster conditions – he's shown his best form when he can use his natural speed, rather than getting bogged down in a stamina test.
For the handicap hurdles later in the card, this ground opens things up considerably. Washington Singer in the 16:10 has been crying out for better ground, and at 100 in the ratings, he could be overpriced in what looks a competitive heat. The good ground will also suit some of the younger legs who might struggle when the going gets testing.
Keep an eye on the weather though – March can be a fickle month, and any rain could change the complexion of the later races entirely.
Value Plays and Longshots
The 16:40 chase looks wide open, and I'm drawn to Paddy In The Caddy at what should be decent odds. The Philip Hobbs runner has distance form in the book and Sean Houlihan is a canny pilot around here. At his current mark of 98, he looks to have been found a good opportunity.
In the finale at 17:10, the 'hands and heels' contest for conditionals and amateurs, Parikarma brings solid form to the table with a rating of 100. The nine-year-old has course form and Miss Imogen Mathias has been riding with plenty of confidence lately. In a race where experience often trumps raw ability, this old warrior could outfox some classier rivals.
Tom Bellamy has a few decent rides on the card too, including Sixty's Rock in the opener and Bamber in the maiden hurdle. The Alan King stable has been in decent form, and Bellamy's double-handed approach suggests they fancy their chances.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
Banker: Royal Jewel (15:40) – Class tells in the feature race, and the Hobbs runner has all the tools to justify favouritism.
Value Play: Mecene (14:10) – That official rating of 107 looks too good to ignore in a race full of unrated types.
Each-Way Special: Gnomon (14:40) – Solid form figures and a trainer who doesn't travel lightly.
Longshot: Paddy In The Caddy (16:40) – Could be overpriced in an open-looking chase.
Remember, Sedgefield rewards the brave and punishes the faint-hearted. The track's undulating nature means you need horses with a bit of grit and determination, not just pure class. Back those with proven course form where possible, and don't be afraid to take on a short-priced favourite if the value's not there. Good luck, and may the racing gods smile upon you!
