A Devon Gem in the Racing Calendar
Now here's a race that doesn't get half the attention it deserves, and that's exactly why I love it. The British EBF Gold Castle Novices' Hurdle at Newton Abbot might not have the glitz of Cheltenham or the prestige of Aintree, but by Christ, it's a proper test of stamina and jumping ability over two miles and seven furlongs of undulating Devon countryside.
This Listed contest has been a launching pad for some serious talents over the years, and with £45,000 on offer, it's attracted a field that would grace any track in the land. The going description of good to soft, soft in places is music to my ears – it'll separate the men from the boys, and the pretenders from the contenders.
Gordon Elliott's Double-Barrelled Assault
The Cullentra maestro has sent not one but two of his charges across the Irish Sea, and that tells you everything you need to know about how seriously he's taking this prize. Kazansky heads the market and rightly so, carrying the burden of a 142 rating and top weight of 11-7. James Bowen takes the ride, and that's a shrewd booking – the Welshman knows his way around a stamina test.
This six-year-old gelding has been knocking on the door in Grade 1 company back home, and dropping into Listed grade feels like Elliott giving him a confidence booster before the summer break. The soft conditions will suit him down to the ground – his pedigree screams mud-lover, and Newton Abbot's stiff finish will play to his strengths.
The stable's second string, Sept Etoiles, carries Sean Bowen and gets a handy 9lb weight pull on his stablemate. Don't let that 134 rating fool you into thinking this is a no-hoper – Elliott doesn't send horses on expensive trips for the craic. This five-year-old has been campaigned sparingly and could be anything on his day.
Nicholls' Seasoned Campaigner Poses Real Threat
If there's one man who knows how to win away from home, it's Paul Nicholls, and No Drama This End looks a serious player in this contest. The six-year-old carries a rating of 144 – the highest in the field – and has Harry Cobden in the saddle, which is never a bad sign when you're looking for value.
This fellow has been running his heart out in competitive handicaps and graded races, and the step back to Listed level could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Cobden's booking suggests Nicholls fancies his chances, and the Ditcheat handler has a fearsome record when raiding the West Country tracks.
The concern is whether he's been over-campaigned this season, but if he turns up fresh and well, he'll take some stopping on this ground.
The Outsiders Worth a Second Look
Blue Run was a non-runner, which opens things up nicely for the remaining quintet. Sogna In Grande represents the Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls partnership, with Tom Bellamy doing the steering. At a rating of 128, he's getting plenty of weight from the principals, and Bailey knows how to get one ready for a big day.
But it's Tormund Giantsbane who really catches my eye among the supposed outsiders. Dan Skelton's charge comes here as a proven distance winner – that's noted in his form flags, and it's not something to dismiss lightly over this trip. Harry Skelton knows exactly what this horse needs, and at 129 rating, he's getting weight from everyone bar Sept Etoiles.
The Skelton operation has been in flying form lately, and they wouldn't be making the journey to Devon without genuine confidence. This could be the value play of the race.
The Going and Course Dynamics
Newton Abbot's undulating track is a proper test of stamina, especially over this extended trip. The good to soft, soft in places going will favor horses with proven stamina and those who've shown their best form in testing conditions. The track's natural undulations mean pace will be crucial – go too fast early and you'll pay dearly up that final hill.
The small field of five means there shouldn't be much trouble in running, but positioning will still matter. Jockeys will need to be positive without being foolish, and the ability to quicken off a strong gallop will be at a premium.
Who is the favourite for the Gold Castle Novices' Hurdle?
Kazansky heads the market as the likely favorite, and it's easy to see why. Gordon Elliott's charge brings the highest profile form to the table, having competed in Grade 1 company in Ireland. His rating of 142 marks him out as the class act in the field, even though he'll carry top weight as a result.
Which trainer has the best record in this race?
While the race doesn't have decades of history, Paul Nicholls has an outstanding record at Newton Abbot and in Listed contests away from home. His ability to target specific races and get horses spot-on for big days makes No Drama This End a serious threat despite carrying top weight alongside Kazansky.
The Verdict: Value Lies with the Skeltons
Look, Kazansky will likely start favorite and has every right to do so, but at the prices, I'm steering clear of the Elliott hotpot. Instead, I'm backing Tormund Giantsbane each-way to give the Skelton team another winner. His proven stamina over this sort of trip, the weight he's receiving, and Harry Skelton's tactical nous make him the value play in what should be a cracking renewal.
The soft ground will bring his stamina into play, and if the pace is strong early – which it should be with Kazansky and No Drama This End likely to go forward – he can pick up the pieces late. Sometimes the best bets are hiding in plain sight, and this Game of Thrones-named warrior could be about to claim his own iron throne at Newton Abbot.
