Setting the Scene
The Clarke Chase has quietly established itself as one of the more competitive handicap chases of the late spring calendar. Named after Sir Stanley and Lady Clarke, this £50,000 prize draws a quality field to Towcester's undulating track, and Sunday's renewal looks no different.
Seven have been declared for this two-mile-four-furlong test, with the weights headed by American Mike off a mark of 145. The good going should suit most, though Towcester's stiff finish will sort the wheat from the chaff. I've seen plenty of well-fancied sorts come unstuck on this track when the pace quickens after the last.
The Contenders
American Mike arrives as the class act on ratings, but that 12st burden is no joke around here. Sean Bowen takes the ride for Olly Murphy, and you'd struggle to find a more accomplished pilot over fences. The nine-year-old has been thereabouts in better company this season, and dropping back into handicap company could be the key. Murphy's horses are flying at present, which adds appeal.
Riskintheground brings solid course form to the table, always a major plus at Towcester. Harry Skelton knows this track like the back of his hand, and the Skelton stable rarely miss when they fancy one. The 140 rating looks workable off 11st 9lb, and being a proven distance winner removes any stamina doubts.
Gunsight Ridge represents the old-school approach - an eleven-year-old who's seen it all before. Jonathan Burke has been riding with confidence lately, and Mike Sowersby's charge could easily outrun his odds if the pace collapses. These veterans know how to get the job done when the pressure's on.
Glengouly drops significantly in class here, which immediately catches the eye. Ben Jones is a capable deputy, and the 10st 11lb weight looks very manageable. Faye Bramley doesn't have many runners, but when she does saddle one, it's usually well-prepared.
Vintage Fizz brings Sam Twiston-Davies into the mix, and that's never a negative. The booking suggests Jedd O'Keeffe fancies his chances, despite the modest rating. Sometimes these lightly-weighted sorts can surprise when everything falls right.
Going and Course Considerations
The good going plays to most strengths here, though I'd have preferred it a touch softer for some of the older horses. Towcester's track characteristics favour those who can quicken - it's not just about staying, but having that extra gear when the tempo lifts.
The undulating nature means horses need to be balanced and athletic. I've seen too many plodders get found out when the field bunches up approaching the final fence. The run-in, while not overly long, can feel like an eternity if you're not travelling well.
The Verdict and Value Picks
American Mike deserves favouritism on pure ability, but the weight concerns me. In a race like this, I'm drawn to Riskintheground as the selection. The course form is gold dust, Harry Skelton rarely gets it wrong around here, and the weight looks fair.
For an each-way flutter, Glengouly appeals at likely big odds. The class drop is significant, and these handicaps often throw up surprises. The full Towcester racecard shows this as the feature race, and rightly so.
Avoid Gunsight Ridge unless you're getting very generous odds. Eleven is getting on, and I suspect the younger legs will prove decisive in the closing stages.
Who is the favourite for the Clarke Chase?
American Mike will likely start favourite based on his superior rating of 145. Sean Bowen's booking adds further market confidence, and Olly Murphy's stable form makes him the logical choice. However, the 12st weight burden could prove decisive in a competitive handicap.
Which jockey has the best record at Towcester?
Harry Skelton boasts an excellent record at Towcester, particularly in handicap chases. His partnership with Riskintheground could prove crucial, given his intimate knowledge of how races develop on this unique track. The Skelton family's success rate here is well above average.
What makes the Clarke Chase significant?
The Clarke Chase has grown in stature as a competitive spring handicap, attracting quality fields with its £50,000 prize fund. The race serves as an ideal target for horses stepping back from Graded company or those looking to secure valuable prize money before the summer break. Its timing in the calendar makes it a key race for connections planning their season finales.
