Setting the Scene
The third leg of the Stayers' Veterans' Chase Series lands at Beverley this Sunday, and while the field might be compact at five runners, don't let that fool you into thinking this is a straightforward puzzle. These are battle-hardened campaigners who've earned their corn over the years, and with £30,000 on offer plus valuable series points, connections won't be sending them out for the exercise.
The Veterans' series has become a welcome addition to the staying chase calendar, giving older horses a proper championship to aim for rather than being afterthoughts in open company. What strikes me about this particular heat is how tightly bunched the ratings are - just 16lb separates top from bottom, which suggests we're in for a proper scrap.
The going has eased to soft after recent rain, with good to soft patches still evident. That's crucial context for a three-mile-plus test where stamina reserves get properly examined. At Beverley's unique figure-of-eight configuration, horses need to be genuine stayers who can handle the undulations and the long home straight that sorts out the men from the boys.
The Contenders Dissected
Tommy's Oscar arrives as the class act on ratings, but that 12-0 burden tells its own story. Ann Hamilton's 11-year-old has been a model of consistency without quite scaling the heights his ability suggests he should. The course winner tag is significant here - Beverley's quirks can catch horses out, and having that experience banked is worth its weight in gold. Danny McMenamin knows the horse inside out, and that partnership has clicked before. The worry is whether age is finally catching up with a horse who's been campaigning at a high level for years.
Empire Steel represents the Brian Hughes and Sandy Thomson combination that's been in red-hot form this season. At 12, he's the elder statesman of the field, but his recent efforts suggest the fire still burns bright. The 11lb weight pull on the topweight is significant over this trip, and Hughes has been riding with the confidence of a man who knows he's on live ones. The soft ground shouldn't inconvenience him - if anything, it might help his stamina reserves last home.
Anthony Honeyball sends two to post, and both Credo and Blackjack Magic arrive with compelling cases. Credo, the sole mare in the field, gets the sex allowance and has shown a real aptitude for this trip. Rex Dingle has struck up a useful partnership with her, and the visor suggests connections are looking for that extra bit of focus. Blackjack Magic, partnered by Ben Godfrey, has been running some solid races without quite getting his head in front. The visor and tongue-tie combination hints at a horse who might have been finding excuses.
Hillcrest completes the quintet for Henry Daly and David Bass. He's the bottom weight, which immediately makes him interesting in a tight handicap like this. The distance winner flag is crucial - too many horses get entered in these marathon tests without the proven stamina credentials. Daly knows how to place his horses, and Bass has been riding with real confidence lately.
Ground and Tactical Considerations
The soft going changes the complexion significantly. This isn't just about stamina anymore - it's about which horses can maintain their action when the ground gets testing. In my experience, mares often handle these conditions better than their male counterparts, which brings Credo into sharper focus.
With only five runners, there's less scope for tactical maneuvering, but the pace scenario still matters. None of these are out-and-out front-runners, which could set up a messy early gallop. The horse who can position handily and have something left for Beverley's demanding finish will likely prevail.
The figure-of-eight track means horses cross the course twice, and those undulations really test jumping technique when legs are getting heavy. Course experience becomes paramount, which is why those course winner flags carry extra weight in my analysis.
Value Calls and Dangers
The betting will likely center around Tommy's Oscar and Empire Steel, but I'm not convinced either represents value at likely odds. The handicapper has done his job well here - Tommy's Oscar might be the class act, but that weight burden is severe over this trip on testing ground.
Credo appeals as the value play. The mare's allowance, proven course form, and suitability to conditions make her a live danger at what should be decent odds. Honeyball's horses have been running well, and the visor suggests they think there's improvement to come.
Empire Steel is the danger I respect most. Hughes doesn't travel north for no-hopers, and the weight relief combined with proven stamina makes him a serious player. If the market underestimates him because of his age, that's their mistake.
The Verdict
This is a proper handicap where several can win, but I'm siding with Empire Steel to give Brian Hughes another winner. The 12-year-old has been running with real purpose lately, the weight relief is significant, and Hughes' booking suggests strong stable confidence. The soft ground will test stamina reserves, but this horse has proven he stays every yard of an extended three miles.
Tommy's Oscar is clearly the class act but faces a stiff task from the front of the handicap, while Credo represents the each-way value for those seeking a bigger price. In a race where experience and stamina are at a premium, Empire Steel ticks all the right boxes.
Check the full Beverley racecard for updated odds and declarations.
Who is the favourite for the Veterans' Handicap Chase at Beverley?
Tommy's Oscar will likely start favourite based on his superior rating of 139, but the 12-0 weight burden makes him vulnerable. Empire Steel and Credo should be well-supported in the market as more realistic winning chances.
Which horse has the best course form at Beverley?
Three of the five runners - Tommy's Oscar, Empire Steel, and Credo - are all course winners at Beverley. This experience is crucial on the unique figure-of-eight track, giving them a significant edge over the course newcomers.
How will the soft going affect the Veterans' Chase?
The soft ground will place extra emphasis on stamina and jumping technique. Horses who can maintain their action when conditions get testing will have a major advantage, potentially favoring Credo and Empire Steel over the higher-weighted Tommy's Oscar.
