Veterans' Series Reaches Critical Juncture
The fifth leg of the Stayers' Veterans' Chase Series arrives at Exeter on Monday afternoon, and what a cracking renewal we have in store. The David Keith Memorial Veterans' Handicap Chase has drawn seven seasoned campaigners, each carrying the scars and wisdom of countless battles over the bigger obstacles.
This £30,000 prize represents more than just prize money – it's a crucial qualifier in the series that celebrates the older staying chasers. These are the horses that form racing's backbone, the reliable sorts who turn up season after season, giving their all over three miles and beyond.
The going description of 'Good' with huge root growth tells its own story. Exeter's racecard benefits from last week's vertidrainage, meaning we should see proper jumping conditions that will suit the more accomplished performers in this field.
Topweight Hang In There Sets the Standard
Emma Lavelle's twelve-year-old Hang In There carries topweight for good reason. His rating of 149 puts him a clear 14lb ahead of his nearest rival, and with Gavin Sheehan in the plate, he brings serious credentials to this contest.
The concern with any 12-year-old is whether the enthusiasm remains, but this fellow has shown no signs of regression. His jumping remains sharp, and Lavelle has always been particularly adept with the older horses. The 12-0 burden looks manageable for a horse of his calibre, especially when you consider his proven ability at this trip.
Mars Harper represents the Sarah Humphrey yard with Jamie Gambin taking the ride. This ten-year-old carries 11-0 off a mark of 135, and the tongue-tie suggests connections are looking for that extra bit of concentration. Humphrey's horses have been running well this season, and the 14lb weight pull on the favourite makes him an interesting proposition.
Distance Winners Hold Strong Claims
Three of our protagonists carry the 'distance winner' flag, and in a race like this, proven stamina counts for everything. Numitor, trained by Heather Main, brings solid credentials to this contest. At twelve years old, he knows his job, and Sean Bowen has struck up a useful partnership with the Main stable this season.
The 10-13 weight looks very fair off a mark of 134, and Main has a knack for getting these older horses spot-on for their big days. His recent work suggests he's retained his enthusiasm for the game.
Hold Your Fort from the Debra Hamer stable represents excellent each-way value. Freddie Gingell knows this horse well, and the 10-9 weight could prove crucial in the closing stages. Hamer's horses often improve for their first run back, but this fellow looks ready to strike fresh.
Christian Williams sends Kitty's Light down from Wales, and you ignore this yard's staying chasers at your peril. Jack Tudor has been riding with confidence, and the 10-6 allocation looks very workable. Williams has been particularly successful with horses of this profile – older, honest, and proven over the trip.
Can the Outsiders Spring a Surprise?
Anthony Honeyball's Lord Baddesley shouldn't be completely dismissed despite his lowly rating of 122. The application of a tongue-tie suggests they're looking for improvement, and Sam Twiston-Davies rarely takes poor rides. The 10-2 weight gives him every chance if the penny drops.
Time To Bite completes the field for Chris Honour. The blinkers are an interesting addition, and at 121, he's potentially well-handicapped if returning to his best form. Bryan Carver knows the horse well, which counts for plenty in these competitive handicaps.
The good going will suit most of these, though it's worth noting that several have shown their best form on softer surfaces. The recent drainage work should ensure we get a fair test, with the emphasis on jumping and stamina rather than pure speed.
Who is the Favourite for the David Keith Memorial Veterans' Chase?
Hang In There heads the market and deservedly so, given his superior rating and proven class. However, the 12-0 burden in a competitive handicap makes him vulnerable to a well-handicapped rival hitting form.
Which Horses Have Proven Stamina Over This Distance?
Numitor, Hold Your Fort, and Kitty's Light all carry the distance winner flag, marking them as proven over today's trip of three miles and 38 yards. In a veterans' chase, this experience becomes invaluable in the closing stages.
What Impact Will the Going Have on This Race?
The good going with excellent root growth should provide ideal jumping conditions. The recent vertidrainage work means the surface will be fair to all runners, though those who've shown their best form on good ground may hold a slight advantage.
The Verdict
This shapes up as a fascinating contest where experience and stamina will prove crucial. While Hang In There sets a clear standard, his weight burden in a competitive field makes him opposable at likely short odds.
Hold Your Fort gets the nod as the selection. Debra Hamer's charge brings proven stamina, carries a fair weight, and has Freddie Gingell's experience in the saddle. The each-way value looks outstanding, and his distance-winning credentials give him every chance of staying on strongly when others cry enough.
For the forecast, pair him with Kitty's Light, who represents the in-form Christian Williams stable and looks well-treated at the weights. Both bring the stamina and experience needed for this type of contest, and their weights could prove telling in the final furlong.
