Setting the Scene at Hereford
The Racing Post+ Jodami Open National Hunt Flat Race represents one of the season's more intriguing puzzles. These Category 2 elimination races serve a dual purpose - they're a proving ground for future stars and a last chance saloon for those seeking black type. At £20,000 to the winner, there's serious money on the table.
What makes this contest particularly compelling is the mix of ages and experience levels. We've got seasoned six-year-olds sharing the track with a four-year-old newcomer, all tackling the marathon trip of two miles and 51 yards. The Hereford circuit will test stamina reserves to the limit, especially on this good to soft surface that's riding slower than the description suggests.
I've walked the course this morning, and despite the vertidrainage work, there's still plenty of give underfoot. The going will favour those with proven stamina credentials and strong-travelling types who can quicken off a steady gallop.
The Main Contenders
Kilaro carries top weight for Tim Easterby and Mr Paddy Barlow. The six-year-old's 4lb penalty tells its own story - he's been winning races. Easterby doesn't send many to Hereford without good reason, and this gelding has the engine for this extended trip. The hood goes on for the first time, which could sharpen his focus considerably.
Barito represents the Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore partnership with Derek Fox taking the ride. This five-year-old has been campaigned sparingly, suggesting connections have a high opinion. Fox's booking is significant - he doesn't travel south for speculative rides. The gelding gets a handy 4lb pull with the topweight.
El Gangster is an intriguing runner for Donald Whillans. Craig Nichol knows this horse well, and the combination has been profitable to follow this season. At 11-5, he's well-handicapped if reproducing his best form.
King Kubala comes from Sandy Thomson's yard with Danny McMenamin aboard. Thomson's string is in good heart, and this five-year-old has shown glimpses of ability in stronger company. The step up in trip should suit his racing style.
Diamond White is the sole representative of her sex in the main betting. Jonjo O'Neill Jr. takes the ride for his father's stable, and the 7lb mares' allowance makes her well-treated on these terms. She's proven on soft ground and could outrun her odds.
Ground and Conditions Impact
The good to soft, soft in places description undersells how testing this surface will play. I've seen too many races at Hereford where the ground catches out the unprepared. The extended trip compounds the challenge - horses need to stay every yard of this marathon.
The vertidrainage work will help, but don't expect miracles. This surface will find out the genuine stayers from the pretenders. Those with proven form on testing ground hold obvious advantages.
The lack of draw numbers reflects the nature of National Hunt flat racing, but positioning early will be crucial. The long run-in at Hereford can be unforgiving for horses that get outpaced.
Value Picks and Dangers
Presentandcorrect catches the eye at bigger odds for Rebecca Menzies. Nathan Moscrop has been riding with confidence, and this six-year-old has been gelded since his last run - often a positive sign. At 11-5, he's on the same mark as several fancied rivals.
Fridaysman is the baby of the field at just four years old. Philip Kirby rarely runs horses unless they're ready, and the 10-9 minimum weight could prove a significant advantage if he's good enough. Joe Williamson's 7lb claim makes him even more appealing from a handicapping perspective.
The danger horse has to be Oor Wish. N.W. Alexander's mare gets the 7lb sex allowance and has Bruce Lynn's experience in the saddle. She's been working well at home, and the combination of weight relief and proven stamina makes her a live outsider.
The Verdict
This is a typically competitive affair, but Barito gets the vote. The Russell-Scudamore partnership knows how to place their horses, and Derek Fox's presence suggests they fancy their chances. The five-year-old has been kept fresh for a target like this, and the good to soft ground won't inconvenience him.
At the prices, Presentandcorrect makes appeal each-way. The gelding operation and Moscrop's 7lb claim could prove the difference in a tight finish. Rebecca Menzies has her string in good order, and this looks a well-planned campaign.
Avoid Kilaro at short odds. The top weight and first-time hood suggest connections are pulling out all the stops, but he's vulnerable to a well-handicapped improver on this testing surface.
Who is the favourite for the Jodami Open National Hunt Flat Race?
Kilaro is likely to start favourite based on his recent winning form and the Tim Easterby stable's excellent record. However, his top weight of 11-9 makes him vulnerable on this testing surface, and the 4lb he concedes to most rivals could prove decisive over this marathon trip.
Which horses handle soft ground best in this field?
Diamond White has proven soft ground form and gets the 7lb mares' allowance, making her particularly dangerous. Barito has also shown his effectiveness on testing surfaces, while Oor Wish's breeding suggests she'll relish the conditions. The ground will be a key factor in separating the field.
What makes this race significant for future careers?
As a Category 2 elimination race worth £20,000, this contest often serves as a stepping stone to bigger targets. Winners frequently progress to valuable staying hurdle races or competitive handicaps. The GBB (Great British Bonus) element adds extra incentive for British-bred runners, making it an important early-season target for connections mapping out campaigns.
