Series finale brings quality field to Beverley
The Go North Monet's Garden Series reaches its climax at Beverley on Sunday with a £40,000 prize pot that's attracted a competitive field of 13 runners. This Class 2 handicap chase over 2m 3f 210y represents the sort of staying test that separates the genuine stayers from the pretenders.
I've watched this series develop over the winter months, and the quality of horse it's attracting speaks volumes about the prize money on offer. With the going described as good to soft, good in places, we should see the track riding fairly, though there's enough cut in the ground to favour the more genuine galloping types.
The handicapper has done his job well here. There's barely two stone covering the field from top weight Hello Judge on 12-0 down to the trio on 10-2, which suggests we're in for a proper race where small margins will decide the outcome.
Top weight Hello Judge sets the standard
Hello Judge arrives as the highest-rated runner on 122, and Danny McMenamin takes the ride for Ann Hamilton. This ten-year-old gelding brings solid course form to the table, which counts for plenty around Beverley's unique undulations.
The tongue-tie goes back on, which has been a positive sign in recent runs. At his age, Hello Judge knows his job, and the extended trip should suit his staying style. The concern is whether he can give weight away to some progressive types below him in the weights.
Hamilton's yard has been in decent form lately, and she wouldn't be running her stable star here unless she felt he had a genuine chance. The 12-0 burden is substantial, but class horses find a way.
Walk On Quest brings Scottish raiding party
The Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore partnership send Walk On Quest south, and Derek Fox in the saddle is a significant booking. This seven-year-old is arguably at the perfect age for a race like this - experienced enough to handle the pressure but young enough to be improving.
His course form reads well, and the 11-13 burden looks manageable for a horse rated 121. Fox knows how to get horses home in these competitive handicaps, and the Scottish team wouldn't make the journey without genuine confidence.
The tongue-tie suggests they're pulling out all the stops, and his recent work reports have been encouraging. This looks the type of race that could fall his way if the pace develops properly.
Breizh River and Cerendipity complete the big four
Breizh River represents Tristan Davidson's yard with Harry Reed aboard. This eight-year-old has proven his effectiveness over the trip and comes here off a rating of 119 carrying 11-11. The form figures suggest he's been running consistently without quite getting his head in front, which often means a horse is due a change of fortune.
Davidson has his string in good order, and Reed's 7lb claim takes the weight down to a more manageable level. The distance winner tag is significant over this extended trip where stamina becomes paramount in the closing stages.
Gavin Sheehan partners Cerendipity for the Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith team. This nine-year-old drops down the weights to 11-9 off a 117 rating, and the booking of Sheehan suggests they expect a big run. The veteran has been thereabouts in similar company and represents a yard that excels with staying chasers.
Value seekers and potential dangers
Further down the weights, Jack Hogan takes the ride on Heeztheboy for Gary Hanmer. On 11-4 off a 112 rating, this nine-year-old could outrun his odds if the pace collapses. His distance-winning form suggests the trip won't find him out.
William of York brings both course and distance form for Rebecca Menzies, and at 11-2, he looks overpriced in a race where his local knowledge could prove invaluable. Ross Chapman knows the horse well, and the combination has shown they can spring surprises.
Don't overlook Tommy Combats from the Martin Todhunter stable. This seven-year-old gets in light on 10-12 and represents a yard that's been quietly going about its business. Callum Bewley's booking suggests they fancy their chances of picking up prize money.
Who is the favourite for the Go North Monet's Garden Series Final?
Hello Judge's superior rating and course form make him the likely market leader, though Walk On Quest's Scottish connections and Derek Fox's booking will ensure strong support. The market should provide clues about which horses are expected to run their races.
Does the going favour any particular runners?
The good to soft, good in places description should suit most of these staying types. The genuine galloping horses like Hello Judge and Walk On Quest should handle the conditions well, while the softer patches might just blunt the speed of any pace-dependent runners.
Which horses offer the best value in this competitive field?
William of York's dual course and distance form makes him interesting at likely bigger odds, while Cerendipity's class and Gavin Sheehan's booking suggest he could outrun his price. The handicapper has been fair, so value might come from horses returning to form rather than unexposed improvers.
Verdict and selection
This sets up as a proper staying test where tactical nous and stamina will prove decisive. While Hello Judge sets a high standard, I'm drawn to Walk On Quest as the selection. Derek Fox's booking, the Scottish team's confidence in making the journey, and the horse's perfect age profile for this type of race all point to a big run.
The 11-13 burden looks fair for his rating, and his course form suggests Beverley's quirks won't catch him out. In a race where margins will be tight, having an in-form jockey who knows how to time a challenge could prove the difference.
Check the full Beverley racecard for the latest market moves, but Walk On Quest looks the value call in what should be a thrilling finale to the series.
