Setting the Scene at Newton Abbot
The River Tay Handicap Chase might not have the glamour of Cheltenham or the prestige of Aintree, but don't let that fool you - this £25,000 Class 2 contest at Newton Abbot on Thursday afternoon is shaping up to be a proper puzzle. At 2m 4f 20y, it's a true test of stamina over the Devon track's testing fences, and with the going riding Good to Good to Soft in places, we're in for a right old slog.
Eight runners have stood their ground for this competitive handicap, and by God, there's not a gimme among them. The weights range from Tommy's Oscar shouldering top weight at 12-0 down to Westerninthepark getting in light at 10-5, which tells you everything about the competitive nature of this field. The Newton Abbot racecard suggests this could be the race of the day.
The Heavyweight Contenders
Tommy's Oscar sits at the head of affairs with that hefty 12-0 burden, and at 11 years old, you'd have to question whether Ann Hamilton's veteran has another big effort in him. Danny McMenamin takes the ride, and while he's a capable pilot, this looks a mountain to climb for a horse who's been knocking on the door rather than breaking it down of late.
Now Slanagaibhgoleir - Jesus, Mary and Joseph, whoever named this fella clearly had a sense of humour - comes from the Gordon Elliott stable with Harry Cobden doing the steering. At 8 years old and rated 131, he's getting a decent pull at the weights with 11-1 to carry. Elliott doesn't send them across the Irish Sea for the scenery, and Cobden's booking suggests connections fancy their chances. This lad could be the value play of the race.
Whistleinthedark brings course and distance form to the table, which is worth its weight in gold around Newton Abbot's unique undulations. Miss Ellie Callwood takes the ride for L J Morgan, and at 11-0, the 11-year-old gets his chance to prove the old legs still have some spring in them. The visor goes on, which suggests they're looking for that extra bit of focus.
Classic Maestro represents Jennie Candlish and looks nicely treated off 129 with Luke Scott in the plate. At 8 years old, he's in the prime of his chasing career, and the 10-13 allocation looks very fair indeed. Don't be surprised if this one runs a big race at decent odds.
The Dark Horses and Dangers
King Roly brings the father-son combination of Mickey and James Bowen into play, and you ignore that partnership at your peril. The 7-year-old is another with course and distance form, and getting in with just 10-8 could prove crucial. The tongue tie goes on, which often helps with jumping efficiency - something you need in spades around here.
Toothless might have an unfortunate name, but he's got plenty of bite when it comes to staying trips. Paul Nicholls knows how to place his horses, and while the gelding's rating of 123 might not set the world alight, he's a distance winner who could easily pick up the pieces if the pace collapses.
Inox Allen from the Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore yard brings Scottish raiders' form, and with Alan Doyle taking 7lb off, he's effectively running off a mark of 116. That could make him very competitive indeed in a race like this.
Going Conditions and Tactical Considerations
The Good to Good to Soft going will suit the stayers in this field, and with Newton Abbot's notorious hill finish, stamina will be at an absolute premium. The softer patches will test their jumping under pressure, and any horse that's been showing signs of lost enthusiasm over fences could easily come unstuck.
The pace looks likely to be honest with several hold-up horses in the field, but don't expect a mad gallop early doors. This could develop into a proper staying test, which should suit the likes of Toothless and Whistleinthedark who've proven their stamina credentials over similar trips.
Who will win the River Tay Handicap Chase?
Tommy's Oscar heads the betting and the weights, but at 11 years old and with that hefty burden, he looks vulnerable to a younger, fresher rival getting first run on him up the hill.
Is there value in the River Tay Handicap Chase field?
Absolutely. Slanagaibhgoleir looks the pick at likely odds, with Gordon Elliott's string in good form and Harry Cobden's booking a significant positive. The weight relief he's getting makes him very interesting.
Which horses have the best course form?
Whistleinthedark, King Roly, and Inox Allen all boast course and distance winning form, which is invaluable around Newton Abbot's unique track. Local knowledge counts for plenty here.
The Verdict
This is a proper handicap where several horses hold legitimate claims, but I'm siding with Slanagaibhgoleir to give Gordon Elliott another winner. The 8-year-old gets a lovely weight and has Harry Cobden in the saddle - a combination that's hard to ignore. At likely odds, he represents the best value in what should be a cracking renewal of this competitive chase. Tommy's Oscar will have his supporters, but the weight and his age are against him, while Whistleinthedark could easily pick up the pieces if the pace collapses. It's a race where small margins will decide the outcome, but the Irish raider gets the nod.
