A Grand Day Out at Towcester
Ah, the Staffordshire Plate – not exactly the most glamorous title in the racing calendar, but don't let that fool you. This £35,000 Class 2 handicap chase at Towcester has developed into a proper test for staying chasers, and Saturday's renewal looks an absolute belter. With good ground on the easy side – perfect jumping conditions, mind you – we've got a field of ten seasoned campaigners ready to slug it out over three miles and change.
The Northamptonshire venue might not have the prestige of Cheltenham or the history of Aintree, but it's carved out a nice niche for these competitive handicaps. The track's undulating nature and stiff finish separate the wheat from the chaff, and with this going description, we should see some foot-perfect jumping and a proper staying test.
The Heavyweight Division
Leading the charge is Capodanno, the 10-year-old warrior carrying top weight of 12-0 for Neil Mulholland. At a rating of 150, he's clearly the class act in this field, but that's a fair lump to be shouldering around here. Conor O'Farrell takes the reins, and the tongue-tie suggests connections are pulling out all the stops. This fellow's been knocking on the door in similar company, but I'm wondering if his best days are behind him at the grand old age of ten.
More interesting to my eye is the Nicky Henderson double-handed attack with Bhaloo and Calimystic. Now, when the master of Seven Barrows runs two in a race like this, you sit up and take notice. Bhaloo, rated 134 and carrying 10-12, looks particularly well-handicapped. Sean Bowen's booking is significant – the Welsh wizard doesn't travel to Towcester for the scenery. Crucially, this lad goes without headgear, suggesting Henderson has him settled and ready to produce his A-game.
Calimystic, the younger of the pair at seven, carries that crucial 'distance winner' flag and gets in light at 10-6. Nico de Boinville's association speaks volumes, and at his rating of 128, he could be thrown in here if the handicapper's got it wrong.
The Skelton Factor
You can't ignore Joyeux Machin from the Dan Skelton yard. Harry Skelton in the saddle, a proven distance winner tag, and a rating of 137 that puts him right in the mix at 11-1. The Skelton brothers have been in flying form, and this nine-year-old has the profile of a horse who could improve for a step back up in trip. His French breeding suggests he'll handle any cut in the ground, and that's always a weapon in your armory.
Cruz Control for Tom Lacey represents decent each-way value at his rating of 139. Stan Sheppard knows his way around here, and at 11-3, this fellow's not overburdened. Lacey's horses often come to hand at the right time, and this lad's been campaigned with a race like this in mind.
The Outsiders with a Shout
Don't sleep on Peaky Boy from the O'Neill yard. The Jackdaws Castle team know how to place one, and Benjamin Macey's 5lb claim brings him down to a handy racing weight. At 134, he's got every chance if the pace collapses.
Party Vibes is the sole mare in the field, and Henry Daly's charge could benefit from the weight allowance. Mares can be quirky, but they often find that extra gear when it matters.
Going Conditions and Tactical Analysis
This good ground on the easy side is absolutely perfect for a race like this. It'll allow the better jumpers to express themselves while still providing enough give to test stamina over the extended trip. Towcester's track characteristics favor horses who can quicken off a strong pace, and with this field, we should get a proper test.
The lack of an obvious front-runner could lead to a messy early pace, which would suit the more tactical types. Henderson's pair both have the class to pick up the pieces if it turns into a sprint, while Capodanno's experience could prove invaluable if it becomes a war of attrition.
The Verdict
I'm taking a stand against the top weight here. Capodanno's clearly the best horse on ratings, but 12-0 around Towcester is a mountain to climb, especially at his age. Instead, I'm backing Bhaloo to give Henderson another winner. The removal of headgear, Bowen's booking, and that handy racing weight of 10-12 all point to a horse primed for a big run.
For the each-way punters, Calimystic at a bigger price could be the value play. His distance-winning form and light weight make him dangerous, and Henderson's second string often outperforms the stable's supposed number one.
Check out the full Towcester racecard for more opportunities on what promises to be a cracking afternoon's racing.
Who is the favourite for the Staffordshire Plate?
Capodanno will likely start as the market leader given his superior rating of 150, but his age and top weight of 12-0 make him vulnerable. The Nicky Henderson pair of Bhaloo and Calimystic should be well-supported and offer better value propositions.
What makes Towcester a unique test for staying chasers?
Towcester's undulating track and stiff uphill finish provide a stern examination of stamina and jumping ability. The course's characteristics often favor horses who can quicken off a strong pace rather than one-paced gallopers, making tactical awareness crucial.
Which jockeys have the best records in this type of race?
Harry Skelton and Sean Bowen both excel in competitive handicap chases, with their tactical acumen and strong partnerships with their respective trainers giving them significant advantages. Gavin Sheehan on King's Threshold also brings valuable experience to this type of contest.
