A Quality Field Assembles at Hexham
Saturday's Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap Chase represents one of the strongest Class 2 contests we'll see at Hexham this season. The £60,000 prize pot has attracted a field of eight seasoned campaigners, headed by Dan Skelton's Etalon, who'll shoulder top weight of 12st under Tristan Durrell.
What strikes me about this renewal is the depth of quality throughout the field. We've got multiple course and distance winners, horses rated between 125 and 144, and representation from some of the sport's most astute yards. The going description of Good, Good to Soft in places (80:20 ratio) should suit most, though it may just favour those with proven form on easier surfaces.
I've been covering racing at Hexham for the best part of fifteen years, and contests like this remind you why the Northumberland track punches above its weight. The undulating two-and-a-half-mile trip here is a proper test of stamina and jumping, and today's field looks perfectly matched for a thriller.
The Principals
Etalon arrives as the likely favourite, and rightly so. This nine-year-old has been a model of consistency for the Skelton yard, though that 144 rating means he's giving lumps of weight away. The tongue-tie suggests connections are pulling out all the stops, and Durrell's 5lb claim brings him down to a more manageable 11st 9lb in reality. His last win came off 140, so there's clearly more to come if the handicapper has it right.
Blueking d'Oroux represents the Paul Nicholls stable and carries the booking of Harry Cobden - always a significant pointer from Ditcheat. This seven-year-old has that crucial 'distance winner' flag, and at 141, he's only 3lb inferior to the topweight on official figures. The French-bred has shown his best form on ground with some cut, which today's conditions should provide.
From Seven Barrows comes Califet En Vol, who ticks both the course and distance winner boxes. Nico de Boinville takes the ride, and this combination has struck up a profitable partnership in recent months. Henderson's horses are flying at present, and this eight-year-old looks handicapped to go close off his current mark of 141.
Ryan's Rocket is an interesting runner for the Fergal O'Brien team. As a course winner, he knows his way around Hexham's unique challenges, and Jonathan Burke has ridden him to success here before. At 134, he's receiving 10lb from the topweight, which could prove decisive in a tight finish.
The Going Factor and Tactical Considerations
That 80:20 split between Good and Good to Soft will play into the hands of certain runners. Blueking d'Oroux has shown his best form when there's some ease underfoot, while Califet En Vol's record suggests he's equally effective on today's surface.
Hexham's chase course demands tactical nous. The home turn can catch out the unwary, and the run-in has a sting in the tail that sorts out the genuine stayers from the pretenders. Horses that can travel sweetly through the early stages often come to the fore, which makes the presence of seasoned pilots like Cobden and de Boinville all the more significant.
The relatively small field means there should be no hard-luck stories regarding racing room, though positioning at the top of the hill will be crucial. I'd expect the pace to be honest without being frantic - perfect conditions for a late charge from one of the classier operators.
Value Picks and Dangers
Barlovento catches the eye as a potential value play at the foot of the weights. Olly Murphy's seven-year-old is both a course and distance winner, crucial credentials for this track. Sean Bowen knows him well, and receiving 19lb from Etalon makes him mathematically interesting.
Somespring Special shouldn't be dismissed lightly either. Philip Hobbs has always been shrewd with his handicappers, and this mare's distance-winning form gives her a solid foundation. Paul O'Brien takes the ride, and at 125, she's another who benefits significantly from the weight scale.
The danger horse could well be Teddy Blue. Harry Derham's eight-year-old is a course winner who's been given a patient campaign this season. The blinkers and tongue-tie combination suggests connections expect improvement, and any market support would be noteworthy.
Who Will Win the Virgin Bet Handicap Chase?
In a race of this quality, margins are fine, but I'm drawn to Califet En Vol as the selection. Henderson's charge has the class to cope with this company, crucial course and distance form, and the tactical speed to position himself perfectly for de Boinville's challenge.
The ground should suit, his recent work reports have been positive, and Seven Barrows is hitting the target with increasing frequency. At around 4/1, he represents solid each-way value in what promises to be a competitive renewal.
My each-way saver is Barlovento, who could outrun his odds if the race develops to suit his patient style. For the full Hexham racecard and latest market moves, keep checking back as we approach post time.
What Are the Key Form Pointers for This Race?
The course and distance winners hold obvious appeal at Hexham, where local knowledge counts for plenty. Califet En Vol, Ryan's Rocket, Teddy Blue, and Barlovento all fall into this category, giving them a significant edge over newcomers to the track.
Recent winning form is always crucial in handicaps of this nature, and several of these have struck within the last few months, suggesting they're in the right frame of mind for another bold showing.
How Important Is the Jockey Booking in This Contest?
Enormously significant. The presence of stable jockeys like Cobden (Nicholls), de Boinville (Henderson), and Durrell (Skelton) suggests these yards view this as a winnable prize. When you're dealing with horses separated by small margins on the handicap, the difference between a 5lb claimer and a seasoned professional can prove decisive.
Burke's association with Ryan's Rocket at this track is another positive, while Bowen's booking for Barlovento shouldn't be underestimated given his excellent strike rate for the Murphy stable.
