Saturday's Action at Towcester - Good Ground for Good Sport
Right then, punters, we're off to Towcester this Saturday for what promises to be a cracking afternoon's sport. Eight races of proper National Hunt action await us, and with the going described as Good (easy side), we should see some genuine pace and honest jumping throughout the card.
The Northamptonshire venue has been kind to us this season, and with conditions perfect for speed horses to show their true colours, I'm expecting some tasty betting opportunities. The feature race - that £35,000 Staffordshire Plate - has attracted a field that wouldn't look out of place at a Grade 2 level, while the supporting card offers plenty of intrigue for those willing to dig beneath the surface.
Let's dive into today's Towcester racecard and see where the smart money should be going, shall we?
Feature Focus: The Staffordshire Plate Chase (14:35)
Sweet Jesus, what a race this is! The £35,000 Staffordshire Plate has drawn together a field that reads like a who's who of staying chasers, and at the head of the market sits the evergreen **Capodanno**. Now, I know what you're thinking - ten years old, surely past his best? Don't be so hasty, my friend.
This Neil Mulholland-trained warrior has been there and done it at the highest level, rated 150 and carrying the confidence that comes with proven class. Conor O'Farrell takes the ride, and while the weight burden is substantial, this horse has shown time and again that age is just a number when you've got the heart of a lion.
The danger comes from multiple directions. **Cruz Control** for Tom Lacey represents serious each-way value at his current rating of 139. Stan Sheppard's booking suggests connections are confident, and this nine-year-old has been building nicely towards a big performance. The French import **Horantzau d'Airy** brings continental flair to Stuart Edmunds' string, while **Joyeux Machin** gives the Skelton team a live chance with the [D] next to his name - always respect course winners at this venue.
But here's the thing about this race - it's not just about the big names. **Bhaloo** from the Henderson yard carries the silks that demand respect, and with Sean Bowen in the saddle, he's one to keep very close tabs on. The going will suit his style perfectly.
Opening Salvo: The QuinnBet Handicap Hurdle (12:45)
Sixteen runners for the opener, and Christ, what a puzzle this presents! I. J. Power takes the ride on **Spartan Times**, the topweight at 100, but I'm not convinced he's well-in at the weights here. Jennie Candlish's charge will need to be at his absolute peak to justify favouritism.
The value play here could well be **Diesel Line** for the Pogson team. Charlie Todd knows this horse inside out, and the [C,D] combination beside his name tells you everything you need to know about his Towcester credentials. At 96, he's nicely treated if reproducing his best form.
Don't sleep on **Playful Fox** either - Harry Skelton's presence in the saddle for Dan Skelton suggests this four-year-old is ready to announce himself at this level. The Skelton operation doesn't send horses to Towcester for the exercise.
Maiden Matters and Novice Nuances
The maiden hurdle at 13:55 throws up some interesting angles. **Lexington Wood** for Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen screams class - this five-year-old has been gelded and looks ready to fulfill early promise. Tabitha Worsley on **Pretty Darn Quick** is another combination that catches the eye, particularly with the going in her favour.
In the novices' chase at 15:10, **Choice Runner** gives Harry Skelton another strong book of rides. This six-year-old rated 96 should have too much class for most of these, though **Butchers Bill** for Anthony Day could provide the sternest test. Lewis Stones has been riding with real confidence lately, and this partnership looks solid.
Late Card Value and Each-Way Specials
The Pirtek Handicap Hurdle at 15:50 is where the shrewd punter might find their profit. **Whatsupwithyou** - what a name! - brings both course and distance form to the table for Ben Pauling. At twelve years old, he's a veteran, but Elliott England's booking suggests he retains plenty of ability.
**Sir Galahad** represents the Olly Murphy/Sean Bowen axis that's been in flying form, while **Last Kingdom** could be the improver in the field for Faye Bramley. The going will suit this five-year-old's style perfectly.
The day concludes with a competitive handicap chase where **Pony Soprano** and **Tune In A Box** look to have the measure of their rivals, though **Ukantango** for Murphy could outrun his odds if the pace sets up right.
Tom's Saturday Selections
**Best Bet**: Capodanno (14:35) - Class tells, and this old warrior has bags of it.
**Each-Way Special**: Cruz Control (14:35) - Solid each-way value in the feature at appealing odds.
**Sneaky Value**: Diesel Line (12:45) - Course and distance winner who could be overpriced in the opener.
**Longshot Punt**: Choice Runner (15:10) - Skelton horses at this level rarely disappoint, and the rating suggests there's more to come.
The ground is perfect, the fields are competitive, and the value is there for those prepared to do their homework. Get stuck in, but as always, bet responsibly and may the racing gods smile upon you this Saturday afternoon at Towcester!
