Sunday's Seven-Race Card at Towcester
A cracking afternoon awaits at Towcester with seven races on good ground that's riding perfectly. The soil moisture reading of 58 tells the story – conditions are spot on for this time of year, neither too firm nor testing. That should suit the speed horses and make for competitive racing throughout the card.
The £50,000 Clarke Chase takes centre stage at 4:03pm, but there's quality throughout this Towcester racecard. The Skelton and Murphy yards have strong representation across multiple races, while several course specialists get their chance to shine on familiar territory.
Feature Race: The Clarke Chase
The Clarke Chase over two miles four furlongs is the obvious draw, and American Mike sets a decent standard off a mark of 145. Olly Murphy's nine-year-old has been running consistently at a higher level and drops back to this grade looking well-handicapped. Sean Bowen takes the ride, and that booking speaks volumes.
Riskintheground presents the biggest danger for the Skelton team. This course and distance winner carries a 5lb penalty for his recent success here, but Harry Skelton knows exactly what this horse needs. The nine-year-old has found his niche at this track and won't mind the good ground one bit.
Gunsight Ridge brings veteran experience to the mix. At eleven, he's seen it all, and Jonathan Burke's 5lb claim could prove crucial in a tight finish. The Mike Sowersby-trained gelding has been thereabouts in similar company and represents each-way value.
Mares' Novice Hurdle Sets the Tone
The opening mares' novice hurdle at 2:22pm features First Candidate as the only rated runner in the field. Dan Skelton's six-year-old carries a mark of 122 and has Harry Skelton in the saddle – that combination alone makes her hard to oppose.
However, don't write off the unrated newcomers. Callisto Queen for Alan King catches the eye, with Philip Armson taking the ride. King doesn't run many at this level without expecting a bold show, and the booking suggests confidence.
Port And Brandy represents the in-form Bowen team, with James taking the reins. The six-year-old mare comes from a yard that's been among the winners recently, making her one to note in the market.
Handicap Hurdle Highlights
The Centenary Gold Cup at 3:28pm brings together eleven runners in what looks the most competitive heat of the afternoon. Bowmore and Champagne Kid head the weights on 130, but both face stiff tasks from those marks.
Service Minimum appeals more at the weights for the Skeltons. This course winner drops back in trip slightly but has winning form over today's distance. The six-year-old has been running well without winning lately and could be primed for another success.
Miss Maverick deserves respect as another course and distance scorer. The nine-year-old mare has found this level to her liking and James Davies knows her well. At 124, she's feasibly weighted to follow up on previous course success.
In the novice handicap hurdle, Cinnodin stands out as a course and distance winner for Jamie Snowden. The six-year-old has Jonathan Burke's valuable claim and looks the one to beat in a small but competitive field.
Speed Test and Staying Challenge
The sprint hurdle over one mile seven furlongs should provide fireworks. Vocito and A Different Kind head the market as joint-topweights, both course and distance winners who know exactly what's required.
Vocito gets the nod for Murphy and Sean Bowen, a combination that's been in fine form. The eight-year-old has course form figures that read well and should handle the good ground perfectly.
The staying chase over three miles rounds off the competitive action, where course experience could prove vital. Fern Hill fits that bill perfectly as an eleven-year-old course and distance winner who'll appreciate the test of stamina.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
American Mike looks the play in the feature Clarke Chase, with his class edge likely to tell against these rivals. The good ground suits and Murphy's string are flying at present.
First Candidate should make short work of her mares' novice hurdle opposition, while Vocito can strike in the sprint contest where his course experience gives him a crucial edge.
For bigger prices, keep an eye on Jonjo O'Neill Jr. aboard Davita Blaze in the opener – the O'Neill team often spring surprises with their mares, and this one comes from a shrewd operation.
Service Minimum represents solid each-way value in the competitive handicap hurdle, where his course form and the Skelton factor combine appealingly at likely odds.
