Good Ground Dominates at Uttoxeter
Wednesday's six-race card at Uttoxeter presents a cracking afternoon's sport on ground that'll suit the speed merchants. The going is officially Good, Good to Soft in places, which is about as perfect as you'll get for May racing in Staffordshire. Those softer patches will be music to the ears of the stamina types, particularly over the longer trips.
The feature race is undoubtedly the £15,000 Love Warwick Handicap Hurdle at 5pm, a Class 3 affair that's drawn a competitive field of nine. But there's plenty to get stuck into across the card, from a maiden hurdle opener to some proper staying chases that'll sort the wheat from the chaff.
This Uttoxeter racecard has the look of a day where course experience and stamina pedigrees will come to the fore. The ground conditions should play fair to all running styles, but I'd lean slightly towards those with a proven record on similar surfaces.
Feature Race: Love Warwick Handicap Hurdle (5:00pm)
The day's headline act brings together nine runners in what looks a proper puzzle. Mojito des Mottes tops the weights on 118 and comes here with Harry Cobden doing the steering for Ben Pauling. At just four years old, this lad is still on the upgrade and that rating might underestimate him.
Kingston Sunflower catches the eye as a course and distance winner, which is gold dust around here. Fern O'Brien takes the ride for father Fergal, and at nine years old, this horse knows exactly what's required. The [D] marker tells its own story - respect the course specialists at Uttoxeter.
Bluegrass for Stuart Edmunds is another with the course form in the book, while Forget The Way brings solid credentials from James Owen's yard. The handicapper has these fairly bunched together, which suggests we're in for a right old battle.
The Outsider's Chance
Don't be writing off Chief Sunday at the foot of the weights. The Twiston-Davies team know how to place their horses, and that 95 rating looks workable if the six-year-old has come on from his recent efforts. James Turner in the saddle is no mug either.
Early Opportunities in the Maiden Hurdle
The opening maiden hurdle at 2:30pm might not carry the biggest prize money, but it's often these races where you can find a future star at decent odds. Rebel Tribesman stands out with a rating of 109 - the only horse in the field with an official mark. Gavin Sheehan wouldn't be wasting his time if Jamie Snowden didn't fancy this one.
The Jonjo O'Neill team saddle two runners, with Bathara getting the services of Richie McLernon and carrying the [C] marker for a course winner. Never underestimate the O'Neill polish when it comes to getting horses ready for the big day.
Lee Edwards partners Alex The Great for Tony Carroll, while Ben Jones rides Royal Rocket for Emma Lavelle. Both trainers have been among the winners lately, so don't dismiss their chances lightly.
Staying Power in the Chase Division
The 3m 1f 100y Grand Neighsional Handicap Chase at 3pm will be all about stamina and jumping. Seven runners have signed up for this marathon, and the ground conditions should ensure we see the race run at a proper gallop.
Edgewell tops the ratings on 89 and brings both course and distance experience to the table. That [D] marker could be crucial over this extended trip. The Moonlight Man on the same rating looks the main danger, with Callum Pritchard booked for Joe Tickle.
Tom Desjy for Warren Greatrex is worth a second look despite being rated 76. Sean Bowen doesn't often get beaten on horses that are well handicapped, and this six-year-old could be better than his mark suggests.
The Feature Chase
The Logicor Cup at 3:30pm has attracted just four runners, but what it lacks in numbers it makes up for in quality. Full Force Gale is a course and distance winner rated 102, which gives him solid claims under Jonathan Burke. The Tom George team have been in good form, and this fellow clearly handles the track.
Late Card Value
The novices' hurdle at 4:30pm brings together eight runners over two miles, and this could throw up some value. Westerton heads the market for Jennie Candlish, but at 92 he's giving weight away all round.
I'm drawn to Louie The Legend, a four-year-old for Dylan Cunha with Tabitha Worsley aboard. Young horses often improve rapidly at this time of year, and that 90 rating might prove conservative.
The Logic Defying Handicap Hurdle at 4pm is well named - Jimmy Hurdstrom heads a competitive field where any of the top six could feasibly win. Stan Sheppard takes the ride on the 119-rated favourite, but Champagne Twist and Crest of Stars both bring solid form to the table.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
Right then, here's how I'm approaching this Uttoxeter racecard. For the feature race, I'm leaning towards Kingston Sunflower each-way - that course and distance form is pure gold, and the O'Brien team know how to get them ready.
In the opener, Rebel Tribesman looks the class act with Gavin Sheehan aboard. That 109 rating tells its own story in a maiden company.
For a bit of value, Tom Desjy in the staying chase could outrun his odds. Warren Greatrex horses often improve for a run, and Sean Bowen's booking is significant.
The ground should play fair to all, but keep an eye on anything with course experience - Uttoxeter rewards local knowledge, and those [C] and [D] markers could prove the difference between winning and losing. Sláinte to that!
