Evening Action at Uttoxeter Sets Up Nicely
Wednesday evening's six-race card at Uttoxeter looks a decent affair under the lights, with good ground providing ideal conditions for the speedier types. The Staffordshire track is riding well at present, and with rainfall staying away, we should see some smart performances across the mixed National Hunt programme.
The feature race comes in the shape of the 7:30 Virtus Property Services Handicap Hurdle, a competitive Class 4 affair over two and three-quarter miles. But there's plenty to interest punters across the six-race card, with Harry Skelton booked for six rides and the Skelton stable clearly fancying their chances on the evening.
Feature Race Analysis: Virtus Property Services Handicap Hurdle
The 7:30 handicap hurdle represents the evening's most competitive heat, with five runners battling it out over the extended two-mile trip. Amatchmadeinheaven tops the weights off 110 but comes here in good heart for the Twiston-Davies team. The five-year-old has shown progressive form this season and the good ground will suit.
Kentucky River looks the main danger for Olly Murphy. The four-year-old is lightly raced over hurdles and could have more to offer off his current mark of 105. Robert Dunne takes the ride, and Murphy's string are in decent form at present.
Dream's Ka completes the Skelton treble in the race, with Harry Skelton again in the saddle. The four-year-old has been running consistently without winning, but this looks a good opportunity to break his maiden tag over obstacles.
Maiden Hurdle Sets Evening Tone
The 6:20 opener brings together seven runners for the EHB Residential Maiden Hurdle, and Louis Veron stands out on paper. The five-year-old carries an official rating of 116, significantly higher than his rivals, and the Skelton team will be confident of a bold showing.
Dunstall Star represents the Tom George stable and brings solid bumper form to the table. Jonathan Burke takes the ride, and this yard knows how to ready a newcomer to hurdling.
Garde My Guinness is the eldest in the field at six, and Jamie Snowden's charge brings experience that could prove valuable in what looks a competitive maiden. The good ground should suit, and any market confidence would be significant.
Marathon Test in the Insight Surveyors Handicap
The 6:55 handicap hurdle over three miles and two furlongs will sort out the stayers from the rest. Baltray heads the weights for Emma Lavelle and brings course form to the table. The eight-year-old has won here before and Liam Harrison knows the track well.
Tyson drops down the ratings but represents the in-form Skelton stable. The six-year-old has been running over shorter trips recently, but this extended distance could unlock improvement. At 101, he looks well treated if staying the trip.
Spitalfield for the O'Neill team brings solid credentials over this sort of distance. Jonjo O'Neill Jr. takes the ride, and this eight-year-old has the experience to handle the marathon test.
Chasing Action Provides Evening Highlights
The two steeplechases on the card offer contrasting challenges. The 8:00 handicap chase over three miles looks wide open, with Northern Symphonie topping the weights for Harriet Dickin. The six-year-old brings course and distance form, which counts for plenty around here.
Thickthorn Tom represents another Skelton runner, and despite being towards the bottom of the weights, this six-year-old could outrun his odds. The stable's runners have been in excellent form, and Harry Skelton's booking is significant.
The finale at 9:00 sees just five runners contest the Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Midlands Handicap Chase. Therhythmofthenite heads the market for Michael Gates, with Tom Cannon booked for the ride. The five-year-old looks progressive over fences and could take some stopping.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
Louis Veron looks the standout selection in the opener, with that 116 rating giving him a significant edge over his rivals. The Skelton team are flying at present, and this looks a good opportunity for the five-year-old to open his account over hurdles.
In the feature race, Kentucky River appeals as the value selection. Olly Murphy's four-year-old looks unexposed over hurdles and could have more to offer off his current mark. The good ground will suit, and Robert Dunne is a capable pilot.
For the marathon hurdle, Baltray's course form gives her the edge in what looks a competitive renewal. Emma Lavelle's mare has won at Uttoxeter before and should handle the testing distance.
The evening card promises genuine competitive racing under the lights, with the good ground ensuring we should see the field's true abilities on display. Keep a close eye on the Skelton runners throughout the card - they're clearly expecting a profitable evening in Staffordshire.
