Tuesday Treat at Warwick
Right then, gather 'round for what promises to be a cracking afternoon's sport at Warwick. The good to soft going is absolutely perfect for this time of year – proper jumping ground that'll separate the wheat from the chaff. Six races on the Warwick racecard today, and while none of them will set the world alight in terms of prize money, there's decent value to be had if you know where to look.
The feature race is that £12,000 handicap chase at 14:37, though I'll be keeping a keen eye on the extended three-mile novice chase later in the card. Good to soft ground always brings stamina into play, and with the forecast looking settled, we shouldn't see any dramatic changes to the going throughout the afternoon.
Mares' Maiden Hurdle Sets the Tone
Kicking off proceedings at 14:02, this mares' maiden hurdle over an extended two and a half miles looks a proper puzzle. Sallyville Lady brings the highest rating at 111 and represents the in-form Dan Skelton stable with Tristan Durrell in the plate. She's had three goes over hurdles without success, but her bumper form suggests she's got ability.
However, I'm more taken with Biglesisback for the Russell/Scudamore team. Derek Fox takes the ride on this six-year-old who's rated 106. The northern raiders don't make the trip south without genuine expectations, and this mare has shown glimpses of ability in her previous starts. The good to soft ground will suit her staying pedigree perfectly.
Don't completely dismiss I Heard A Rumour either – another from the Skelton yard with Charlie Todd aboard. When Dan runs two in a race like this, you can bet your last euro he fancies one of them strongly.
Feature Chase Looks Wide Open
The 14:37 handicap chase is where the real money is, and it's a fascinating puzzle. Geryville tops the weights off 122 but brings course and distance form to the table, which is gold dust around here. At ten years old, he knows his job, and Conor O'Farrell's 5lb claim brings him down to a workable mark.
But the one that's got my attention is Arthur's Quay for Ben Haslam. This twelve-year-old warrior has distance form in the bag and is down to a very reasonable mark of 116. Richie McLernon knows him well, and these old campaigners often find a bit extra when the ground is in their favour.
Rath Gaul Hill represents excellent each-way value for Samuel Drinkwater. Sean Bowen's booking catches the eye, and this eight-year-old is lightly raced over fences with room for improvement. The good to soft ground will play to his strengths, and he could be the dark horse in this field.
Stamina Test in the Extended Hurdle
The three-mile hurdle at 16:22 is where the men get separated from the boys. Imperial Merlin, Kapal Layar, and Into The Park all share top weight on 120, but in a race like this, it's often the one who stays best that prevails.
Kapal Layar for Olly Murphy looks the pick of the big three. Sean Bowen's in the saddle, and this seven-year-old has been running consistently well in similar company. The step up in trip on this ground should suit him down to the ground.
However, keep a close eye on Ladronne at the bottom of the weights. This twelve-year-old has course and distance form, and at 110 he's getting a full stone from the topweights. Oscar Palmer's 7lb claim makes him very interesting indeed, and these old stagers know how to win races like this.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
Best Bet: Biglesisback (14:02) – The northern connection and Derek Fox's booking make plenty of appeal in the opener.
Each-Way Special: Rath Gaul Hill (14:37) – Sean Bowen doesn't take rides like this lightly, and the price should be generous.
Long-Shot Fancy: Ladronne (16:22) – Getting weight all round and has the course form to be competitive at a big price.
The good to soft ground is the key factor throughout the card today. It'll favour the genuine stayers and those with proven form on similar surfaces. Don't be afraid to look beyond the obvious favourites – there's value to be found if you dig deep enough into the form book. Slàinte, and may the racing gods smile upon us all!
