Good Ground Glory at Wetherby
Right then, Sunday afternoon at Wetherby and we've got eight races on a card that's better than your average April fare. The going's riding good with 58% soil moisture, which is bang on for this time of year - not too quick to catch the stamina horses cold, not soft enough to turn it into a slog. Perfect conditions for some proper jump racing, so it is.
The feature race is undoubtedly the Bruton Mares' Handicap Chase at 4:30, worth £25k and with some proper quality fillies having a go over the minimum trip. But there's value to be found throughout this Wetherby racecard if you know where to look, and I've got a few ideas that might just line your pockets.
Feature Focus: Queens Gamble Rules the Roost
The Bruton Mares' Chase is where the serious money's at, and Queens Gamble looks the business at the head of the market. This Harry Derham-trained eight-year-old is rated 131 and comes here as both a course and distance winner - that's the kind of form you can take to the bank at this game.
Paul O'Brien takes the ride, and while he might not have the profile of some of the big guns, he knows this mare inside out. The fact she's won here before over this exact trip is massive - Wetherby can be a funny old track with its undulations, and previous course form is worth its weight in gold.
Somespring Special for Philip Hobbs is the main danger with Harry Cobden doing the steering. She's a course winner too, though six pounds lower in the ratings. Still, you'd never write off anything from the Hobbs yard when they fancy their chances, and Cobden's booking suggests they do.
Early Doors Drama and Maiden Mysteries
The opener at 1:47 is a three-runner affair over three miles, and Masterdream looks to have the class edge despite being nine years old. Conor O'Farrell gets the leg up for Neil Mulholland, and this fellow is both a course and distance winner. At his age, you'd want to see him putting these younger rivals in their place.
Special John for Sam Thomas with Matt Griffiths aboard is the obvious danger - he's a course winner and three pounds better off with the selection than when they last met. Could be the value play if you're looking for a bigger price.
The maiden hurdle at 2:55 is where things get interesting for the future stars. Louis des Landes from the Joe Tizzard yard catches the eye - any son of Robin des Champs has stamina written all over him, and this good ground should suit. Jonathan Burke has a good book of rides today, and Eternity Rose for Fergal O'Brien could be anything at this stage of her career.
Handicap Highlights and Hurdle Heroes
The Class 3 handicap hurdle at 4:00 is worth £20k and looks a cracker. John Barbour tops the weights off 128 but he's a class act when right. Jonathan Burke again for Fergal O'Brien, and this combination is flying at the moment.
But I fancy Nardaran for Paul Nicholls might be the one to beat. Harry Cobden in the saddle, and this five-year-old is still improving. The Ditcheat maestro doesn't send them this far north unless he fancies their chances, and off 124, this lad could be well treated.
Tom Bellamy has some decent rides throughout the card, particularly Sinchi Roca in the Dot Tolson Memorial. This six-year-old is a course winner and looks well placed off his current mark.
Late Card Value and Bumper Beauties
The closing bumper is a mares' affair that could throw up a future star. Western Charm for Anthony Honeyball is both course and distance winner - that's rare in a bumper and suggests she knows her job. Ben Godfrey takes the ride and this mare could be anything.
Princess of Ballea is an interesting runner for Daisy Hitchins with Harry Cobden booked. When Cobden travels for a bumper ride, you sit up and take notice. This four-year-old could be a nice prospect for the future.
The penultimate hurdle race looks competitive but Ribba Hill and Victory Shout both represent Syd Hosie, who's having a decent season. Tom Bellamy and Paddy Hanlon split the rides, suggesting the stable fancy their chances with both.
Sunday Selections and Final Verdicts
Right, here's how I'm playing it at Wetherby today:
Best Bet: Queens Gamble in the mares' chase - course and distance winner with the class to win this.
Value Play: Nardaran in the Class 3 hurdle - Nicholls and Cobden combination traveling north suggests confidence.
Each-Way Shout: Western Charm in the bumper - course and distance form in a bumper is gold dust.
Saver: Louis des Landes in the maiden hurdle - breeding suggests he'll stay all day and the Tizzard yard know how to place their horses.
The good ground should play to the strengths of the classier animals, and with course form at a premium around this track, I'm sticking with the proven performers. Should be a cracking afternoon's sport, and with a bit of luck, a profitable one too. Sláinte!
