Good Going Sets Stage for Wetherby Monday
Right then, racing fans, we've got ourselves a proper Monday afternoon treat at Wetherby with seven races on the card and Good going underfoot. With a soil moisture reading of 57, conditions are bang on for a fair test – not too firm to worry the connections, not soft enough to turn it into a slog. Perfect for the speedier types to show their wares while still giving the stayers a decent chance over the longer trips.
The Wetherby racecard kicks off at 14:15 with military amateur action and builds nicely to the feature £17.5k Jim Morgan Memorial Handicap Hurdle. It's the kind of card where a shrewd punter can find some value if they know where to look – and sure enough, I've spotted a few that catch the eye.
Military Precision in the Opening Salvo
The Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Military Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (14:15) might be a mouthful, but it's a cracking little contest to get us started. Lt Billy Aprahamian takes the ride on Homme d'Un Soir, who's rated a hefty 112 and clearly the class act of this quintet. At 10 years old, he knows his job and should appreciate the Good going.
But don't be so quick to dismiss Thankyouandplease for Miss Daisy White. This six-year-old is course and distance proven – always a massive plus at Wetherby – and rated 108, he's no mug. The going suits, and there's something to be said for a horse that's already figured out this track's quirks.
Western Soldier catches my attention too, with Bdr Jody Sole in the saddle. Another course and distance winner, and at 93 he's getting plenty of weight from the top-rated pair. Sometimes these military amateur races throw up a surprise, and this eight-year-old could be the one to spring it.
Feature Race: The Jim Morgan Memorial Handicap Hurdle
The day's feature at 16:57 is where the real money's on offer – £17.5k for the Jim Morgan & Ronnie Stevens Memorial Trophy. Last Kingdom heads the weights at 132 for Faye Bramley, and this five-year-old progressive type looks the one they all have to beat. At his age, he's still improving, and the Good going should suit his style perfectly.
Celtic Art brings course form to the table for Jeremy Scott, always a crucial factor at Wetherby. This nine-year-old veteran knows every blade of grass here and can't be dismissed lightly at 124. Sometimes experience trumps raw ability, especially when the going's in your favour.
Bourbali and Crebilly are both rated 123 and bring distance-winning form. Joe Tizzard's Bourbali has been knocking on the door recently, while Crebilly for the O'Neill team is another who's proven at this trip. The Good going should see both running their races.
But here's a thought – don't overlook Swingin Safari for Paul Nicholls. This six-year-old has course form and is weighted to go close off 120. Nicholls doesn't send them this far north without a decent chance, and Freddie Gingell knows his way around this track.
Maiden Opportunities and Novice Action
The 15:15 Maiden Hurdle presents a proper puzzle with 12 runners, most without ratings. Stanners Glen stands out like a sore thumb with an official rating of 111 – he's clearly been running in better company and drops back to maiden level for Harry Fry. That's a significant advantage in this grade.
Keep an eye on Kilnew Supreme for Paul Nicholls too. The master of Ditcheat rarely sends them anywhere without a chance, and this five-year-old could be ready to break his maiden tag. Baile An Or for Joe Tizzard is another from a yard in cracking form.
The novice chase action looks thin on numbers but thick on quality. Melton Mossy brings distance form to the table and should appreciate the Good going. These smaller fields often produce more reliable results – less chance of interference and a truer test of ability.
Mares' Marathon and Late Opportunities
The Mares' Chase over three miles and a furlong is all about Minniemum for Henry Daly. This nine-year-old is rated a class above her rivals at 122 and has distance-winning form at Wetherby. Sam Twiston-Davies takes the ride, and with her proven stamina and class edge, she looks a banker if staying sound.
The closing novice handicap hurdle offers plenty of runners and potential value. Sea Warrior for Joe Tizzard heads the weights and has been consistent without winning lately. Sometimes a drop in grade is exactly what's needed. Stiletto for Sophie Leech is another who's been running well in defeat and could find this easier.
Tom's Monday Selections
Best Bet: Minniemum (16:22) – Class tells in the mares' chase, and she's proven at the trip and track.
Each-Way Value: Thankyouandplease (14:15) – Course and distance form is gold dust, especially with the going in her favour.
Feature Race Fancy: Swingin Safari (16:57) – Nicholls raiders at Wetherby deserve respect, and this one's been running well.
Outsider Alert: Western Soldier (14:15) – Getting plenty of weight and has the course form to spring a surprise in the opener.
The Good going should ensure we see some decent times and fair results across the card. It's the kind of day where form and experience should hold up, making it a punter-friendly afternoon. Just remember – at Wetherby, course form is king, and those with the [C,D] tags beside their names deserve extra respect. Sláinte and good luck!
