Good Ground, Great Racing at Wetherby
Thursday's seven-race card at Wetherby serves up a proper feast of National Hunt action, and with the ground riding good to soft, we're in for some genuine staying tests. The West Yorkshire track is showing its usual honesty - no false ground here, just proper jumping conditions that'll sort the wheat from the chaff.
The pick of the card is undoubtedly the 3m 1f staying chase at 15:40, where The Famous Five heads a field that could produce fireworks. But don't sleep on the earlier races - there's value to be found if you know where to look, and I reckon I've spotted a few gems in this Wetherby racecard.
The Famous Five Commands Respect in Feature Chase
The Julia's House Handicap Chase over three miles and a furlong is where the serious money will be won and lost today. The Famous Five arrives here rated 118 and carrying the confidence of Venetia Williams' yard, which has been in cracking form of late. Charlie Deutsch takes the ride, and this combination has that look of class about it.
But hold your horses before diving in at short odds. Tommy The Tank is also rated 118 and comes here with course form that reads like a love letter to Wetherby. Dr Richard Newland's charge has that gritty northern resolve that thrives on this track, and Luke Scott knows these fences like the back of his hand.
The one that catches my eye at bigger odds is Kilbarry Hill. Sean Bowen's booking for Olly Murphy tells its own story - they don't waste the Welsh wizard on no-hopers. At 118, he's right there with the principals on ratings, and Murphy's horses have been running with real purpose lately.
Conditional Jockeys' Hurdle Throws Up Intriguing Puzzle
The opening 3m 150y hurdle is a proper stamina test, and with Tom Hutsby aboard Dr Seb for Olly Murphy, you've got to sit up and take notice. This nine-year-old has been thereabouts at this level and the step up in trip could unlock improvement.
But I'm drawn to Crossgales King under Ciaran O'Shea. Syd Hosie's six-year-old is rated 110 and comes here fresh. The good to soft ground will suit down to the ground - this lad wants to hear his hooves squelch, and today he'll get his wish.
Alan Bresil with Joe Anderson up represents the Nick Scholfield stable in good heart. At the same rating as Crossgales King, he's another who'll relish the conditions and the extended trip.
Mares' Novice Hurdle: Experience Versus Promise
Thirteen fillies line up for the Women Investors Network Mares' Novice Hurdle, and it's a proper lucky dip with so many unrated runners. Indannya tops the weights with a 110 rating, but in a field like this, ratings only tell half the story.
The one that stands out is Chatty Girl under Kielan Woods. Alex Hales has this five-year-old primed for a big run, and her 105 rating suggests she's got the class to take advantage if the market leaders don't fire.
Keep an eye on Kaydence too - another from the Olly Murphy stable with Sean Bowen doing the steering. When Murphy runs two in these mares' races, he usually knows which one he fancies, and the jockey bookings often tell the tale.
Small Fields, Big Opportunities
The novice handicap chase at 14:37 is a four-runner affair that could throw up some value. With all four carrying the 'D' for distance winner, it's a case of finding the one in the best current form.
Touquet for Nick Gifford looks the most progressive of the quartet, while in the later handicap hurdle, the presence of Harry Skelton on Tyson for Dan Skelton screams confidence. The Skelton team don't send their stable jockey north for nothing.
In the 2m 4f chase, Royal Mer has both course and distance form with Rian Corcoran taking the ride for David Pipe. That's a combination that knows how to get the job done at this level.
Tom's Verdict: Where the Smart Money Goes
If I'm having a punt today, I'm keeping it simple but effective. The Famous Five is the class act in the feature, but at likely short odds, I'd rather have a saver on Kilbarry Hill each-way - Sean Bowen doesn't travel this far north to finish down the field.
In the opener, Crossgales King appeals as the value play. The good to soft ground is tailor-made for his style, and Ciaran O'Shea has been riding with real confidence lately.
For the smaller stakes punters, keep Tyson sweet in the 15:07 handicap hurdle. Harry Skelton's presence suggests the Skeltons fancy their chances, and this yard's strike rate when they travel speaks volumes.
The ground is perfect, the fields are competitive, and there's money to be made if you pick your spots. Just remember - at Wetherby, stamina talks and bullshit walks. Back the stayers and you won't go far wrong.
