A Perfect May Afternoon at Wincanton
There's something magical about racing at Wincanton in early May. I remember my first visit there as a lad with my grandfather – he'd always said Somerset's finest track was at its best when the spring sun was shining and the ground had just enough give in it. Today's going of Good to Firm, Good in places with a soil moisture reading of 48 is absolutely perfect for this afternoon's six-race card.
The conditions couldn't be better for what promises to be a cracking afternoon's sport. That slight ease in the ground will suit the versatile types, while those who need a bit of cut won't be inconvenienced. It's the sort of surface that brings out the best in course specialists – and we've got plenty of those lining up across today's Wincanton racecard.
Feature Race: The Judge Law Maiden Stakes
The £10,000 Judge Law Maiden Stakes at 2:55 is clearly the afternoon's feature, and what a cracking little contest it shapes up to be. Just five runners, but quality rather than quantity is the order of the day here.
Starryfield catches the eye immediately with that official rating of 74 – that's a proper mark for a three-year-old maiden, suggesting the handicapper thinks very highly of this Simon & Ed Crisford-trained colt. Silvestre De Sousa takes the ride, and you don't get much better than that in the saddle. The booking screams confidence from the Newmarket yard.
Ralph Beckett's Swiped is another to note. The Beckett stable has been in fine form this spring, and when they send one to Somerset for a maiden, there's usually a good reason. The booking of Rossa Ryan suggests they mean business too.
Don't overlook Jazl from the Crisford stable either – having two runners in a five-horse maiden tells you everything about how they view this race. Jack Mitchell's booking adds further appeal.
Course Specialists to Follow
One thing I've learned over the years is never to underestimate a Wincanton specialist, and we've got several worth following today.
In the opening 5-furlong handicap, Hello Luna has both course and distance form to her name. Rob Hornby knows this track like the back of his hand, and at the weights, this Jonathan Portman-trained four-year-old looks well-treated off a mark of 60.
Honour Your Dreams and Cabeza de Llave, both from the Michael Attwater stable, also have that crucial course and distance experience. Kieren Fox and William Carson respectively know their way around this track, and both horses should appreciate today's conditions.
Later in the day, Twirler (another for the Attwater-Fox combination) heads the betting for the Brighton Summer Sprint Series Qualifier. This five-year-old has course and distance form and drops to a very winnable mark of 65.
Ground Conditions and Their Impact
Today's Good to Firm, Good in places going is absolutely ideal for the type of horses we're seeing. The slight ease will particularly suit those coming from the all-weather or who've shown their best form with a bit of cut in the ground.
In the longer handicaps, horses like Narmar in the Anniversary Cup and Hello Sweety in the 1m 3f contest should relish these conditions. Both have shown their best form on similar ground, and the way the track is riding should play to their strengths.
The good ground will also bring stamina into play in the longer races. Don't be surprised if we see some of the more battle-hardened campaigners coming to the fore, particularly in that competitive Anniversary Cup where experience could prove crucial over the extended mile trip.
Jockeys to Follow
The jockey bookings today tell their own story. Silvestre De Sousa has two rides and both look like live chances – Starryfield in the maiden and My Mate Kev in the finale. When De Sousa makes the journey to Somerset, it's usually worth taking note.
Rossa Ryan has four rides across the card, suggesting several trainers are keen to secure his services for Wincanton. His mount Swiped in the maiden looks particularly interesting, while Symphony of Joy in the Anniversary Cup could be overpriced at bigger odds.
Rob Hornby partners Hello Luna early on and Bizou later – both look competitively handicapped and could provide the consistent jockey with a profitable afternoon.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
If I'm having a punt today, Starryfield in the 2:55 maiden is where I'll start. That rating of 74 suggests serious ability, and the Crisford stable wouldn't send him here without expecting a big run.
Hello Luna in the opener appeals at likely bigger odds. Course and distance form is gold dust around here, and Rob Hornby's 7lb claim brings her down to a very workable weight.
For the each-way punters, Twirler in the finale could be overpriced. The booking of Kieren Fox for Michael Attwater has been a profitable combination this season, and this horse's course form gives him a significant edge.
It's shaping up to be a lovely afternoon's racing at one of our most picturesque tracks. The ground is perfect, the fields are competitive, and there's plenty of value to be found for those willing to dig a little deeper. Just remember what my grandfather always said – sometimes the best bets are hiding in plain sight, especially when the sun's shining in Somerset.
