Racing: Preview of Friday's action at Hexham Racecourse

Read on for a full preview of and tips for the Hexham card, courtesy of Sporting Life. 

We begin with a two-mile novices’ hurdle (2.10). Donald McCain’s horses are in terrific form at present and the Cheshire-based trainer sends Frammy into the mix, who won a bumper at Sedgefield a month ago. Now, this may have only been a two-runner race, but Frammy beat the very able-looking Fairlawn Skipper by a big margin of five and half lengths, so he must be taken seriously for a yard which does particularly well with novices. Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore’s Spadestep showed lots of ability in novices last term and is the one to beat on ratings, though, while Tristan Davidson’s Getaway Frankie could make the placings too. 

Next is a two and a half mile novices’ handicap hurdle (2.45). Martin Todhunter’s Didntgotwenty, Philip Kirby’s Devon Skies and John Dawson’s Cap Ricochet are all making their returns for the new season today, with the latter looking the most useful of the three. They may all be at a disadvantage to those with race fitness, though, and Laura Horsfall’s Slemish looks to have a solid chance having made a very strong reappearance at Fontwell in August for a close second, and it’s particularly notable that rider Charlie Deutsch travels all the way up to Hexham to take this ride. 

Race three is a two-mile handicap hurdle (3.20). Local Capheaton-based trainer Ann Hamilton brings Double Digits back today, who won his final two starts of last season at Carlisle and Kelso, and he may be a force to be reckoned with. George Bewley’s fit and consistently good Winds Of Winter may be beaten today, carrying top weight for the first time in a while, leaving room for Double Digits and Jennie Candlish’s T Or Coffey to come to the fore, and they could be the first and second home.  

Another handicap hurdle follows, this time over two and a half miles (3.53). Otterburn-based trainer Susan Corbett’s yard tends to punch above its weight and, with her horses going typically well so far this season, her last-start course and distance winner Les’s Legacy is a big player here. George Bewley’s new recruit from Ireland, Dee’s Getaway, may find this an easier contest than she was used to on the other side of the Irish Sea, so she ought to enter calculations too. 

The fifth race is a three-mile handicap hurdle (4.27). The Lambourn-based six-time Champion Trainer Nicky Henderson doesn’t often send horses so far away from home, so it’s interesting to see that he runs Lelantos here - his only runner at Hexham today. This may be a tip in itself, and having Brian Hughes in the saddle will be nothing but an asset. He may have to watch out for Wee Alki, who has had wind surgery before today, and Ocean Legacy may be a danger too. 

Our penultimate race is a two and a half mile handicap chase (5.02). Patrick Morris’ Royal Deeside is a Hexham specialist, having won here twice already this year, most recently in August, and he looks capable of being at the sharp end again despite a four-pound raise in the weights. Rebecca Menzies’ Victory Club has been something of a revelation over this distance, having been unremarkable over two miles, and he looks worth some attention. 

We finish with a three-mile handicap chase (5.37). Another ridden by Brian Hughes, the Patrick Neville-trained Upfordebate seeks a hat-trick here, having won over course and distance in August, but this will be quite an ask under near topweight and a seven-penalty. Just half a length behind him on his last winning start at Hexham was Killybegs Jet Lady, who looks a likely winner, given five pounds by regular rider Alan Doyle once again. 

Hexham selections - Friday:
2.10 - Frammy

2.45 - Slemish 

3.20 - Double Digits

3.53 - Dee’s Getaway

4.27 - Lelantos 

5.02 - Victory Club

5.37 - Killybegs Jet Lady