THE UK’s winter National Hunt season is officially underway as of this weekend, and Hexham Racecourse - one of the UK’s top three best value for money racecourses, according to the Racing Post - brings a slice of the action with a seven-race card.
Read on for a full preview of and tips for Hexham's Saturday (October 11) race card, courtesy of Sporting Life.
First up is a two-mile handicap chase (1.55). Otterburn-based trainer Susan Corbett runs O’Faolains Glory, who is the sort to make a good show of herself usually and can run for at least a place. Laura Morgan’s We Got Your Back could be interesting also, returning from a break under the revered Brian Hughes. He looks to be at a workable mark, but may find the step down in trip a little sharp. Sam England’s last-start winner Platenium is more of a two-miler, and could be a real danger on chase debut.
A two-mile novices’ hurdle follows (2.30). With no first-timers here, we can make a reasonable assessment of the race. Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore’s Imperfectlyperfect is likely to be popular with punters, having been a useful maiden pointer who won a bumper here by six easy lengths in March. Returning for the new season today, this son of Walk In The Park could make a splash on his hurdle debut, but Ben Haslam’s At Vimeiro has already won over these obstacles and - bred for the Flat - may have a greater kick of speed on today’s ground, but the stamina test of Hexham’s hill may favour Imperfectlyperfect.
Next is a mares’ maiden hurdle over two and a half miles (3.05). Mark Walford’s Courtcorrespondent is the only runner who we haven’t seen before, but given the good form on offer from those who have raced before, she’ll have her work cut out for her to beat them on debut. Stuart Edmunds’ Pismo Beach was last seen running third in a Grade Two handicap hurdle at Newbury, despite a tricky race, and she could have more under the bonnet than her form figures suggest. Elsewhere, Magic Gloves and Tantivy Vavoom - both quality point-to-point winners - are difficult to split apart, but the latter’s point form is arguably stronger at present.
Race four is a two and a half mile novices’ handicap chase (3.45). Topweight Art Of Diplomacy has won his last five chase starts, and seeks to make it a six-timer today. He looks capable of doing so here, but stablemate King Roly does look fairly dangerous with a five-pound claimer on top. Russell and Scudamore’s King Of Answers also warrants serious consideration, but may need more of a stamina test to really thrive.
A good quality three-mile handicap hurdle follows (4.20). Lambourn-based trainer Jamie Snowden sends last-start winner Roger Pol a long way to run here, given the weight of his penalty back by his claiming rider. He is a consistent individual so should have a solid chance, however Susan Corbett’s Pinot Rouge - returning for the new term today - is well proven over course and distance and receives a useful five pounds from Conor Rabbitt. Mickey Bowen’s Mohawk Chief poses a threat, though, stepping up to three miles for the first time.
Second to last is a three-mile handicap chase (4.55). Russell and Scudamore have another pair running here; Fox’s Fancy and Dollar Collar, both of whom look to have a fair chance on their best form. Mickey Bowen also has another competitive one in the shape of Easy Bucks, who won on his seasonal reappearance but might find he needs to come back down the handicap a bit. Alnwick-based trainer Hugh Burns’ Ballydangan was very impressive when winning on his start of the season over course and distance a week ago, and could be involved again, having shown to handle quick turnarounds in the past.
Lastly is a two-mile bumper for four and five-year-olds (5.25). The Russell-Scudamore team send in useful maiden pointer March On Oxo, while Tom Ellis runs new recruit Tony Joe and the Corbett stable start last-season bumper winner Freddie Steady Go. Others have better breeding but the latter is the best qualified to win this on form. March On Oxo, however, may prove to have the edge as a half brother to Graded performer Sandor Clegane.
Hexham selections - Saturday:
- 1.55 - Platenium
- 2.30 - Imperfectlyperfect
- 3.05 - Pismo Beach
- 3.45 - King Roly
- 4.20 - Pinot Rouge
- 4.55 - Ballydangan
- 5.25 - March On Oxo
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