As Newbury disappears under the rising seas and biblical rainstorms those lovely people of Essex have come to the rescue of tomorrow’s Classic Trials card and the whole card are travelling two by two with Nick Rust acting like a modern day Noah as the BHA’s quick thinking move the cards 120 miles to the sandy outpost of Chelmsford.
Some trainers are not happy and have decided to withdraw their competitors and some will be wishing they had gone to Newmarket earlier this week instead of waiting. But fair play to all involved for giving everyone the chance of a run on a decent surface ahead of some bigger prizes in a few weeks.
Chelmsford could be a Haggas bonanza and he has a great chance in each of the first three televised races. The first race confuses me as none of the runners look certain to stay the distance although if pressed the proven all weather form of Battalion would push his case to the top.
The two classic trials have had their complexion altered considerably for the switch and rather than looking for horses that would perhaps need further than the seven furlongs due to the heavy ground we could be looking for horses with speed to cope with the sound surface and turning track.
Although drawn wide in the Fred Darling Besharah should be too good for his rivals and it will be disappointing if she does not win this. The draw could allow Pat Cosgrave to get cover and get her settled to stay the trip. I would have been happy with evens so the 11/8 on offer is a huge bonus.
Last year I was a huge fan of Tasleet and he seemed to improve with every race winning a competitive sales race and just being pipped in a Group 3. His main rival Log Out Island may not truly stay.
The Spring Mile is totally transformed and the highly progressive Godolphin runner Power Game can defy a slight rise in the weights and a step back down in trip to complete a four timer and a double at the track. PaddyPower are offering 13/8 whereas most firms are evens.
The banker of the day is Bristol de Mai. The Twiston-Davis grey has been on the go and contesting top races all season but if holding on to his form should be too classy for the rest of them especially on his favoured soft ground.
Now a couple of longer priced runners after selecting four favourites. In the Scottish Champion Hurdle our old friend and my favourite current racehorse Stenrubin. This free going battler is almost pattern race class and can bridge the gap between top handicaps and better races tomorrow.
In the Scottish Grand National a Novice and an old stager. Seeyouatmidnight can keep the trophy at home. His front running and bold jumping is exciting to watch and he will be more t home on this ground than he was on the firmer conditions he encountered at Cheltenham. His young rider Steven Fox will have the ride of his short career and if passing the post first he will have the day of his life.
Summary
2.40 Chelmsford – Besharah – 1pt Win at 11/8
3.15 Chelmsford – Tasleet – 1pt Win at 11/10
3.50 Chelmsford – Power Game – 1pt Win at 13/8
2.25 Ayr – Bristol De Mai – 2pts Win at 11/10
3.00 Ayr – Stenrubin – 0.5pts Win at 10/1
4.10 Ayr – Seeyouatmidnight – 0.5pts Win at 18/1
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