Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece, I’m previewing a couple of races at Exeter on Thursday and taking an early look at Ascot’s Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle.
Jump Season Off to a Promising Start
As we approach the busy Christmas period, it’s the perfect time to assess how the jumps season is unfolding.
After a couple of years where the season struggled to ignite before Christmas, this year feels different. There’s some momentum, excitement, and plenty to look forward to.
The Champion Hurdle division has been revitalized. Even if Constitution Hill doesn’t return to his imperious best, there are some talented young challengers ready to take on State Man. Meanwhile, in the chase division, Galopin Des Champs is shaping up to face some serious rivals in the Gold Cup.
I haven’t yet delved deeply into the novice hurdles, but the juvenile hurdle division already looks promising, with signs of a decent crop emerging.
Of course, much depends on horses staying sound and in form. Some will inevitably fall by the wayside before the big spring festivals, but for now, things are shaping up nicely.
Onwards and upwards and even old cynical me is feeling upbeat about the rest of the season.
Verdict:
I’d give the first part of the winter jumps season a solid 8 out of 10, with the potential for even more excitement as we head into the New Year.
What Are You Listening To?
When it comes to racing podcasts, I’m an intermittent listener of many some of which can be a stamina test. However, there are three I go out of my way to tune into:
Bar Stewards Sunday Sermon
They’re never afraid to rattle cages or speak out on the big issues affecting the sport. A must listen for me on a Sunday evening.
AK Bets Podcast Racing Room
A relative newcomer, but already ahead of many of its rivals in terms of content. Has a strong panel of of experts including Tony Calvin.
Sporting Life Midweek Horse Racing Podcast
Hosted by David Ord and featuring Ed Chamberlain, Graham Cunningham, David Johnson & Billy Nash (Timeform). It’s an underrated midweek treat. Here's the latest episode.
What are your favourite horse racing podcasts?
Ascot: Long Walk Hurdle
Having looked yesterday at Saturday’s Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle. Today I’m focusing on Saturday’s Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot.
The Long Walk Hurdle is one of the UK’s key staying hurdles and an important pointer toward the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Key Notes:
Run over 3 miles, it’s a vital test of stamina and a highlight of Ascot’s Howden Christmas Racing Weekend.
Prestigious winners include Thistlecrack (2015) and the legendary Paisley Park (2018, 2020, 2021).
At Monday’s final confirmation stage, 12 runners were left in the race. Here’s a look at the main market contenders:
Ante-Post Betting:
Strong Leader – 9/4
Won the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month. A worthy favourite, though I have a slight concern about him going right-handed.
The Wallpark – 7/2
Rapidly improving, with four straight handicap wins. Proved his stamina at Cheltenham and deserves his chance in this grade. Needs to bridge an 8lb gap on ratings with Strong Leader but could be capable of doing so.
Crambo – 8/1
Last year’s winner 2-2 at Ascot should go well if the ground isn’t too testing on seasonal return. Lack of a run this year shouldn’t be an issue as he’s 3-3 first time up.
Hiddenvalley Lake – 8/1
Finished third behind Strong Leader in a Grade 1 at Aintree in April. However, he’s lightly raced and open to further improvement this season.
Verdict:
Strong Leader sets the standard and the right favourite, but the improving The Wallpark could figure, while Crambo and Hiddenvalley Lake are interesting contenders if fully tuned up on their return.
Thursday Racing – Exeter
There’s good racing to get stuck into at Exeter, and I’ll be keeping a close eye on a couple of handicaps.
1:55 – Southwest Rail Solutions Handicap Chase (3m)
A competitive affair with several of the 11 runners holding strong claims.
Toss Of A Coin
This winning hurdler is bred to do better over fences and shaped well when just a ½-length second on chase debut at Uttoxeter last month. The 6-year-old has the potential to progress further and looks capable of opening his account over fences.
Enjoy Your Life
Venetia Williams’ runners always demand respect in staying chases around here. Enjoy Your Life was a promising 6-length second at Chepstow on seasonal return. He shaped as though needing the run that day, and a return to this longer trip is a definite plus given his win over 2m 7f last season and previous C&D success.
Regarde
A winner on his seasonal return at Kempton, Regarde improved again on RPR’s when 3rd of 10 Ascot last month. He ran a peculiar race last time, struggling to keep up early before staying on late. A stiff stamina test would suit him well, and if the race is truly run, he won’t be far away.
Hititi
Well-backed at Haydock last time but disappointed, pulling up. However, a return to right-handed tracks (he’s a dual course winner at Exeter) and better ground (4-10 on good to soft/good versus 1-8 on soft/heavy) are positives. His poor run last time can be excused, making him an intriguing contender.
Pachacuti
Back in form when narrowly beaten at Wincanton two weeks ago, finishing a close second. The first-time blinkers replace cheekpieces, and while this represents a slight step up in class, his mark of 117 looks workable if the race turns into a stamina test.
Sizable Sam
A course-and-distance winner on his penultimate start in February 2023, he returned from a 22-month layoff when pulled up at Newbury 19 days ago. Given such a lengthy absence, he was likely in need of the run to sharpen him up. However, it’s difficult to gauge how much of his old ability he retains, making him a risky proposition.
Verdict:
A competitive race with cases to be made for several. Toss Of A Coin has untapped potential over fences, while Hititi and Regarde look interesting with conditions in their favour. However, Enjoy Your Life could be the one to side with, given his trainer's record and the benefit of a run under his belt.
The race demands a proper stamina test, and if conditions play out that way, several contenders could step forward. A stiff stamina test should bring out the best in the likes Regarde and Pachacuti,
Good luck with your Thursday bets.
John