Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece, I’m previewing Saturday’s Morebattle Handicap Hurdle at Kelso.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
Saturday is a huge day for Kelso, with the bet365 Morebattle Hurdle (3:30) headlining a top-class card. It's supported by the Grade 2 Premier Novices' Hurdle (2:55) and the Listed Premier Chase (1:45)—all live on ITV Racing.
Elsewhere, Newbury hosts the BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup (3:45), while Doncaster stages the Grimthorpe Chase (3:15). Both feature in a marathon 10-race ITV Racing programme, with five races from Kelso, three from Doncaster, and two from Newbury.
Kelso: bet365 Morebattle Handicap Hurdle
Kelso continues to improve in quality, producing competitive fields, and Saturday’s Morebattle Hurdle (2:50) is proof of that.
Yesterday, I bemoaned the shift of top National Hunt races from midweek to Saturdays, arguing it hasn’t improved the product. But the Morebattle shows it can. Since switching to a handicap in 2020, the race has flourished.
Gone are the days when a Nicky Henderson hotpot would beat a handful of rivals. Now, there’s £61,728 on offer to the winner, live ITV coverage, and a £100,000 bonus if the victor follows up at Cheltenham. The Morebattle might not quite match the Greatwood or the old Betfair/Schweppes Hurdle, but it’s not far off.
With only four running’s as a handicap, trends aren’t hugely reliable, but here are three of note:
1 or 2 handicap hurdle wins – 4 winners from 29 runners (+5.5), 8 places
Official Rating of 135 or less – 4 winners from 41 runners (-6.5), 10 places
Won last time out – 3 winners from 19 runners (+12), 6 places.
That said, I’d approach them with caution.
This Year’s Morebattle
Twenty-three remain after Monday’s confirmation stage, with 14 of them also holding Cheltenham Festival entries.
At the head of the sponsors betting are top weight Favour And Fortune (fourth in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle) and Vischio, a last-time-out winner at the Dublin Racing Festival for Emmet Mullins. The bookmakers aren’t taking chances with the latter. Favour And Fortune has a race like this in him, and better ground would be a plus.
Cracking Rhapsody, last year’s winner, is back to defend his crown. He’s 13lb higher than 12 months ago but did win over C&D on his penultimate start (off 5lb lower), his third Kelso success.
As ever, there are some unexposed types with potential—Tellherthename, Wilful, Jurancon, Rock House, Slugger, and Gentleman Bill, to name a few. Of those, Tellherthename has been on my radar for a while and would appreciate decent ground. Jurancon beat last Saturday’s Dovecote winner Tripoli Flyer (who has improved markedly since).
Among the more exposed runners, Alnilam a dual course winner would have claims on soft/heavy, while Aucunrisque would appeal if it dries out. Last year’s runner-up Ginger Mail is 11lb better off with Cracking Rhapsody, which could make things interesting.
A fascinating contest in store—plenty to consider.
If you want my weekend previews and picks you can get them here.
Wednesday Racing
I’m taking the good lady this morning—hopefully to get the pot removed from her hand. After that, we’re off for a day at Wetherby races. What a guy I am!
It’s an informative card at Wetherby on Wednesday, featuring two qualifiers for next month’s Go North Finals weekend and one for the Challenger Series Finals at Haydock in April.
Since I’m heading to the track, I’ve taken a closer look at the card. Here are some pointers:
Wetherby Pointers
2:45 – Former bumper and hurdle winner Support Act shaped well on chase debut, finishing 7¼ lengths 4th of 8 behind Jasmin de Grugy at Newbury. That form looks strong, and he should be winning races over fences soon.
3:18 – Scene One didn’t stay three miles at Doncaster last time, so this drop back to 2m 4f is a positive. Lucy Wadham’s yard is in form, and she teams up well with Gavin Sheehan (4-12, +11.25 this season). Meanwhile, Heads Or Harps made a promising chase debut when 4th of 9 at Newcastle, his first run in 668 days. If he avoids the ‘bounce' factor, he has a big chance. Scene One is a solid and consistent type, but Heads Or Harps could be ahead of his mark.
3:53 – Bowling Buddy won here (2m 3½f) in the autumn and bounced back to form when 2nd of 17 to Mr Bramley over the same C&D last time. The step up to 3m should suit, and he’s the one to beat if it does.
5:00 – Hard As Nails returned to form on better ground when 2nd at Newcastle last month. If he gets his own way in front, he should go close again. Rockola Vogue, a bumper winner at Worcester, won at Hexham (2m 4f) over hurdles two starts back and then finished runner-up here over 2m. Back from a short break and stepping back up in trip for her handicap debut, she looks a big player.
In tomorrow’s column, I’ll continue looking ahead to a busy weekend of action.
Good luck with your Wednesday bets!
John