Stanley’s in the Race for Southwell Success

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece, I wrap up my look back at the weekend’s action, highlighting a couple of future winners alongside some tragic moments. Plus, I have a couple of fancies today's most valuable race at Southwell.

Sunday Highlights & Lowlights

Let’s start with the lowlights. The Holland Cooper Handicap Chase was marred by two fatalities. Bangers n Cash suffered a heart attack during the race, and tragically, race winner Abuffalosoldier collapsed and died shortly after, in front of the ITV cameras.

It was a heartbreaking loss for the connections of both horses. The death of Abuffalosoldier felt particularly cruel—he had delivered a superb round of jumping and appeared destined for a bright future in staying handicap chases.

For racing fans, it was a deeply upsetting spectacle, but the tragedy extended beyond the sport. The live broadcast of Abuffalosoldier’s collapse reached hundreds of thousands of viewers, making the BBC and ITV main news. Unfortunately, this brought negative attention to the sport, highlighting the risks in the harshest way possible. Such moments are a stark reminder of the risks involved in horse racing.

Thankfully, Sunday wasn’t all doom and gloom. The Greatwood Hurdle provided a thrilling finish.

Greatwood Hurdle Takeaways

Burdett Road might have had his own way in front but he showcased his tenacity when digging deep on the run-in to hold off the strong-staying Be Aware. The runner-up, slightly outpaced coming down the hill, showed his inexperience on just his fifth start but shaped like a horse full of potential. A step up to 2m 4f should suit, and trainer Dan Skelton will likely target handicaps like the Coral Cup at the Festival for this promising 5-year-old.

For Burdett Road, there’s plenty to look forward to. With few standout British Grade 1 hurdlers outside of Constitution Hill, this classy flat performer could make his mark in small-field Graded contests, especially when allowed to dictate the pace. He probably wouldn’t be out of place in later in the season in a Champion Hurdle on a sound surface

The form of the Greatwood Hurdle looks strong, with progressive young hurdlers coming to the fore. Dysart Enos, well-fancied, was a solid third on her seasonal return. She travelled beautifully through the race but just faded late on. Trainer Fergal O’Brien feels she’s still well-handicapped off a mark of 131, and based on her performance here, it’s easy to see why.

Future Winners:

Gordon Elliott unleashed two exciting novice chasers at Navan over the weekend.

Down Memory Lane impressed on Saturday, returning from a 325-day layoff to win a beginners chase over 2m 1f. His jumping was slick, and he looked full of potential. He’s an exciting prospect who could progress significantly in the coming months. I like him a lot!

On Sunday, Better Days Ahead claimed victory in a 2m 4f beginners chase, holding off Slade Steel. The runner-up, who didn’t benefit from the tactical nature of the race, shouldn’t be written off and remains a promising novice chaser in his own right. Both horses can climb the novice chase ranks this season.

Yeah Man, who disappointed in the Irish Grand National on his final start last season, made an encouraging return in Sunday’s Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan. The 7-year-old was bang in contention two out before a lack of race fitness seemingly told in the closing stages, finishing a solid third. If his jumping holds up, there will be other opportunities for him this season, especially in staying handicap chases. He looks capable of picking up a good prize with this run under his belt.

Madara – Dan Skelton

Madara made an eye-catching debut for Dan Skelton in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Held up at the rear, he stayed on strongly to finish fourth, proving he stays 2m 4f. With a closer position, he might well have been second. Crucially, he wasn’t given a hard race, and both his wins last season came on soft ground. He’s one to watch in handicap chases over the coming months.

Also worth noting from the Paddy Power Gold Cup is Fugitif, who finished fifth. He looked as good as ever on his seasonal return and will improve for the run. A softer surface would play to his strengths, and he’s won second time up for the last two seasons. Keep him on your radar.

Thanksforthehelp – David Pipe

Thanksforthehelp looks a potentially rewarding tracker entry despite some risks attached. He made an encouraging seasonal return when a 7 ¼ length 4th of 12 to Doyen Quest in the three – mile handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday. The reapplied cheekpieces clearly helped him perform better than he did on his Uttoxeter comeback.

It’s worth recalling that he went off as the 100/30 favourite for the 2023 Pertemps Final at the Festival and is now 10lb lower in the weights. A stronger pace than Saturday's would likely play to his strengths, and off his current mark, a handicap hurdle victory surely isn’t far away.

Tuesday Racing

The Take Time To Think With BetUK Handicap (Class 2) at Southwell (6:00) stands out as Tuesday’s most valuable race. Yes, it’s on the all-weather, but decent handicaps are rare until later in the week. Eleven sprinters line up for this contest, which offers £13,608 to the winner.

In what looks a competitive race, two runners catch my eye: Stanley Spencer and Sommelier.

Stanley Spencer is a progressive 3-year-old on the up. He comes here chasing a hat trick after wins over C&D and at Kempton 20 days ago. He steps up in class here, but a 3lb rise seems manageable. The wide draw in stall 11 isn’t ideal, but his form suggests he can overcome it. He’s thriving and should go close.

Sommelier, meanwhile, needs to bounce back from a poor effort in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Handicap at Royal Ascot. That said, he’s fresh after a 151-day break and has won off a longer layoff before. Back on the all-weather (2-5), I think the top weight is well-treated on a mark of 98. The booking of Rossa Ryan is another positive for this talented 3-year-old’s chance.

In tommorow's column I'll look ahead to the weekend's big race action.

Good luck with your Tuesday bets.

John