Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece, I’m looking back at the New Year’s Day action. Plus, I’ve got trends for Saturday’s Veterans’ Chase Final at Sandown.
Cheltenham drew the expected bumper crowd for its New Year’s Day meeting. I made a positive start to 2025 with two winners: Strackan in the 3m handicap hurdle and Boomslang in Musselburgh’s feature. Both are improvers at the right end of the handicap. I wish the game was as simple as just backing improvers. Sadly, it isn’t. That said, focusing on them this year should yield more winners than losers.
Cheltenham New Year’s Day Highlights
Strackan impressed over the staying trip, showing a willing attitude. He could progress further over longer distances.
Meanwhile, Boomslang handled a hold-up ride well in Musselburgh’s Virgin Bet Auld Reekie Handicap Chase. Early pace pressure from Half Shot and Corrigeen Rock played into his hands, setting up the race perfectly.
In the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle, I wisely left Langer Dan unbacked, and it paid off. Some horses improve with headgear; Langer Dan improves with cash on the table! The race went to Lucky Place, who backed up his Ascot Grade 2 win under a penalty. He showed grit to fend off the rallying Gowel Road. While the race lacked depth, the winner is heading the right way. That said, he’ll need to step up again over three miles to contend in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival, even in a weak year.
Golden Ace shaped well. She looked the likely winner between the final two hurdles but couldn’t sustain her effort on soft ground, finishing third.
Tramore Recap
As noted in yesterday’s column, Embassy Gardens goes well fresh, and he proved it again in the Grade 3 New Year’s Day Chase at Tramore. He edged out the returning Monty’s Star, who will improve for the run.The runner-up found 2m 7f a touch sharp. A longer trip, 3m 2f, will suit him better. Looking ahead, he might shape into a Grand National horse rather than a Gold Cup contender.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
After the festive feast of top-class racing, it’s no surprise that Saturday’s action takes a quieter turn. The highlight is the Unibet Veterans' Chase Series Final (3:00) at Sandown. The race, always a crowd-pleaser, offers a great showcase for seasoned chasers.
ITV will cover four races from Sandown alongside three from Wincanton, so there’s still plenty to keep punters engaged. If you want my Saturday selections and for the rest of the month you can get them here.
Unibet Veterans' Veterans' Chase Series Final
The Veterans' Chase Final at Sandown is a unique and highly anticipated race in the National Hunt calendar. It is the culmination of a series specifically designed for older chasers,10 years and above.
Features:
A Test of Stamina and Experience: The race demands stamina, jumping ability, and a touch of class. The uphill finish at Sandown is a true test, especially on softer winter ground.
Veteran Stars: It’s a race that celebrates older, experienced chasers, giving them a dedicated stage to shine. Many entries are fan favorites with storied careers, which adds sentimental value to the event.
Handicap Nature: Being a handicap, it levels the playing field, allowing less-fancied runners a fair chance against more accomplished opponents.
Recent race winners include Sam Brown, Wishing And Hoping and Houblon Des Obeaux who all showed resilience and heart to prevail. Last year’s winner Sam Brown will bid for back-to-back successes at the age of 13.
The Veterans' Chase Final is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of the durability, skill, and spirit of older horses. Fans and connections alike cherish the opportunity to see these old campaigners in action.
Some fans want to see a Veterans Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. I don’t. This is the perfect track and time for such a race.
Trends:
Here are some trends that have found the last nine winners of the race.
Contenders
I haven’t had a chance to dive deep into the race yet, but the ante-post market offers some clues. Copperhead sits at the top of the betting. He’s been in fine form, performing consistently in veterans' chases this season, and looks a deserving favourite.
His stablemate, Eldorado Allen, finished just behind Copperhead at Cheltenham last time. With conditions in his favour here, he could narrow the gap on slightly better terms.
The in-form Philip Hobbs and Johnson White team have two entries: Celebre d'Allen and Smarty Wild. Both are capable, and their yard’s current streak adds to their chances.
Scottish trainer Sandy Thomson, who won this in 2021, might send Empire Steel south. He’s a talented chaser but seems best at Kelso, so his form away from home is a question mark.
Last year’s winner, Sam Brown, can’t be overlooked. He’ll carry top weight (12-0), but a 10lb claimer will ease that burden.
Ask Me Early also has a shout if he brings his best form. He’s only 2lb higher than when winning a qualifier at Exeter in February, but he might prefer softer, more testing ground over three miles.
At this stage, nothing leaps out as a standout. With good to soft ground likely (at worst) and a cold snap predicted, including freezing temperatures on Friday night am holding fire for now.
Good luck with your Thursday bets.
John