Southwell’s newly-introduced tapeta surface got a resounding ‘thumbs up’ three days ago and six decent-sized fields of handicappers will provide a further test this afternoon when consistent, hitherto luckless Danni California has a tremendous opportunity of ending a vexing run in the Novice Median Auction Stakes over seven furlongs; it’s about time, in more ways than one.
My whole structure, purpose, is about computing race-times into personal ratings; in tandem with her official BHA mark of 62, (was 71!) Danni California smacks of a ‘penalty-kick’ and Rob Hornby is tasked with converting Richard Spencer’s charge, a filly by The Gurkha which needs to gain winning brackets for stud purposes; yes this is an urgent mission for sure and ‘Danni’ will be a 100% trier!
A nine weeks absence isn’t a problem but ‘rookie’ trainer in form Grant Tuer will be espying a chance with Uckerby, a thrice-raced maiden which will carry talented apprentice Oliver Stammers whose 5lbs claim could be vital.
Realistically the aforementioned duo represents a good dual-forecast because others will be hard-pressed to get involved; just a thought, to win twice!
Ninety minutes later similarly-profiled Mulberry Silk will doubtless be favourite and ticks plenty of boxes for a ten-runner Median Auction Maiden Stakes over eleven furlongs but I’m espying a gilt-edged opportunity of a big-priced each-way bet with ‘twice-raced’ Khilwafy, mount of ‘favourite’ jockey Connor Beasley.
Five-year-old Khilwafy posted useful marks on Newcastle tapeta recently and in what is definitely a shallow race the Mukhadram gelding is worth chancing at fancy odds; at least four of his rivals will be gasping before the long straight is reached!
Should be a fun watch as they say and I’m relishing the prospect of renewing serious betting interests at the rejuvenated Nottinghamshire course which gives so many happy memories, including my grand old warrior, Elton Ledger!
Did you see relatively unfancied Colin Tizzard-trained Jpr One debut sensationally when downing two ‘hot-pots’ around two miles of Exeter last month?
Well this Court Cave gelding reappears in a six-runner Novices’ Hurdle, again under Brendan Powell, in similar circumstances at Cheltenham; don’t oppose, this could prove very ‘special!’
Could be a most interesting day.
Selections, Cheltenham, 12.05 Jpr One (e.w) Southwell, 5.45 Danni California (e.w); 7.15 Khilwafy (e.w).
Jeffrey Ross, horse-racing correspondent for WMN since 1983 when winning the most prestigious racing journalist award, Sporting Life Naps Table, before winning it a record number of six times collectively in the Racing Post, the current ‘trade’ paper, including 2019