Warwick Racecourse preview: Saturday, February 7
Racing returns to Warwick on Saturday afternoon for an eight-race meeting, featuring a pair of Grade Two races; the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase and the Jane Seymour Novices’ Hurdle. There is also a Listed Mares’ Hurdle and a valuable Veterans’ Handicap to look forward to.
The first race is a maiden hurdle run over two miles and three furlongs (12.40). This looks to be a reasonably competitive race, but Ben Pauling’s Mr Finch makes a lot of appeal, having finished not too far behind the useful Legendary Luke on hurdle debut at Fontwell last month. He can progress here and could get to the front for his trainer.
Next is the Listed Mares’ Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs (1.15). There are five runners and several recent wins on the card, so this should be a hot race. Analiese seeks a hat-trick, but looks likely to be outclassed here, while Betfair ambassador Paul Nicholls’ Jubilee Alpha should have her winning opportunity today, having been beaten on each of her starts so far this term.
The Kingmaker Novices’ Chase is next, run over two miles (1.50). With just three runners here, there isn’t much to choose from, but the market’s leading pair are hard to split apart. Sam Thomas’ Steel Ally seeks a hat-trick, having won at this level last time out, while Mambonumberfive attempts a four-timer, having also won a Grade Two race last time out. Sam Thomas is having a fantastic season, with a strike rate of 34%, so his runner - the most experienced and best proven on soft ground - might be the one to side with.
Following is the Veterans’ Handicap Chase, run over two and a half miles (2.25). There are a number of good horses here, some of which are household names having been a feature of top class races for a number of seasons, but Alan King’s Grandeur d’Ame could be the one here. He’s come down to a nice mark now and his form has been improving. He may represent some value.
The Grade Two Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle is next, over two miles and three furlongs (3.00). This is a very hot race, and picking a winner is no easy task given the high level of form from a quality set of mares. Dan Skelton’s Supreme Malinas could make it a hat-trick, though, having been given plenty of time to freshen up again after her latest success at Haydock.
Next is a two-mile handicap hurdle (3.35). This is another competitive affair but Alastair Ralph’s Ufouria could be a nice value each-way selection. The trainer’s form is promising, and this mare has come down to an attractive mark after an unimpressive start last time. She can go on soft and could find this easier.
The penultimate race is a handicap hurdle over two miles and five furlongs (4.10). Olly Murphy’s Fingle Bridge should be competitive, but does have to shoulder top weight. Alan King could have another big chance, though, with Believeitanducan. This five-year-old has plenty of scope for improvement and has won on soft ground. At a nice point in the weights, this could go well.
Last of all is a mares’ bumper (4.45). The majority of the eight runners are first-timers, so this race could go any way. Analitheia and Popton Point are both already bumper winners, so carry a penalty. Henrietta Knight’s Mega Etoile is interesting, given the trainer’s encouraging statistics in bumpers. With a four-year-olds’ allowance, this filly could run a nice race on debut.