Events / Andrew Hughes / 14 March 2009 /

In the strange hinterland between Cheltenham and Aintree quality jumps racing is at a premium but there's still plenty of quality fare to get stuck into, says Andrew Hughes.

Sunday March 15

Limerick

3:20 - Dawn Omega Milk EBF Mares Novice Hurdle
Off to the heart of National Hunt country for a two mile Listed Mares contest with a typically big field. This race has gone to the favourite on four out of five occasions and Jessica Harrington's Zarinava is likely to fit that particular bill this time although Grade Three winner Tramp Stamp is also likely to attract support.

3:55 - Irish Stallion Farms EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase
A small field for this two mile six furlong Grade Three. Paul Nolan's Moscova looks likely to go off as favourite after picking up a similar contest at Thurles at the end of January although Brotenstown wasn't beaten far by Moscova in December and re-opposes here with a four pound pull in the weights.


Wednesday March 18

Kempton

7:50 - Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes
An interesting development, this Class Two Conditions race comes with a guaranteed starting place in the Kentucky Derby in May, a first prize of £80,000 and a further £100,000 if the winner takes up their entry. Unsurprisingly, a large number of horses attracted for the nine furlong contest, including a couple from the all-conquering Ballydoyle stable in Born To Be King and Grand Admiral.

8:20 - Dragonfly Stakes
Not quite the same level of prize money for this Listed mile and a half race as in the preceding event, but an interesting affair nevertheless with some intriguing entries including the Mark Johnston pair, Luberon and Love Galore.


Friday March 20

Kelso

2:50 - John Smiths' Novices' Chase
One of the better races you are likely to see at this fine Scottish course, this is a Class Two contest run over two miles six-and-a-half furlongs. Expect a good field of some of the better northern novices. The punishing uphill finish will require some getting for these young horses.


Saturday March 21

Lingfield

2:05 - Hever Sprint Stakes
A five furlong Listed race and there should be plenty of pace on down the hill into the short straight. The sprinting ranks are more closely matched than other divisions and amongst the top handicappers here are likely to be several with Group aspirations this summer.

2:35 - Spring Cup
A Listed event confined to three year olds run over a sharp seven furlongs. As such, it is a relatively rare opportunity for those likely to be suited by this specialist distance to shine and there should be some decent animals entered from the better stables.

3:05 - Winter Derby
This post-Cheltenham highlight is a sign that the flat season is almost upon us. A genuine Group Three, it attracts a mixture of all weather specialists who have been on the go all winter and classy turf horses pitched in for the chance of some black type. As ever though, the draw will play a part. As supporters of Silver Pivotal last year will tell you, when there is a big field over ten furlongs here, those drawn can high can be at a disadvantage and you should wait until the draw has been made before taking the plunge.


Newbury

2:20 - Greatwood Handicap Chase
Caught as we are between Cheltenham and Aintree, top class jumping action is likely to be at a premium for the next couple of weeks, but in a solid enough card at Newbury, on EBF Mares Finals Day. This is a decent three mile Class Two event likely to attract some good horses.

2:50 - EBF/Thoroughbred Breeders Association Mares' Novices' Chase Final
A race that used to be run at Uttoxeter, this is a Listed handicap run over two miles six and a half furlongs and confined to mares. Numbers may not be high, but it is likely to contain some classy young chasers and besides being an intriguing betting event, is worth watching for potential horses to follow.

3:30 - EBF Byrne Bros Mares' 'National Hunt' Novices Hurdle Final
Another Listed handicap, over two miles and five furlongs, this race usually attracts a big and competitive field, full of progressive mares that have been aimed at this valuable prize all season. Punters need to tread carefully and read between the lines when scrutinising the form.

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