Hi all,
Kempton
3:20 – Matchbook London Middle Distance Series Final Handicap (Class 2) 1m 3f
A field of 14 have been declared for this competitive middle-distance series final. Just The Man, Good Tidings and Creationist were 1st, 2nd and 4th in a serious qualifier here 19-days ago.
Just The Man has run well on his three starts here and showed a good attitude to hold of his rivals to win. Up 3lb but looks set to run his race again.
Good Tidings, on his handicap debut, came into the race seeking the hat trick after wins at Lingfield & Newcastle. He settled better than he had done on his previous at Newcastle and came with what looked like a winning run a furlong out, but he could never get past the winner inside the final furlong. He get’s a 1lb for a neck beating and the first-time visor has been applied. Lightly raced and could improve further.
Creationist was slowly away and did well to finish as close as he did in fourth. That was his first start since both a gelding and wind-operation. Given the race was steadily run his effort can be marked up. Off the same mark here and could finish ahead of Just The Man & Good Tidings on this occasion.
The Pinto Kid has won three of his five starts at Kempton, two over C&D. Last time out he won a slowly run 1m 6f handicap at Chelmsford, off 4lb lower. Might need further but goes so well here that he can’t be ruled out.
Kitaabaat finished third behind the Pinto Kid at Chelmsford. He’s since gone onto win here over 1m 4f. Held up in a slowly run race he came with sweeping challenge down the middle of the track and just managed to get his head in front on the line. The 4-year-old’s form figures since stepping up to middle distances and joining David Simcock is 3131. He’s got a decent turn of foot for the grade as he showed last time. Stall 12 isn’t the best but given he’s only up 2lb for his last win, he can go well.
Island Brave was returning from a 74-day break and ran well to finish third behind Kitaabaat. Six of his career wins have come on the synthetics. The 5-year-old gets a 1lb from the winner for a ¼ length beating and the useful Angus Villiers takes off a further 7lb. He should continue to remain competitive although may be better over a bit further.
Verdict: A really, good race for a Tuesday on the all-weather. Kitaabaat looks ahead of the handicapper, and his change of gear could prove vital if stall 12 doesn’t prove an inconvenience. Island Brave has each way claims with Angus Villiers taking 7lb off the top weight. Creationist ran an eyecatcher here last time and could reverse form with Just A Man & Good Tidings, the latter may improve further for the fitting of the first-time visor.
0.5pts each way – Island Brave – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
1pt win – Creationist – 8/1 @ Bet365
Cheers
John