Hi all,
I had my booster yesterday and I have to say I feel a bit rough so today’s main piece is shorter than normal as I just concentrate on those races with selections.
There’s plenty of it on Saturday. Warwick’ seven race card features three Graded races the Grade 3 Classic Handicap Chase (3:00), the Grade 2 Hampton Novices’ Chase (1:50) and the Grade 2 Ballymore Leamington Novices Hurdle (2:25)
Meanwhile at Kempton’s its Lanzarote Hurdle Day. The Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (2:40) has new sponsors in the shape of Coral. This means the race is now worth £56,950 to the winner. Coral also sponsor the Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti Chase (2:05). Although I suspect they will be a shade disappointed that the latter race has only attracted a field of seven. Especially as the new sponsors have increased the prize money to £80,000.
The ITV cameras are covering five races from Warwick and four from Kempton as part of a nine-race programme. It’s the latter track where I start to today’s preview.
Kempton
1:32 – Coral “Fail-To-Finish” Free Bets Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 2m 4 ½ f
Kap Auteuil made it 5-9 since going chasing when winning at Fontwell last month. The 7-year-old has a 4lb penalty to contend with for his latest success but he’s going the right way and that shouldn’t stop him here.
Foxboro would probably have won but for a last fence mistake when a ½ length 2nd of 8 at Wincanton 20-days ago. He’s up 1lb but is a winnable mark but needs to jump better than last time.
2:40 – Coral Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) – 2m 5f
A maximum field of 20 are set to go to post for a race with £100,000 guaranteed prize money thanks to new sponsors Coral.
Nicky Henderson has won the race five times since 2003. He had several entries in this year’s race. And saddles three. The most fancied in the betting seems to be Marie’s Rock. The mare bounced back to her smart novice hurdle form when winning over C&D at Christmas. Up 9lb for that win but she had plenty in hand that day and if she can build on that effort won’t be far away.
William Henry won this race 2018. He was trained by Henderson then but is now with Sam Thomas. Hard to see a 12-year-old winning a race like this but there’s no denying he’s a well handicapped horse and could get into the frame.
There are a several unexposed types in the field.
Venetia Williams has saddled two winners of the race since 2004. Her sole entry is useful flat performer Green Book who bids for the hat trick after wins at Haydock and Ludlow. Up 8lb for his last win and would be much deeper company here should he run. However, the 5-year-old is going the right way and is open to further improvement.
Up For Parol put in a career best on RPR’s when winning at Haydock last month. He’s 3-5 over hurdles and could be capable of better for the step up to 2m 5f.
Cobblers Dream made it 2-4 over hurdles when making a winning handicap debut at Doncaster last month. He’s up 5lb but there was plenty to like about his Doncaster success and he looks progressive.
On My Command made it 2-2 since joining the Harry Fry when winning a mares’ only handicap hurdle at Plumpton 25-days ago. Up 8lb but there’s likely to be more to come from the 6-year-old but soft ground would be an unknown.
3:15 – Coral Committed To Safer Gambling Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 3m
Smarty Wild sole chase success came at this meeting last season. No issues with the track for the 8-year-old but there maybe stronger stayers at 3m among his rivals.
Double Shuffle is a double C&D winner and the 12-year-old won this race last year off 1lb lower. Well below form on either start this season but a return to this venue and the fitting of the first-time tongue tie could see him revive.
A Toi Phil is another 12-year-old whose better days are probably behind him. Formerly with Gordon Elliott he’s only had three starts since joining the Gary Moore yard. Off for nearly 12 months before a low-key effort at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Not out of this if coming on for last time.
Warwick
I have just looked at the one race at Warwick but it is the best race on Warwick’s seven race card. You will pleased to know I have resisted the temptation to get involved in what looks a trappy Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier (3:35).
3:00 – Agetur UK Ltd Classic Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – 3m 5f
Gericault Roque has yet to win over fences but he’s progressing well for a step up in distance. He was unlucky to come up against a big improver at Newbury last time. David Pipe yard is not in great form though. Achille was beaten 1/2 length into second here 12 months. He’s 4lb higher than last year but ran well for a long way when 4th of 20 in the Welsh Grand National last time.
Corach Rambler, trained by Lucinda Russell is a very interesting contender. The 8-year-old has only had the three starts over fences but he’s won his last two at Aintree and Cheltenham. Overcoming a hit of greenness when idling on the run-in last time. Up 8lb but is a big improver. Yard won this with subsequent Grand National Winner One For Arthur n 2017.
The “wise guy” pundits have realized that last year’s winner Notachance has dropped back to his last winning mark. Two low key runs this season will have set up fitness wise for another big run here. The first-time visor has been added today and a big run could be forthcoming
Éclair Surf ran better than distance beaten when 3rd of 10 to subsequent Welsh Grand National Winner Iwilldoit. He made a bad mistake, five out, when still going well that day. Goes well in the mud although stamina for 3m 5f not assured and needs to jump with more fluency than last time.
Evan Williams won’t have another big Saturday winner. Will he? Well, he might. He could saddle No Rematch. The 8-year-old ran well for a long way on is seasonal reappearance before pulling up at Exeter last month. Capable of better over fences. Needs soft ground to be seen at his best so connections will be hoping the ground doesn’t dry out.
Betting Advice:
Kempton
1:32 – 1pt win – Kap Auteuil – 9/2 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook
2:40 – 1pt win – Marie’s Rock – 6/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 0.5pts each way – William Henry 20/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook (paying 6 places 1/5 odds).
3:15 – 1pt win – A Toi Phil – 7/1 @ Bet365 & Coral and 1pt win – Double Shuffle – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Warwick
3:00 – 1pt win – Corach Rambler – 6/1 @ Bet365 and 1pt win – Achille – 11/1 @ Bet365
Cheers
John