1:50 Kempton
The 1:50 from Kempton is the Grade 2 Pendil Novices Chase over an extended 2m4f.
I think RUBAUD (6/4) NAP will take a bit of beating here. He is well suited by this test at Kempton and I think he’ll get his own way in front which he likes. He has the best chase form in the book chasing home Arkle contender L’Eau Du Sud last time out and he was certainly the best hurdler on all known form prior to switching to fences. He shaped as if this step up in trip to 2m4f will suit last time out and I think he’ll take a fair bit of beating here.
2:10 Newcastle
We head to Newcastle for the competitive Eider Chase, a handicap over 4m1f.
The one for me is ANGLERS CRAG (10/1) EW. The 2024 winner of this contest off a mark of 126, he returns off a mark of 130 for this year. The Eider is unique test so course and distance form is a very obvious plus. He has slowly been finding his form this season and I’m sure connections have been building up to this again. He shown plenty of encouragement when 4th last time out at Musselburgh suggesting he’s ready to run for his life today and he looks a lively each-way contender.
2:25 Kempton
It’s back to Kempton next for the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle, a Grade 2 over 2 miles.
I’m happy to take the favourite on at the prices given how keen he was behind Lulumba first time out. This could be a crawl which will be a concern. As a result, the one for me is SAUVIGNON (8/1). The Paul Nicholls charge ran too bad to be true first time up over here when pulling up at Cheltenham. His French form prior to coming over to the UK is very strong and at the prices, he’s worth a second chance. Paul Nicholls has a strong record in this race and behind the favourite who has concerns, this is weak.
2:40 Southwell
The first of two live races from the AW is the Hever Sprint Stakes, a listed contest over 5f.
I like DILIGENT HARRY (11/4) here. An impressive winner of this contest last year, I’m sure this would have been the main target for a little while. He was behind Marshman last time out but he ran very much like he needed it. That was his first run for a while so it should have put him spot on for this. He’ll get a lovely toe into this as they certainly won’t hang about and he’ll appreciate that. William Buick is an eye-catching jockey booking top.
3:00 Kempton
The 3:00 from Kempton is the Dovecote Novices Hurdle, a Grade 2 again over the 2 mile trip.
I’ve landed on ROYSSE (10/1) here for the Ben Jones and Ben Pauling combination. His bumper form was strong and connections were hopeful he’d have a bright future going into this season. He’s run twice at Newbury and the final flight has cost him on both occasions. He made an absolute mess of it first time round before falling when clear there on the second occasion. He had a nice confidence booster last time out at Uttoxeter and hopefully that does him the world of good. Kempton should suit him running style as he doesn’t lack for speed. He’ll like sit handy but the better gallop will hopefully assist him in the jumping department. He’s a player.
3:15 Southwell
The 3:15 from Southwell is the Group 3 Winter Derby over 1m3f.
It is MILITARY ACADEMY (9/4) for me here. He’s certainly the least exposed in here and this 4 year-old could certainly rise up the ranks this year. A winner on three of his four career starts, I was impressed with how well he picked off a solid yardstick in Aimeric at Kempton last time out after a slow start. He has a potent turn of foot which could be key in a race of this nature. Connections opt for cheekpieces and they could squeeze out further improvement.
3:35 Kempton
The final race is the competitive Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase over 3m.
It is HYLAND (4/1) NB for me here who brings strong novice chase form to the table. He chased home arguably the best novice chaser in the UK when running The Jukebox Man close at Newbury last time out. Prior to that, he won two decent races at Cheltenham jumping well. This 3m trip round Kempton looks sure to suit and he’ll appreciate the decent ground. He’s a worthy favourite and has scope to continue on his upward curve.
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