Kempton's main race (apparently) is the Grade 3 Handicap Chase, (this time it's called the BetBright Chase) and you'd have to say that ARDKILLY WITNESS has a great chance. He will like the ground and has form at this distance, whereas others lack form at three miles. Hopefully, he will be staying on when others have cried enough today.
Ardkilly Witness (brown and light blue silks) should go close
under jockey Leighton Aspell.
I am a fan on this raceday at Kempton because of the quality of the two supporting races, the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle and the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle, mainly because they usually produce decent sorts (many of whom make an impact at Cheltenham come March).
The Adonis looks quite a strong renewal this year with ALCALA the one chosen to win the race. Trainer Paul Nicholls is said to think quite highly of him, mentioning him in the same vein as Nicholls' classy juvenile Calipto when talking about Triumph Hurdle candidates. He's got decent form in France and from what I've seen of him he looks a decent jumper (fingers crossed, touch wood etc). I am a massive fan of the Harry Fry stable as well, so I'd be surprised if Activial doesn't go close too. He ran very well behind Calipto on his British debut and probably is the ideal type to win this race, although the value has gone. Commisioned also appears to have a chance although John Ferguson can often not come on for their first run over hurdles, so there is a possibility he may have left his best performance back there.
As for the Dovecote, on paper, its looks as though it is a two horse race between Irving and First Mohican. Irving has extremely smart form and looks a decent type, whilst First Mohican would have a chance if replicating some of his flat performances, although he will have to improve considerably on his hurdling debut. I'm going to oppose the front two and go for AMORE ALATO, a horse which should go on the ground and has experience of the course, having won at Kempton on Boxing Day. He may give the leading pair a fright, at least.
Lingfield hold a high class All Weather card today, with the highlight probably being the Winter Derby Trial Stakes. Grandeur is the class horse of the race and should probably win, although the price is short and his time off the racecourse has hardly enhanced his chances. Instead, I have opted for MODERNSTONE, a horse which has form over two furlongs further than today's distance so will hopefully make a run late up the Lingfield straight. Andrea Atzeni is a hugely capable jockey so there are no worries on that front and he could rate value in the race. Chookie Royale could also be a threat.
The 2:50 at Lingfield is a wide open race, with many being able to stake a claim. Ryan Moore aboard GREY MIRAGE clearly boosts his chances and he probably represents the best form on offer. He has a massive chance. Also, do not discount NEWSTEAD ABBEY, who has good form on a synthetic surface. He's a real favourite of mine, usually runs a solid race and I couldn't not back him today.
Finally, my last selection sees my delve into Fairyhouse's card. The 1:25 is a classy race, with many decent juveniles running in it. My tip initially was going to be Plinth. I really did think he had a great chance, so when I heard he was a non runner whilst literally writing this piece, I was a little bit gutted. However, I think I've selected an able deputy in ABBYSSIAL, a horse who fits the bill as the winner of the race and has decent form. He should be able to give the favourite, Adriana Des Mottes, a good race.
Rugby Tips- Italy and England (Just!!!!)
Have a good weekend
Happy Punting!
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