With Ayr having been abandoned the jumps racing tomorrow comes from Kempton and Bangor.
The Kempton card gets under way with a conditional jockey’s handicap hurdle at 1.25. The weights are headed by Solent who is making his first appearance for nearly a year. He dead heated for first place in a listed race at Ascot on the flat and has plenty of ability. He also has the benefit of being ridden by one of the more experienced jockeys. Solent could go well at a big price but I am going to take a chance with another outsider in Heezazari. A former winning pointer he has only had 2 runs under rules finishing 2nd in a bumper and then winning at Bangor over hurdles. The form of those races has worked out well but the horse is obviously fragile. He hasn’t run for 636 days so his fitness levels have to be taken on trust but that will be reflected in his price.
The 2.35 looks quite a hot little race with Quantitativeesing the likely odds on favourite for the Nicky Henderson yard with AP McCoy in the saddle. He is unbeaten and sets the standard. The Betchworth Kid is another to consider. He was rated 100+ on the flat and has already shown ability in his two races over timber. He is stepped up in trip here which should suit him. The favourite is likely to be very short here so I am looking elsewhere for some value. Emma Lavelle speaks very highly of Tocca Ferro a lightly raced type who has done little wrong so far and got off the mark over hurdles at Southwell last time. This one could be open to plenty of improvement and at around 9/2 looks the value.
In the 3.45 Duc de Regniere should have too many gears for Big Fella Thanks as long as his jumping stands up while in the 4.20 NIcto de Beauchene looks on a fair mark and has an each way chance.
In the 1.35 at Bangor Tara Royal looks the one to beat while Cuckoo Pen and Alderley Rover are the pick of those at bigger prices.
Today’s picture is courtesy of Kate Tann.
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