Kempton stage is set for Derham masterplan
The opening handicap hurdle at Kempton on Saturday is a fine way to kick off a competitive day of action up and down the country.
Having been looking at this race all week I could have landed on 3 and I’ve had to whittle them down to 2 to get the best value out of the race.
My headline selection is COURT IN THE ACT who has been aimed at this race for a long time according to trainer Harry Derham, who highlighted this race for him back in an early November stable tour.
For that reason alone he should be considered as not many of these horses arrive here with this race as their cup final but quite clearly connections have took aim will no doubt have him ready for this.
He comes with a slight question mark over the trip as he has only been raced over 2m so far in his career but Derham has stated on a few occasions that he should get this trip and it’s worth bearing in mind 2m 5f around Kempton is a lot easier than 2m 5f around most other tracks.
His form stands up to close inspection and there is plenty to suggest he should be better than his current mark of 126, especially if the trip brings out further improvement.
A run around Windsor should have teed him up nicely for this and I expect a bold showing at decent prices.
Malaita
At a slightly bigger price again I think experienced mare MALAITA can give each way backers a good run for their money.
I think the Pertemps qualifier she ran in at Huntingdon last time was quite a strong race and she ran well to finish third and split a few smart handicappers.
The drop in trip shouldn’t pose a problem as she has ran over this intermediate trip most of her career to good effect and now connections have decided to persist with her over hurdles I think she might be able to reward them with some place money at the very least.
Power-packed Saturday for Thomas
I have plenty of respect for the likely favourite, Saint Anopolino, but at his predicted price I couldn’t really get too excited about putting him up and have decided to hunt the value instead.
The Ladbrokes Trophy is a valuable handicap chase and I’d say a few of these have had their season mapped around this race.
I really like the claims of 2023 winner OUR POWER after he has returned this season almost as good as ever.
Two fine seconds at Cheltenham, where he was unlucky to bump into an improving King Turgeon and a rejuvenated Chantry House, prove he retains plenty of his ability.
Sam Thomas has enjoyed success on this day the last few years and he has a couple of good chances again this year but the selection looks the standout for me.
A consistent horse who jumps and stays looks likely to be up with the pace in this race which is a positive given how these races around Kempton often pan out.
Dylan Johnston gets a fine tune out of this veteran and if able to be in front turning in, I don’t think he will be for catching.
Opportunity for Lingfield revenge won’t Pass Snowden by
Jumping and staying is the name of the game in the 4 mile Eider Chase at Newcastle on Saturday and it will undoubtedly be a thorough test looking at some of the horses in the line up.
One horse who I think has plenty more to offer as a staying chaser is PASSING WELL who has been unlucky not to get his head in front this season.
A second over 2m 4f behind El Rio on his reappearance looks a remarkable effort considering the winner has gone on to win again since and the fact this horse is clearly better over 3m+.
When upped to a marathon trip last time out at Lingfield he was narrowly denied by the re-opposing Sporting Ace, despite looking likely to get the better of the battle all the way up the straight.
I am confident he will reverse that form today and I am quietly hopeful he can finally get a deserved second victory over fences with more natural improvement to come.
Kempton 1.15 – Court In The Act / Malaita
Kempton 3.35 – Our Power
Newcastle 2.10 – Passing Well
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