Am I confident that all my below selections are going to win this weekend? Absolutely not. Is there still a lot of value to be gleaned in the extremely tight racing today? Yes, of course there is. Let’s take a look.
13.30 Kempton 32Red Download The App Handicap Chase
Exitas was beaten easily yesterday and won’t go in this. Despite carrying top weight, Bishop’s Court looks the one to side with in this but was beaten in November by BREATH OF BLIGHTY over this distance and at this track. Nothing suggests he cannot do it again so 5/1 is an interesting each way punt. The Tailgater goes better on harder ground and there are questions around Mercian Prince’s form so seems an odd favourite.
14.10 Punchestown Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle
MENGLI KHAN (11/8) will have lost a few followers when opting to jump through the wing of the fence last time out rather than over it but form beforehand – including a grade 1 win – suggests that was a one off and there shouldn’t be too much to worry about. Getabird is the obvious danger carrying 6 lbs less but hasn’t beat anything of note over hurdles. He beat Hardline when carrying 5lbs more so has him beat on the flat. Carter McKay attracts the most each way attention at 8/1.
14.25 Warwick Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle
Tobefair and Sykes look too high in the weights to be competitive in this one. The same cannot be said with Templeross who if recreating best form looks a good shout at 11/1. The Organist looks to have found her distance but should find the class of NO HASSLE HOFF too much who can’t be sniffed at with a price of 11/2. The form of Black Ivory suggests the biggest danger, especially with Jamie Hamilton claiming 3 lbs off an already low weight.
14.40 Kempton Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle
Over further, Top Ville Ben would get the nod at a ridiculous price but there are some prospects that simply go quicker. Bags Groove is a course and distance winner but goes top weight. At the other end of the weights, Man From Mars will attract each way attention with Harry Cobden on board. The winner will likely come from the top 4 in the market with Topofthegame carrying the lowest weight and nice numbers in the form column but RIVER FROST gets the nod at 6/1 having beaten Bags Groove well previously and his lesser form coming behind the likes of Sam Spinner and Wholestone.
15.35 Warwick Betfred Classic Handicap Chase
The market may prove the best deciding factor in this one with any number of horses having chances. Sir Mangan offers terrific value at 13/2 for the Skeltons but Missed Approach’s recent form asks question about his favouritism. His 6th place last time at Newbury was respectable but COGRY should have been placed further up the field that day on usual form and is worth taking another gamble on at 11/1. On The Road, Emperor’s Choice and Milansbar all ran in the Welsh National but none of them finished so get chances here. Cresswell Breeze is one to look out for having won over this distance at Sandown last time out.
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