After a frustrating betting day, I will be back at Kempton on the second day of their Christmas meeting for the first time in a fair few years. I have been lured back by the sight of Sir Gino and Ballyburn entered up for the Wayward Lad and can't wait to see who will come out on top.
12:45, Ladbrokes Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing 'Introductory' Juvenile Hurdle
Nardaran 5/4
I don't think this is a particularly strong renewal of the race and it is unlikely to be won by as good a horse as Sir Gino but Paul Nicholls' Nardaran looks like he could be a tough nut to crack on hurdles debut. He was purchased for a fair sum after finishing 3rd in a decent French maiden 206 days ago. He's joined top connections and I looked back at his French run and it looks as though he certainly has the scope to make up into a nice hurdler. Hopefully he will get favourite backers off to a good start.
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13:20, Ladbrokes Play '1-2-Free' On Football Mares' Handicap Hurdle
Royale Margaux 4/1 each-way (3 places)
This is a very open race with Larchmont Lass the current 7/2 favourite in this 8 runner race. I'm going to take a chance on Royale Margaux for Tom Symonds, who has had a decent winter so far. His mare here ran a mighty race over 3 miles at Ascot last month when just run out of it by an improving type. She dropped back to this trip at Cheltenham 13 days ago in a hotter race than this and she finished 4th, looking as though the race wasn't run to suit. She looks the solid option here and this track/trip combo look perfect for her.
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13:55, Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices' Chase
Sir Gino 5/6
What a race in store for us here. Ballyburn has been favourite for every race so far for Willie Mullins but that sequence could be broken here. That is because, as talented as he is, the 6 year old does look as though he's a strong stayer and he may come unstuck on good ground over 2 miles at Kempton against a Fighting Fifth winner. Sir Gino is said horse, and as a 4 year old he will also be receiving 6 pounds from the great Irish horse. He hasn't jumped a fence in public yet but the news is that he jumps like a stag and he should be too speedy for Ballyburn here.
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14:30, Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Handicap Chase
Edwardstone 7/2
I've always loved Alan King's stable star and at the age of 10 he could be vulnerable to younger legs, especially under top weight. However, I fancy that he's come on enough for his seasonal debut to reverse form with Boothill and looked set to run a good race in the Tingle Creek last time out before falling down the back. He has to give Martator 12 pounds but that horse is stepping up in grade again and may find this a bit too quick for him early on as he can hit the odd flat spot. Edwardstone looks the value.
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15:08, Ladbrokes Get Rewarded With Ladbucks Handicap Chase
Highstakesplayer 9/2 each-way (4 places)
Frero Banbou will have his supporters after winning the Rehearsal Chase last time out. He has been put up 6 pounds for that victory but he was ridden by a 5 pound claimer that day so he is effectively 11 pounds higher here and his record on right handed tracks isn't anywhere near as good as the other way around. I'll take him on with Tom Lacey's Highstakesplayer who is already a dual course and distance winner. He is off the same mark as when finishing second to Chianti Classico at Ascot earlier in the season and can be forgiven a below par run at Newbury last time out. He's back at his favourite course here and looks set for a big run.
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15:38, Ladbrokes 'Gaffer Of All Accas' Handicap Hurdle
Hansard 11/2
Willmount could make a mockery of his handicap mark but he has failed to complete in his last 2 starts so I'll take a chance on Hansard who makes his first run in 370 days. Gary Moore's string has been in decent form recently and it's interesting that he chooses this race for his classy type to return in. He's well weighted off a mark of 141 which is only 3 pounds higher than the mark he won the Gerry Fielden off last season. If he's fit and ready to go, he's classy enough to defy top weight.
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Chepstow
12:30, Coral Racing Club Join For Free Handicap Hurdle
Castelfort 25/1 each-way (4 places)
This is an uber competitive handicap hurdle but Castelfort did win over course and distance last season (by 12 lengths). Jane Williams' 4 year old has been very highly tried since and struggled but he's been dropped 4 pounds by the handicapper and is dropped markedly in grade. He'll like the ground and at big prices he's worth a punt.
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14:10, Coral 'Daily Rewards Shaker' Handicap Hurdle
Major Fortune 7/1
Tune In A Box 9/2
The David Pipe trained favourite here, Phantomofthepoints, has often flattered to deceive and off a career high mark I'll take him on. Major Fortune was found out over a shorter trip than this on good ground at Cheltenham last time out. He'd previously been on a right roll and it is interesting that he is now sent back up in trip and on softer ground. I expect a much bigger run from him as well as Tune In A Box for similar reasons. He is finding his feet now this season and looks set to build on the promise he showed at Punchestown in the spring.
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14:50, Coral Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase
Galia Des Liteaux 6/1 each-way (5 places)
This 8 year old mare will be my only bet in this great race. She races here off the same mark as when a close second in last season's Classic Chase over a similar trip at Warwick last season. A repeat performance will see her go close. It's worth remembering how well she ran in the Grand National as well before tiring in the last couple of furlongs to finish 8th. She brings the best form into this race and has for a while looked like staying trips on soft ground is her bag. Expect a big run.
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