Lingfield
13:30 - Alligator Alley 9/2 1pt win
It took a little while for David O’Meara to get to grips with ALLIGATOR ALLEY since moving from across the Irish Sea, but he is now thriving and back to his best. He had a disappointing turf season (to my peril) but since trying the all-weather surfaces he has been in great form, with form figure of 341114.
Last time at Wolverhampton, this son of Kingman was looking for a four timer but he just did not get the run of the race, racing freely in a slowly run affair, effecting his finishing kick. That was a handicap too, so he was giving weight away to all of his rivals, unlike today where is he the best horse in the race on ratings and they run off level weights. There is a lot of pace up front today so hopefully the race sets up better for him and Jason Watson can steer him home.
Kempton
15:00 - Clondaw Castle 9/1 1pt ew
This is a cracking renewal of the Coral Trophy and it is wasy to make a case for pretty much all of the horses in the field, but I am very sweet on the chances of CLONDAW CASTLE despite the open nature of the contest. Tom George’s horse hasn’t ran in a handicap since winning this race 2 years ago and unfortunately for him, he is a horse suited much more to the style of a handicap.
This race looks set to be fiercely run with many horses involved who like to make the running, namely Frodon, Annsam, Bobhopeornohope and Killer Kane. This should suit Clondaw Castle down to the ground who relishes a strong pace to aim at so he can pick through his rivals late in the day, like he did when bolting up in this previously. The assessor has given him a big chance dropping back to his last winning mark of 154 and he is a big each way player today.
Chepstow
15:07 - Top Of The Bill 12/1 0.5pt ew
As anticipated Nigel Twiston Davies’ horse improved for the application of cheekpieces last time out, winning readily at Exeter, despite still being very green out in front. It was good to see him get his head back in front there as I think there is more in the tank with TOP OF THE BILL, who is clearly a talented horse.
To get qualified for the Pertemps, this horse will probably have to win and quite impressively so I imagine the team will be going all out for the victory. The track will prove no problem as he won at the course earlier this season, really relishing the long run in at the Welsh venue. He has been priced up in double digits and he looks a very fair each way bet for the team who won this race last year.
Kempton
16:10 - Don Hollow 4/1 1pt win
Dan Skelton clearly thinks DON HOLLOW is ready for a step up in grade and I would tend to agree with him. This horse shaped well on hurdle debut behind Ukantango and next time at Ascot as well, badly impeded by a faller at the last. He then went to Leicester to shed his maiden tag, winning easily in the end, seemingly enjoying the step up in trip. That form has worked out quite well with the 2nd going on to win off 116 and the 3rd running well next time out. The handicapper has given him an opening mark of 120 and I’m sure connections will feel they can exploit that, especially if the tongue tie adds further improvement.
Kempton
16:45 - Guy 7/1 0.5pt ew
Although a frustrating horse, GUY is very consistent and does run his best races on good ground so conditions at Kempton today should really suit him. His effort last time out was solid when 8th in a typically competitive race at Cheltenham that was won by Il Ridoto.
He drops back in to much calmer waters today and he is the one I will chance to take on the short priced favourite Quick Draw, who has concerns on the ground in my opinion. Guy is definitely a horse to back each way with extra places available, considering his knack for finishing as the bridesmaid!
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