Nap Of The Day
Sunday we managed to get away with a short price winner at Punchestown. That took last weeks record to a fairly decent four winners from seven naps. A couple were shorter than ideal prices but with the field sizes we face right now it’s tricky.
The card at Kempton is littered with small fields but the 2.00 Handicap Hurdle is a contest which has two last time out winners to pick between in my view. I favoured Destorytheevidence for the in-form Kim Bailey to get the job done off top weight. The ground conditions look ideal, this last time out course winner also had his form from earlier in the season franked when Butch, who beat him at Southwell, went in on his next start at Cheltenham. The step back up in trip at a track like Kempton will pose him no issues and I expect another win here.
Weekend Racing Leaves Gold Cup Picture Confused
Let it never be said National Hunt racing is predictable. Shishkin refusing to race at Ascot to Galopin Des Champs beat Sunday, add into the mix Bravemansgame beat for the second time in the space of a month and we have ourselves a confused picture.
On the face of it plenty will pull out views from the weekends’ action but in truth it will probably be the next start that gives us the key part of the picture. Shishkin needs to show he can jump off before anyone would want to back him for anything, Bravemansgame has the chance to bounce back at Kempton in the King George and as for Galopin Des Champs I think personally we just didn’t see the best of him of the three he would be the one I am most willing to forgive.
Let us also not do down the winner Fastorslow; had to face the Mullins battalions and came out on top confirming his Punchestown Festival form. See the full Gold Cup market here.
The Must Watch Race Of The Day
I always like to try find a race with a view to the future for this and the closing bumper at Ludlow is one we could be popping a few in the tracker after the race.
Metkayina has smart form on offer from Galway and the fact connections have decided to cross the sea could be notable. Jasmine Bliss won on her third point start and has joined one of the more in form stables around right now in Harry Derham. Jena D’Oudairies warrants respect given her sales price and Paul Nicholls is having a good time of things right now.
You have a host of unraced mares that could be anything, this bumper is probably to my eye the most intriguing race of the day.
