The festive season has begun for me, sitting down with my Santa hat, a mince pie and a pint of guinness all points to a very content and relaxed feel to this weeks blogg. Merry Christmas everyone and boy we got some racing to look forward too. It's important to remember that with over three months or so before Cheltenham the trainers, owners, jocks and all us normal folk are looking forward to seeing a magnificient build up and thats why Boxing day at Kempton park is the place to be.
On with the card...
12.50 Kempton 2m Hurdle
It was nice to tip TETLAMI last time out at Sandown and I certainly wont be deserting this five year old just yet. Looked a picture in the paddock at Sandown, ran on strongly in the finish and will love softer ground than some of these if indeed it is on the softer side. Nicky Henderson showed his class in training this one to victory after a long lay off. I believe another win is possible and with Barry Geraghty on board I'm full of optimism.
1.25 2m 4f Handicap Chase
A very interesting handicap here, many could have a chance but I'm looking it a progressive type who's recent form looks the pick of the bunch. TEMPLE LORD is by no means a world beater but looked stylish in it's last win at Fontwell over a shorter trip and I have to say it's second behind Moon Over Miami in it's penultimate start is strong form in a race that was a higher level than this. TEMPLE LORD judging on how he ran last time out will enjoy the step up in trip, the horse will be ridden by AP McCoy big plus and if the ground isnt too soft then again that would be a positive.
2.00 3m Feltham Novices Chase
This is absolutely class, I really cannot wait for this a true test for the new up and coming star of the future. In a race like this you can sometimes fight with your head and heart because both are saying different things. However in a court of law you go with the evidence that is put before you and I'm going to be as objective as possible. GRAND CRUS came into the spotlight last year giving Big Bucks a run for his money at Cheltenham and travels so beautifully in his races and I always have a soft spot for a grey of this quality. However Bobs Worth will be his biggest rival on the day and he indeed won at Cheltenham in March so what do I think? Well, if you look at Grand Crus over the bigger obstacles this year he has been nothing but impressive, is a very consistent sound jumper and I believe David Pipe has a true superstar on his hands for a few years to come. GRAND CRUS is the one!
2.35 2m Christmas Hurdle
Another excellent renewal of this race, its quite simple really ROCK ON RUBY I tipped this last time out and if it's going to win the champion hurdle which I believe is a possibility then this horse needs to win or come close to winning this and thats that!
3.10 3m King George IV Chase
LONG RUN is a superb six year old who will continually improve and will recover from each race quicker than some of the other older horses in this race. LONG RUN took this coveted prize last year in terrific fashion on route to winning the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham festival and will do so again. I'm not alone in thinking how great it would be to see Kauto Star win this or even Masterminded but if you want some each way value then look no further than DIAMOND HARRY this horse will undoubtedly stay the trip and could be seen to making late progress when all around him when the treacle bites.
On with the card...
12.50 Kempton 2m Hurdle
It was nice to tip TETLAMI last time out at Sandown and I certainly wont be deserting this five year old just yet. Looked a picture in the paddock at Sandown, ran on strongly in the finish and will love softer ground than some of these if indeed it is on the softer side. Nicky Henderson showed his class in training this one to victory after a long lay off. I believe another win is possible and with Barry Geraghty on board I'm full of optimism.
1.25 2m 4f Handicap Chase
A very interesting handicap here, many could have a chance but I'm looking it a progressive type who's recent form looks the pick of the bunch. TEMPLE LORD is by no means a world beater but looked stylish in it's last win at Fontwell over a shorter trip and I have to say it's second behind Moon Over Miami in it's penultimate start is strong form in a race that was a higher level than this. TEMPLE LORD judging on how he ran last time out will enjoy the step up in trip, the horse will be ridden by AP McCoy big plus and if the ground isnt too soft then again that would be a positive.
2.00 3m Feltham Novices Chase
This is absolutely class, I really cannot wait for this a true test for the new up and coming star of the future. In a race like this you can sometimes fight with your head and heart because both are saying different things. However in a court of law you go with the evidence that is put before you and I'm going to be as objective as possible. GRAND CRUS came into the spotlight last year giving Big Bucks a run for his money at Cheltenham and travels so beautifully in his races and I always have a soft spot for a grey of this quality. However Bobs Worth will be his biggest rival on the day and he indeed won at Cheltenham in March so what do I think? Well, if you look at Grand Crus over the bigger obstacles this year he has been nothing but impressive, is a very consistent sound jumper and I believe David Pipe has a true superstar on his hands for a few years to come. GRAND CRUS is the one!
2.35 2m Christmas Hurdle
Another excellent renewal of this race, its quite simple really ROCK ON RUBY I tipped this last time out and if it's going to win the champion hurdle which I believe is a possibility then this horse needs to win or come close to winning this and thats that!
3.10 3m King George IV Chase
LONG RUN is a superb six year old who will continually improve and will recover from each race quicker than some of the other older horses in this race. LONG RUN took this coveted prize last year in terrific fashion on route to winning the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham festival and will do so again. I'm not alone in thinking how great it would be to see Kauto Star win this or even Masterminded but if you want some each way value then look no further than DIAMOND HARRY this horse will undoubtedly stay the trip and could be seen to making late progress when all around him when the treacle bites.
Incisive simple and full of Christmas spirit, Charlie TW12
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