14:40 Kempton
Saturday 14 January 2017
All12:2012:5513:3014:0514:4015:1515:45
32Red Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (Listed)
- 4YO plus | Class 1 | 2m 5f | Good to Soft (Soft in places) | 13 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 5m 15.5s
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Competed in the 2015 Triumph Hurdle (ninth), and talked about as a Champion Hurdle possible after winning the Greatwood Hurdle in November 2015, before meeting Faugheen in the Christmas Hurdle. Didn't take to fencing early this season (but did win) with tough tasks at the weights yielding predictable outcomes in the Price Rush and International Hurdle subsequently. Tough task back in handicap company off top weight.
Both victories over hurdles came at short odds in novice events (November 2015), but has been highly tried, and generally has run well in five starts in handicaps. His best effort this season was when a half length runner up to North Hill Harvey in the Greatwood in mid November, with connections trying this trip for the first time.
Lesser fancied stablemate of Jaleo, and maiden hurdle winner for Richard Woolacott. Did well for this yard over fences last season, winning twice at around 3m (including here) before failing to stay in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Returns to hurdles after struggling in the Hennessy on seasonal reappearance.
Two time Flat winner in France, and raced consistently for this yard in four Flat starts last season (rated mid 70's). Progressed nicely over hurdles and unbeaten in three starts including over C&D on Boxing Day. This race the logical next step (raised 6lb) with Good to Soft to Soft ground ideal.
Talented juvenile hurdler for John Ferguson last season, winning minor events at Catterick (twice), before finishing tenth of 22 in the Fred Winter handicap hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Made an ideal start for his new trainer at Lingfield last month, and whilst raised 7lbs, remains on a competitive mark over this slightly longer trip.
Raced mainly on a decent surface over the past 12 months, and latterly a ready winner of a lower grade conditionals event at Ascot in mid December. This trip has perhaps brought some improvement, and every chance with a 3lb rise with Richard Johnson taking over in the saddle assuming the ground doesn't deteriorate too much further.
Formerly a fair novice for John Ferguson, but absent from the track for two years after falling at the last here (2m) in December 2014. Well capable of building upon never nearer eighth on recent return for his new trainer, and well worth a crack at this trip from a surprisingly 1lb lower mark (133).
Ex Irish (Alan Fleming trained), with just a heavy ground Navan maiden hurdle success to his name, but does have experience of this type of trip and the hustle and bustle of handicap company, having contested such races at Cork and Fairyhouse. Does need to improve, but with good connections for UK debut.
Returns to the track for handicap debut for the first time since winning (at prohibitive odds) in May 2016. Generally consistent during novice campaign, but this is a stiff starting point from what is perhaps a high enough mark (130). Up in trip with regular rider aboard claiming 3lb.
Twice a winner (under Jake Greenall and Jack Sherwood) in novice company on testing ground at around this time last year, and upped in trip since. Returned at Cheltenham in October, edged out in a thrilling finish (caught close home over 2m7f+) and weakening over further again when ninth there the following month. Return to this trip will suit and contender at decent odds.
Nudged along, but a closing three lengths down when falling three out in a Class 3 handicap hurdle at Exeter on New Years Day, having been clobbered (raised 14lbs) for stable debut success over this trip three starts back at Towcester in November. A return to this trip on soft ground looks ideal if untroubled by his Exeter mishap.
Three time runner up in novice hurdles last season, and returned this season to fill the same slot on 2m handicap debut at Ffos Las in early December. However, ridden out by Charlie Deutsch to record a three quarter of a length success next time when upped in trip at Uttoxeter, and whilst raised 6lbs and upped in grade, has a light weight to carry here.
A three time winner (twice over hurdles from four starts). Made all under this rider, injected pace turning for home, in a 3m soft ground novice contest at Ffos Las in November, but seemingly unable to cope with the step up in class on handicap debut at Cheltenham (favourite) last month. Too early to write off, with stamina proven if this becomes a slog.
Non-Runners
14
Little Boy Boru28
Weight: 10-0| Age: 9
T: Miss S Smith J: Jack Sherwood
NR
Forecasts
Doesyourdogbite (11/2), Modus (7/1), Templeross (7/1), Bennys King (15/2), Jaleo (8/1), Chesterfield (10/1), Lord Of The Island (12/1), Kalondra (12/1), Fountains Windfall (12/1), Will O'The West (12/1), Sam Red (14/1), Old Guard (20/1), Local Show (20/1), Little Boy Boru (25/1)
After a difficult week for Kempton Park, the locals have a highly competitive handicap hurdle to savour. Proven handicap ability in the form of the likes of Old Guard and Modus comes head to head against the raw potential of promising novices such as Doesyourdogbite and JALEO. Whilst Jonjo O'Neill's C&D winner is massively respected after a more than fair rise, the still unexposed Jaleo made a pleasing start for Ben Pauling at Lingfield and could be very well handicapped off this revised mark of 137. Whilst up in trip, he's a smooth traveller with a sharp turn of foot which can be deployed to his advantage in this big field. Of those at bigger odds, Will O'the West looks likely to do better than most.
1. Jaleo
2. Doesyourdogbite
3. Will O'the West
Prize Money
1st: £22,780.002nd: £8,548.003rd: £4,280.004th: £2,132.005th: £1,072.006th: £536.00
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