After race after race on ITV last Saturday, 10 events become seven this weekend, so it’s still going to be mad busy on ITV4!
We broadcast from Kempton, Lingfield and Newcastle and I’m at Kempton, before heading to the Eubank v DeGale fight in the evening on ITV Boxing. It’s a big day of sport.
The first race ITV show at Kempton is the 1.50pm, a Grade 2 novice chase over an extended 2m 4f. Bags Groove is the best on paper, but I have a feeling this is the time to catch SECRET INVESTOR for Paul Nicholls who is in great form. He had no chance against Ok Corral at Warwick last time but that horse is seriously talented and this is winnable.
Next up is the 2.25pm, the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle for juveniles over 2m. Really tough heat and a lot of guess work. I’ll take a chance on French import FUSIL RAFFLES, who has had a couple of runs in France. The Simon Munir/Isaac Soude-owned youngster has gone to a top yard in Nicky Henderson and you would expect him to be useful.
The 3.00pm at Kempton is the Grade 2 Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle over 2m. It has to be ANGELS BREATH here, who has a huge reputation despite having only jumped a handful of hurdles in public. He drew clear at Ascot first time for Henderson and was a decent point-to-point scorer in Ireland. Could be anything and a leading fancy for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.
A competitive Grade 3 handicap chase over 3m at 3.35pm ends the coverage at Kempton. DOUBLE SHUFFLE is weighted up to the hilt off a mark 5lb higher when nearly winning this event in 2017. That said, he’s been taking on top opposition, and this is not quite as hot a renewal as some. A good each-way chance for Tom George.
Meanwhile, over at Lingfield, ITV4 show a Listed sprint over 5f at 2.05pm. ENCORE D’OR is thoroughly consistent, and has every chance of scoring off a BHA rating of 109 for Luke Morris and Robert Cowell. He was a decent winner at Newcastle last time and just got chinned in this contest last season.
The Group 3 Winter Derby at Lingfield which is over 1m 2f at 3.15pm. Not a betting heat for most as WISSACHICKON is long odds on, but he’s by miles the best.
He would have to fall over not to win for John Gosden. In a totally different league.
And finally, the Eider Chase at Newcastle is an extended 4m marathon at 2.40pm.
Vicente will love conditions, but I’ll have a few quid each-way on BAYWING, who is a classy individual on a going day for Nicky Richards. He won this last year and off 7lb higher can score again if in the same mood.
So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?
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