BBOTD Boxing Day

[cpo]

12.50 Kempton Spirit of Shankly EW @ 9/1 paddypower This is a cracking little Novice Hurdle and there are two in here that have obvious claims, but I fancy the ground may act as a leveller tomorrow and this Charlie Longsden trainer horse can make his presence felt. I think its almost a given that he will relish the conditions being by Sulamani and there has to be doubts over the top 2 in the betting on the ground. River Maigue hasn't raced on heavy ground yet and New Years Eve bombed out when encountering heavy ground over in Ireland. He is still a massively interesting horse this year as he went very close in the Champion Bumper at the festival. I fancy he will probably be the best of this lot over hurdles but I think its worth taking him on today with Spirit of Shankly. This horse himself has already shown decent form over hurdles with a very close 3rd at listed level over CD. He followed that with a disappointing effort when sent off an odds on favourite last time out but he has every chance of getting involved in this tomorrow. Charlie Longsden continues in good form and I would hope his representative here could improve a few lbs on the forecast heavy ground. He has more experience that his rivals over hurdles and he can put that to good use here. The top 2 in the betting have to be feared as both look like good prospects but Asker is quite interesting considering he handled heavy ground on the flat very well. I don't really like the form of the stable at the moment however, so I would give that one a swerve. Spirit of Shankly looks like a solid each way bet at 9/1.

[Lodge]

Re: BBOTD Boxing Day 3.10 - Kempton - Kauto Stone @ 8/1 Paddypower Not had much chance to look at all of tomorrows racing but already had a bet on Kauto Stone for the King George so this is my selection. I was really impressed with his seasonal re-appearance at Down Royal when beating First Luietenant who has since finished 3rd in the Hennesey. Still a 6yo he has the potential for some more improvement and the half brother to Kauto Star could also improve Paul Nicolls good record in the race. He should cope with the ground having won in similar conditions over in France and Ireland and should see out the trip fine too. Ruby Walsh takes over from Dayrl Jacob in the saddle who is suspended and i really think he has a great chance considering the doubts over conditions for a few of the others.