Kempton 26/12

[RussP]

:ok

[WoodyTHFC]

Re: Kempton 26/12 1.55 Harchibald 15 pts win Many will know my thoughts on the CH. In summary, I think it was a weak race in the end last year and with many hopefuls blotting their copybook so far this year, it looks even weaker this year. I took the view that Macs Joy if re creating old form would be in with a great chance, sadly no longer with us but another older horse who has a stand out chance on old form is this one. A bridle horse maybe but a very good bridle horse and too good for these imo on the bridle. Lto impressive at Newcastle and with ease against possibly better performers than these. Struggling to see one of these to get it off the bridle in this race and even though Harchibald is normally not one to take a short price about, I will today. 2.30 Kauto Star 5/6 20 pts win Continues to answer questions put at him and I think might go off shorter. I was worried at Aintree when it was sluggish but it was impressive lto, margin of victory shorter but I always felt it was holding ED and just doing enough. Plus in front far too long that day which probably did not help. Looking at lack of obvious front runner that could happen again (suddenly in front 4 out or something) but on a flat track like Kempton, that should suit more as it plays into its natural speed which is a clear advantage over other rivals. I was worried it had lost some of his speed on its Aintree run but further evidence suggests that it was just not match sharp on its first start as the real reason. Good enough right handed, 1 KG, 2 TC whereas others might not be except for Racing Demon. KS has areas where it can be evaluated further but so do others. ED has limited form right handed, poor stable form and I am not certain Kempton's tightish nature suits that much, jumping question marks for sure at this track. Also it has had chances before against KS and not been good enough. MWDS something to prove after lto even if it was not 'ready,' would not rule it out though. Our Vic not one to rely on. Racing Demon likes going right handed but again can be a bit of an enigma and has not yet achieved at the highest level as perhaps thought of at once. Taranis interests a bit as it has enough pace at shorter distances yet looks to be wanting further more and more. Not proved at top class but seems to have got better and better and no question marks over this ones attitude. However they may all be playing for second imo. 3.05 Benetwood 10 pts win Put up lto when holding off Helen Wood who has boosted the form, at skinny odds. Lots of scope as a chaser in this one who ran a good race first time up as that form is pretty solid for Modicum and the H Johnson horse and can go close for the champ