Guide to TV races
The bluesq.com Queen’s Prize Handicap at Kempton today has not been the easiest of races to sort out over the years but one factor has stood out and that is race fitness.
This has been demonstrated once again since the start of the current Flat season with horses that have been running in National Hunt races or on the all-weather over the winter having an advantage.
Nine of the last 11 winners of this big betting race had had a recent run and that should be the starting point for finding the winner.
One runner who has been successful both on the all-weather and in Bumper races in the past few months is Tees Components. His form in National Hunt Flat races was as good as any in Britain this winter.
Mary Reveley has run him in two moderate races over inadequate distances on the all-weather and he has been given an attractive handicap rating for his career on the turf.
Tees Components won a 12-furlong maiden at Lingfield last month with plenty in hand and then was unsurprisingly last of nine when dropped to seven furlongs for a similar race at the same venue.
It is impossible to weigh up his chances accurately but Reveley transformed Mellottie from National Hunt Flat horse to top-class Flat handicapper and Tees Components, much better than Mellottie in the National Hunt sphere, has been given every chance of making his mark on the Flat by his shrewd trainer. The good to soft conditions should be ideal.
Positive Profile, who has had a successful winter on the all-weather, went into plenty of notebooks when an unlucky second at Doncaster in a competitive event at Doncaster last week and looks the danger to Tees Components (4.10) .
Kempton 2.05:
The form of last week’s Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster got a boost when fifth-placed Notty Bitz won at Musselburgh on Thursday and Mr Pop Idol, who was sixth in that Town Moor race, has the valuable advantage of experience over his rivals.
Newton Abbot 2.15:
Nick’s Choice has come right back to his best since being transferred to Dai Burchell’s yard and can follow up his two recent smooth victories.
Kempton 2.35:
Low numbers should have the call here and Just James, who won his maiden at Doncaster in November with a bit in hand, has the plum berth in the number one stall.
Haydock 3.00:
Monarch’s Pursuit ran well for a long way until weakening over a longer trip at Doncaster last time when seventh of 11 to Flying Instructor and can defy top weight in a race in which many are hard to fancy.
Kempton 3.05:
Red Liaison is the sort to make up into a better three-year-old than a juvenile but also looks the one to be on judged on her two-year-old form. On breeding she should be well suited by the step up to a mile.
Hyadock 3.30:
Plutocrat was travelling very well until the closing stages when a close second to Hayaain over three miles at Musselburgh in December and should regain winning ways at this shorter trip.
Kempton 3.35:
Trainer Richard Hannon has a superb record in this race and he relies on Redback, the form choice on his third in the Rac ing Post Trophy on his final run last term.
Newton Abbot 3.50:
Possible Pardon has been in good form this term and had what looks his main danger, Our Jolly Swagman, well behind when winning at Fontwell in January.
Haydock 4.00:
Emperor’s Magic looked to have the measure of Ballyline and Hannigan’s Lodger before tipping up two out at Stratford a fortnight ago and should gain compensation here.
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