HORSE RACING: Leading pundit Charlie McCann gives his latest weekend preview of the top jump racing. This week the former Talksport tipster previews the card at kempton including The Racing Post Chase
Racing Post Chase day at Kempton and a number of Cheltenham aspirants put their Festival credentials on the line including Champion Hurdler Punjabi and Triumph Hurdle favourite Mille Chief. Both ought to oblige at prohibitive odds but they are hardly betting propositions.
Maiden Frascati Park must go right handed but failed to impress in Ireland last time and Vino Griego is well thought of at the yard of Gary Moore and can land the Grade 2 Novice Hurdle due off at 2.00.
Tom George’s Nacarat tries to win back-to-back racing Post Chases following his impressive success in 2009 under Tony McCoy. Injury to Sam Thomas means McCoy is reunited with the grey for the first time this season but he is 11lbs higher than when making most in the corresponding race last year.
Fistral Beach carries the minimum weight for Ruby Walsh and must go very close if his stamina holds which is not guaranteed. Kilcrea Castle has been well backed for the Grand National this week and a bold show is expected from Emma Lavelle’s Irish import.
Colin Tizzard has his string in extremely good order and Mister Quasimodo is one to keep an eye out for in the 4.10 if there is market support. A winner over C&D off a much higher mark one although concern would be he is one of a number of front-runners in the race and they could cut each others throats. He is also engaged in the 4.10 at Chepstow over the minimum trip.
The C4 cameras are also likely to re routed from the abandoned card at Newcastle to Lingfield where the feature is the Winter Derby Trial which sees Gitano Hernando have his prep race for the Dubai World Cup under Kieren Fallon. He looks to have a simple task despite giving 6lbs and more away.
There is a cracking race at Leopardstown on Sunday where Paddy Power winner Tranquil Sea has his prep race for the Ryanair. He has looked top class this year and ought to take all the beating on the forecast soft ground. Lough Derg has won the last two runnings of the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell on Sunday but the verdict goes to Qozak and Paul Nicholls.
Be Lucky
Charlie
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