HORSE RACING: Alan Thomson, former racing editor of the Daily Record, pulls out four more potential bookie bashing tips for the all weather meeting at Kempton on Saturday.
BRAVE ECHO (3.50) has developed into one of the most consistent all-weather handicappers in training and has bright prospects at Kempton on Saturday.
With 16 runners declared, Brave Echo looks a knocking each-way bet. He clearly benefitted from a seven-week break when accounting for Autumn Blades at Lingfield last time, with The Scorching Wind (controversially hampered) finishing well in arrears.
Brave Echo had earlier lost out to The Scorching Wind in a driving finish, again at Lingfield, but is marginally better off at the weights here. What’s more, Brave Echo is a keen sort who can race prominently which should be to his advantage in what may turn out to be a rough race over this seven-furlong trip. With Richard Fahey in irresistible form, it would be folly to ignore bottom weight Kyllachy Star in first-time blinkers.
DUELLIST (4.20) made a decent fist of landing a tight little handicap here last Saturday, only getting run out of it close home by Huygens and Navajo Chief. Frankie Dettori replaces Greg Fairley and this drop to seven furlongs can work in Duellist’s favour.
OXFORD CITY (4.55) missed his midweek engagement and the hint should be noted. The six-year-old won here at the end of January and probably stepped up again when finding only Turjuman too strong 10 days ago. This two-mile trip will stretch his stamina but the pace is unlikely to be too punishing in this small field.
Soundbyte made a pleasing return when third to Mr Plod at Lingfield, while Cold Turkey had no trouble landing a gamble over course and distance nine days ago. A 6lb rise is fair enough but that was a very weak affair and he could be worth opposing. Kristallo is aiming for a course and distance hat-trick but steps up in grade.
Another 16-runner handicap brings down the curtain on a fascinating card and ILIE NASTASE (5.25) is well drawn on the fence. A repeat of his excellent third to Gallantry and Pegasus Again over course and distance at the end of February puts him bang in the picture.
Tally Ho
Alan
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