Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, picks 5 to follow on Saturday at Kempton (inc. Racing Post Chase) and Lingfield.
NACARAT (3.00) can scoop the Racing Post Trophy for the second time at Kempton on Saturday. The front-running grey burst on to the big time in the 2009 renewal of the race, imposing himself some way from home and strolling clear by nine lengths from Possol and Big Fella Thanks. He stripped fit and fancied for a repeat performance last year and was only narrowly denied by Razor Royale in an epic finish (pair 25 lengths clear). Nacarat runs off a 2lb lower mark and will enjoy bossing this field after trading blows with the cream of Britain’s three-mile chasers in the King George. Indeed, Nacarat led until the home bend on Boxing Day before fading into fourth behind Long Run, Riverside Theatre and Kauto Star, and he clearly loves it at Kempton. Razor Royale reopposes on very similar terms but hasn’t been at his best this campaign.
Nicky Henderson enjoys a terrific strike-rate at the track and TOUR D’ARGENT (5.15) is worth waiting for in the bumper on the evidence of his winning debut at Newbury last month.
At Lingfield, LAYLA’S DANCER (1.35) can follow up his course and distance success 17 days ago. He dispelled suspicions that 1m 5f would overstretch his stamina and his finishing kick could be decisive once again in what may turn out to be a tactical affair.
BAYLINI (4.20) will appreciate this step up to 10 furlongs and can overturn recent running with Layline on slightly better terms. Baylini was, as usual, doing all her best work late in a bunched finish over a mile here last Saturday. She needs to attack off a blistering pace and, with the likes of Suits Me in the line-up, there should be an honest gallop.
The impressive winning sequence of MISTER GREEN (4.55) was brought to an abrupt end last weekend but the longer trip of 12 furlongs was his undoing. Ten furlongs, tucking in off a strong end-to-end pace, is just his cup of tea and there are a few trailblazers in the field to help on that score.
Tally Ho
Alan
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