3.10pm Kempton Tips & Betting Preview 10/02/2017

A good quality handicap marks the fourth race of the day at Kempton, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: In much calmer waters, it’d be a surprise if VYTA DU ROC were not able to take advantage and win today. Six pound below his last winning mark, Nicky Henderson’s eight year old ran a good race to finish sixth in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November and never looked comfortable on his latest start at Cheltenham. He can be forgiven that run and should be more than capable of taking this race despite being off top weight with Daryl Jacob taking the ride. Brandon Hill is feared most, though he’ll need to improve if he’s to shoulder another 6lb rise for his latest win at Newbury.

1 VYTA DU ROC – Has been competing a much higher level for most of his season, including a good sixth in the Hennessy Gold Cup Chase back in November (3m 1f, Good to Soft). He’ll find this much easier than his recent assignments and looks well handicapped at present, now 6lb below his last winning mark over fences. Nicky Henderson’s yard remains in good form and Daryl Jacob also continues to ride his fair share of winners so he should be more than capable of taking this race with conditions to suit and the trip perfectly fine.

2 GEVREY CHAMBERTIN – Has been out of form this season for David Pipe but he hasn’t been able to dictate the pace on either occasion which is something this nine year old really needs. Still 7lb above his last winning mark but he’s been lightly raced over fences and has improved over timber since then. Looks to be the only pace angle in the race which means he may well get the soft lead he wants to be able to dictate the pace, and would be tough to pass if allowed to do so. Can’t be discounted with Tom Scudamore taking the ride and has to be respected with conditions to suit.

3 BRANDON HILL – Four wins from five for the Tom Lacey yard and is up another 6lb after his latest win at Newbury in January (2m 7f, Soft). He made all gamely that day though is unlikely to be given that luxury today, though he’s tracked the pace to success in the past so that isn’t too much of a concern. Conditions are fine today although he’d possibly have liked it softer but has the assistance of Richard Johnson today and looks likely to run another good race so has to be respected.

4 UPSWING – Has some good form in the book including a second at Cheltenham in a Grade 3 back in November 2015, but things have gone wildly astray since then. Still 4lb above his last winning mark but on what he’s shown off higher marks he does still look well handicapped and headgear is changed which gives hope for Jonjo O’Neill’s nine year old. Though as previously referenced, he’s only completed two runs out of six last season, pulling up on the others. Risky proposition.

5 GORSKY ISLAND – Returns from a 422 day absence after two disappointing efforts last term, well beaten at both Warwick and Ludlow towards the end of 2015. Comes up against some race fit rivals who bring good form into the race and on that basis he’s hard to recommend for the in form om George team with Adrian Heskin on board, and probably best watched.

6 RHAPANDO – First run since March 2015 when brought down here in January, held up in touch at the time (2m 4f, Good to Soft). Up in trip today and has stamina to prove which is a concern, as his pedigree doesn’t give much hope that he’ll stay the distance. Hard to completely dismiss as a C&D on his penultimate start, but others make far more appeal.

7 BLAMEITALONMYROOTS – Made a respectably return to action this season when third at Ascot in November (2m 7f, Good to Soft), staying on well behind Minella Daddy. She was however disappointing on her latest start at Newbury when pulled up on New Year’s Eve, tailed off from quite an early stage. Back onto her last winning mark with conditions to suit and proven stamina at this trip, she is certainly not one to discount but that latest start is off putting. Place claims for sure but needs more for win purposes.

8 CLOUDY BOB – Ten year old veteran who wasn’t disgraced here on his latest start a few weeks ago, finishing third behind Foxtail Hill (2m 4f, Good to Soft). Going up in trip is likely to suit and he’s a previous C&D winner, who usually performs at his best here. He’s now 1lb below his last winning mark and surely has each way claims if back to his best today for Pat Murphy and Tom Greatrex with conditions to suit.