We’ve analysed every runner in the 3.50pm Kempton on Friday and given you a summary with some betting pointers and our tip!
In summary: AUDACIOUS PLAN (Non Runner) needs to put a disappointing run in November behind him but he comes he fairly fresh, stays well and can take this if replicating the form that saw him reach the frame in two very competitive events last year. Tinker Time is likely to be popular after his 7l success at Ludlow in December but he was slightly flattered by the winning margin that day and a bigger threat to the selection may come from Silvergrove, who has made steady progress since early 2015. Wizards Bridge and A Good Skin also deserve mentions.
SHUIL ROYALE – Won three of first four starts for Harry Fry last year, including a Listed handicap at Uttoxeter (3m2f, good) in June, but returned from break with two lesser efforts in November/December; today’s conditions ought to suit, but he needs to get back on track.
NED STARK – Landed a Grade 2 novice chase last season and made satisfactory reappearance when sixth in warm Ascot handicap (3m, good) in October; subsequent defeat in Hennessy Gold Cup can be overlooked but he ran poorly over C&D on latest outing (albeit hampered at first fence), and now needs first-time cheekpieces to perk him up.
A GOOD SKIN – Seems to have a few quirks but ended last season with two wins and was very creditable third in Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton (3m1f, soft) in November; respected on that evidence and heavy ground a plausible excuse for last month’s Cheltenham defeat.
DOING FINE – Yet to add to his chase-debut win in October 2014 but returned from break with good third at Chepstow (2m7f, good) in October and will be fine on today’s slower ground; pulled up when last in action but made a significant jumping error in the early stages that day and can do better here; tongue-tie refitted. (Non Runner)
STANDING OVATION – Enjoyed a revival last summer and took a Listed handicap at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good to soft); stays much further than that trip but wasn’t in peak form when well-held third on latest outing in October and today’s ground is slower than he prefers. (Non Runner)
SEEBRIGHT – Completed quick hat-trick over fences in spring 2014 but wasn’t seen again until pulling up over hurdles here on Boxing Day; entitled to have benefited from that outing and seems versatile ground-wise but needs to prove his old ability remains.
KILBREE KID – Back over normal fences after struggling in cross-country events at Cheltenham on last two starts; well suited by 3m on a right-handed track but has more to prove than several of today’s rivals and probably wants better ground; cheekpieces refitted.
FINANCIAL CLIMATE – Ran well when sixth over the big fences at Aintree (3m2f, soft) in December and last month’s third at Cheltenham (3m2f, heavy) was also very respectable; however, he remains on a career-high mark and may find 3m here and inadequate stamina test.
TINKER TIME – 3-10 over fences after drawing nicely clear to score at Ludlow (3m1f, soft) in December; also has a C&D success to his name and is evidently in very good nick, but has 9lb rise to overcome in what looks a stronger race today.
WIZARDS BRIDGE – Pulled up after blundering at consecutive fences at Chepstow last month but was in good form beforehand, including when beating a subsequent winner to score at Exeter (3m, soft); player if avoiding any significant jumping errors this time; swaps cheekpieces for first-time blinkers.
AUDACIOUS PLAN – Strong stayer who was runner-up over 3m6f at Punchestown festival in May and also ran well when fourth in competitive event at Cheltenham (3m1f, good) in October; jumped and ran poorly back at Cheltenham the following month but could be the answer today if refreshed by three-month break. (Non Runner)
SILVERGROVE – Lost his rider when clear on the run-in at Sandown in December but dug deep to gain compensation at Newbury (3m2f, soft) just after Christmas; subsequent 6lb rise demands more but he looks progressive and goes on the shortlist.
SUN WILD LIFE – Seemed to cope quite well with step up to 3m and made quite encouraging seasonal debut when fourth at Exeter (3m, soft) in November, but took backward step when pulled up the following month; current mark looks workable but he has a point to prove.
myracing Forecast Prices: 4/1 Tinker Time, 11/2 Silvergrove, 7/1 A Good Skin, 8/1 Ned Stark, Wizards Bridge, 12/1 Shuil Royale, 14/1 Financial Climate, 20/1 Seebright, Sun Wild Life