Eight runners have been declared for the Class 3 handicap over 1m4f on Kempton’s Wednesday card. Read our full race preview for our experts’ betting tips.
IN SUMMARY: Red Rannagh has the latent ability to overcome his current mark if others set a decent gallop, but he seems to lack a change of gear and is becoming rather frustrating. Preference is for FASHION PARADE, who was poorly positioned throughout when third over 1m3f here three weeks ago and is now 2lb better off with Rock Steady, who finished ahead of the selection in second but enjoyed the run of the race that day. Isharah didn’t run particularly well on turf last time but has a good AW record and some scope to make progress back on this surface. Lightly raced filly Loveable Helen is another that may benefit from today’s return to an artificial surface.
1 Rock Steady – Runner-up three consecutive times since scoring at Windsor (1m2f, good to firm) in July, most recently in first-time cheekpieces (now removed) over 1m3f here three weeks ago; today’s trip won’t be a problem but subsequent 2lb rise might be.
2 Red Rannagh – Yet to add to his 1m maiden win at Dundalk 11 months ago but only had four starts for new stable this year and ran well when third over 1m3f here last month; current mark not beyond him, but he might be reliant on others setting a decent pace.
3 Fashion Parade – Bounced back from two disappointing efforts when third over 1m3f here three weeks ago; finished just behind Rock Steady on that occasion but found herself trapped on the outside, and is 2lb better off with that rival now; one to consider.
4 Loveable Helen – Delivered on debut promise when easily winning Newcastle maiden (1m2f, AW) in August; struggled to land a blow after taking too keen a hold in 1m4f Goodwood handicap later that month but is back on the AW today and can fare better if more settled this time.
5 Marmajuke Bay – Won consecutive 1m4f starts on softish turf in May/June and returned from break with very respectable third in valuable contest at Haydock (1m6f, soft) last month; latest run was slightly disappointing, though, and 1m4f on Polytrack may not provide an adequate stamina test.
6 Isharah – Placed on all three AW starts, including when winning 9.4f Wolverhampton maiden in February; current handicap mark not an obvious gift and he finished only in midfield when upped to 1m6f on turf last month, but there might still be some improvement to come back on an artificial surface.
7 Maestro Mac – Ended three-race 2yo campaign with 8.6f AW maiden win at Wolverhampton but hasn’t made the progress that might have been hoped for in turf handicaps this year; second of five at Beverley (1m4f, good to firm) last month but ran poorly (albeit on good to soft ground) last time; others preferred.
8 Duck A L’Orange – Gained breakthrough win when making all at Newmarket (1m4f, good to firm) in July, his ninth start; latest turf run was very disappointing, though, and he needs to bounce back with a new career-best performance to have any chance on AW debut.
myracing Forecast Prices: 11/4 Rock Steady, 3/1 Red Rannagh, 5/1 Fashion Parade, 7/1 Loveable Helen, 8/1 Isharah, 10/1 Maestro Mac, 12/1 Marmajuke Bay, Duck A L’Orange