Trainer with 57 per cent strike-rate at Kempton sends two on Thursday 🔥

Kempton has been a happy hunting ground for Andrew Balding so far this calendar year. The Berkshire-based trainer has had just seven runners there since the beginning of the month. Four of those have won which gives him a 57 per cent strike-rate so far. It could be significant that he sends two runners there on Thursday evening. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

5.30 Kempton

Storm Valley (20-1, bet365) definitely shaped as if this significant step up in trip will suit as she was slowly away on debut here over a mile last month. Made small headway towards the end of the race but the trip was clearly too sharp. Goes up to 1m4f here which should facilitate a much better performance. That debut effort would have been a good learning experience.

Her half sibling won over 7f and a mile but her dam won over 2m1f. This trip slots right in the middle of those and plenty of progress can be expected. Could perhaps be a little vulnerable from a win perspective but it would be no surprise to see her run into a place second time out.

6.00 Kempton

Strike Alliance (9-2, William Hill) has had three runs so far. He didn’t show much on debut at Salisbury over 7f when beaten by 19 lengths. Showed tiny signs of improvement at Chelmsford and Wolverhampton on his next two starts but nothing to write home about.

Stepping into handicap company is bound to suit and we should see a lot more from him in this sphere. An opening mark of 58 looks workable and he can progress from here. As he didn’t have the speed for 7f, the step up to a mile is very much in his favour. Much more is expected now and the market agrees.

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