With Kelso abandoned it now means we’ve got plenty of Flat action to get stuck into, with all-weather action at Kempton and Chelmsford along with an interesting Group 3 contest at the Curragh, where I fancy a Ballydoyle horse to go onto some good things this season.
1.30 Kempton – Sky Warrior (Win)
There is not much form to go on here, but I am going to give my slight preference to Sky Warrior for Clive Cox. He’s got a few things against him, a wide draw and a 7lb penalty to carry, but his form is the best in the race with his win at Doncaster last season. That day, he beat Blue Prince, who has won some good races on the all-weather this winter. If he can pick up from where he left off, he might be a horse to follow this season.
2.05 Kempton – Choisya (Win)
This is a trappy contest, but Choisya makes the most appeal to me here. She improved rapidly last season for Simon and Ed Crisford, which included beating Julia Augusta, over this course and distance in handicap company last November. I think Choisya is a horse that could still be on an upward curve this season, as the Crisfords know what they are doing with their fillies’ and it looks like they have found a good opportunity for her to earn some blacktype.
2.40 Kempton – Intinso (Win)
There was plenty to like about the way Intinso won at Wolverhampton last month for John and Thady Gosden. That was his first run after a gelding operation, and he looked to have plenty of gears over the 1m4f trip. The handicapper has given him an 8lb rise for that performance, but I think he’ll still got a lot more up his sleeve. If the son of Siyouni was to win this race, well, it means we’re probably looking at a Group horse, and he could be one to keep on side moving forward.
2.55 Curragh – Greenland (Win)
Again this is a difficult race, but I quite like Greenland to run a nice race here. It’s fair to say he was maybe one of Ballydoyle’s lesser lights last season, but I thought he ran well on a few occasions, including a respectable third behind Big Rock at Paris Longchamp last April. I think there are a few in here that have questions to answer, including Greenland, but I think he could be a horse that can land some nice races for Aidan O’Brien this season.
3.15 Kempton – Duty Of Care (Each Way)
Cases can be made for plenty in here; however, I am just going to give the nod to Duty Of Care each way, who looks a little overpriced. He loves it around Kempton, having won over this course and distance twice in his career. The six-year-old gelding does have a wide draw to overcome, but he can be ridden off the pace, which his jockey Saffie Osborne might decide to do. He’s now 2lb lower than when he finished second in this race last year, so if he can run up to that level, I can see him making the frame.
3.30 Chelmsford – Capulet (Win)
If you win this race, you get an entry into the Kentucky Derby, and that’s why Aidan O’Brien has made the journey to Essex with Capulet. The maestro trainer has never won America’s most famous race, but Capulet’s sire, Justify, won it in 2018, and maybe connections are interested in having a runner in this year’s race given his pedigree. When it comes to looking at this race from a form perspective, I think he’s the best horse in the race, and his third in the Royal Lodge Stakes is the best any of these have achieved. Maybe the likes of Cuban Tiger and Orne have a fitness edge on him, but they are both turned out again quickly after running at Newcastle last week, and these have plenty to find on the ratings. I think Capulet is the most solid option here.
3.45 Kempton – Ahlain (Win)
Ahlain doesn’t mind a trip to Kempton, as she is undefeated in her two runs at the track. At the time of writing, we only have five runners, but I think this will suit Ahlain, as I can imagine Neil Callan wanting to dictate the pace from the front. Furthermore, he has a good record when riding for James Tate, they combined for a 25% strike last year. The favourite is Devoted Queen for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby, but I don’t think she has achieved much in her one start and this will pose a new challenge for her, so I am keen to take her on.
Bet Of The Day: 2.25 Kempton – Intinso
