Ivestar looks one of the more likely outlets of winners beneath the Wolverhampton floodlights.
Mick Easterby’s sprinter hardly excelled in January, but connections might be cautiously optimistic of a good show in the Compare Bookmakers At bookmakers.co.uk Handicap.
The nine-year-old is obviously not getting any quicker these days, but he can win off a mark of 55 if his winter runs at Kempton and over course and distance are factored into the equation.
Ivestar was only beaten half a length on both occasions, and will, importantly, again have the services of James Sullivan, who has won before on the old boy.
Sullivan was not present in the saddle on his two runs at Southwell last month, where, on the face of it, he performed disappointingly.
That said, the manner in which he finished off his race on his most recent foray to the racecourse will at least have offered Easterby hope he is still in the right frame of mind to win this.
God’s Speed really ought to be landing the Coral Mobile “Just Three Clicks To Bet” Median Auction Maiden Stakes.
Rae Guest’s Investec Derby entry looked sharp over an extended mile here in January when he chased home Like A Diamond.
The Oratorio colt had the third horse well held that day, so it is safe to assume there could be more to come.
This extra furlong is also likely to bring about even more improvement.
Master Of Disguise can end a long losing run in the Best Odds At bookmakers.co.uk Handicap.
Caution is obviously advised as Brian Baugh’s eight-year-old has not hit the mark since January 2012, but he has shown a consistent streak since returning from a summer break.
The gelded son of Kyllachy was a little head-strong over course and distance two and a half weeks ago, but still kept on for third spot.
This does not look as good a race, while the handicapper has also taken off another 1lb.
Court Victory could be the solution to the Betdaq 3% Commission Handicap Chase at Kempton.
Emma Lavelle’s charge made little impact on his return from nearly two years off the track when lining up in a decent event at Warwick last month.
The winner that day, Corrin Wood, is viewed as a Festival candidate and it was no surprise to see Court Victory finish some 37 lengths adrift after finding it all a bit too much as the tempo picked up towards the finish.
He was first past the post on his British debut back in 2011, although he was subsequently disqualified after giving the second a bit of a bump, he clearly has ability and is more than capable of turning in a nice round of jumping.
Court Victory evidently has his problems but connections’ patience can be rewarded with a win here.
Upton Wood can go a long way to restoring his slightly bruised reputation in the Betdaq No Premium Charge Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
Chris Down’s charge appeared to get three miles well at Taunton in December, but he hung badly along the run-in and was overtaken by three other horses close home.
Assuming those kinks have been ironed out of his game , Upton Wood unquestionably deserves another try at this distance and races here off the same mark.
As long as the ground does not become an absolute quagmire, the eight-year-old chestnut should in the thick of the action.
Une Artiste lost out by just a nose in Grade Two company last time and must surely be the leading light in the Betdaq £25 No Lose Mobile Bet Graduation Chase.
A dual Listed winner over hurdles, Nicky Henderson’s charge is finally starting to shine over the bigger obstacles now and she showed plenty of determination when just being edged out by Byerley Babe at Thurles last month.
She gets a handy 7lb mares’ allowance in this race and can put the advantage to good use.
SELECTIONS
DUNDALK: 5.45 Political Policy, 6.15 Master Of Time, 6.45 Lone Star, 7.15 Iron Major, 7.45 Lord Kenmare, 8.15 Al Fahidi, 8.45 Senyuman, 9.15 Hareth.
KEMPTON: 1.30 Loyaute, 2.00 Hot Whiskey N Ice, 2.30 Notarfbad, 3.05 Upton Wood, 3.35 Une Artiste, 4.10 Court Victory, 4.40 Less Time.
WOLVERHAMPTON: 5.00 Master Of Disguise, 5.30 IVESTAR (NAP), 6.00 Ealain Aibrean, 6.30 Calaf, 7.00 Sagesse, 7.30 God’s Speed, 8.00 Starbotton.
DOUBLE: Ivestar and God’s Speed.
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