PONT TO POUNCE AS PADDOCKS STRONGEST PICK

15:05 Kempton

The final race shown live on ITV this Sunday sees the cameras point towards a very competitive, three mile, handicap chase.

Despite how open the contest seems I have to confess and admit that I am very keen on my selection. Perhaps it’s a curse to feel so confident but returning to his favourite track ADRIEN DU PONT should be primed and ready for a bold run.

I expect a strong performance from the course and distance winning eight year old who has produced great efforts here at this venue before. He now resides on a handicap mark lower than his last success and should come on for his seasonal return. With fitness now on his side and hailing from a yard in form I’d be shocked, bar a fall, if he wasn’t to finish in the money.

Of the remainder; fellow course and distance winner Double Shuffle could mount a challenge if returning to anywhere near his best and recent victors Cap Du Nord, Darlac and Royale Pagaille cannot be readily discounted either with all holding lively chances.

Never the less it’s the Nicholls charge that gets a strong vote of confidence.

ARDIEN DU PONT (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock