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14:35 Kempton
All of todays trio of picks come from the all-weather at Kempton and we start with fourth of eight contests from the London venue.
The current favourite hails from a yard better known for its prowess over jumps as opposed to the flat but you can’t dispute that trainer Neil Mullholland has found winning ways with this runner as Mrs Burbidge looks to rack up four flat wins in a row. Interspersed with a couple of solid hurdles runs gives this horse a great chance but I’ve had to look for a bit of value elsewhere.
I’m hoping that bit of value resides in the form of seven year old Awesome Rock. A former course and distance winner who now sits on the same winning mark as when winning at this venue last time. Jockey Martin Lane rode the horse to victory that day and climbs aboard this afternoon. A low draw is always a benefit and at a double figured price it looks to have a good chance.
Awesome Rock (E/W)
15:10 Kempton
We head straight to the next race at Kempton, a two mile contest in these conditions are going to rely on horses stamina and with six of the ten runners all winning over todays trip many have a decent chance. The ones with the most notable opportunities looks to be both Haines who has won two of its three races over course and distance and Todd who has won one of its two attempts at this venue and trip. Both undoubtedly have great chances but both are on handicap mark higher than they’ve won at before and although both have great chances I’m siding against them today.
An each way mention as a potentially big priced outsider with a chance is Ordensritter who could do well at a big price but may find one or two too good.
I’m left siding with top weight Rebel Collins. A decent third placed finish here in its previous start shows it should handle todays conditions. A step up to two miles looks to have brought about a bit of improvement and trainer David Evans has his horses running very well at the moment. All weather maestro Adam Kirby is in the saddle for the first time and I’m hoping the change of pilot might bring about a change in fortunes to get this lightly raced and ultra consistent five year olds head in front.
Rebel Collins (E/W)
16:40 Kempton
Our final selection appears in the final race of the day where we have an odds on favourite in the form of Bridge Builder. The Peter Hedger trained six year old has certainly improved on its 2015 form picking up a third placed finish and a victory here at Kempton in two runs this month. The horse is brought out again quickly after its course and distance success but a six pound rise seems hefty enough and although this doesn’t look the most competitive race I just couldn’t back an odds on shot in a race of this nature.
When I initially looked at the race I was convinced Wedgewood Estates would go close and I’m still of that belief. However trainer Tony Carroll is searching desperately for a winner and I just can’t be positive that he will find that long awaited victory with his runner in this.
I value course and distance form when it comes to the all weather and it’s one of the three course winners that gets my vote here.
Lutine Charlie may be in the twilight of its career at the age of nine but after a third placed finish last time out it shows it still retains a good level of ability. It finished behind Bridge Builder today but the weight difference is another six pounds today which, considering it finished six lengths behind, may see the Emma Owen trained runner get much closer to its former rival.
Lutine Charlie (E/W)