15:35 Kempton – The 888 Sport Handicap Chase A three mile handicap chase that’s as competitive as any you’re likely to see. This Grade 3 contest looks wide open but with the blistering form that trainer Paul Nicholls is in it’s going to be tricky to look anywhere else but horses from his yard. Although there’s just the ten runners Nicholls is set to saddle three of the entries and the trio all have a lively chance. The most fancied of his runners is course and distance victor Adrien Du Pont who put in a sterling display here last time out to win by over three lengths. Likely to go close once again but a 7lb rise in weight seems pretty stiff. It is in fact one of Nicholls other runners that gets the nod. Modus may never have been tried over today’s three mile trip but he shouldn’t be discounted on those grounds. The longest distance he’s ever ran over (2m 5f) he was victorious in so stamina doesn’t seem to be a major obstacle. Speaking of obstacles he’s not been the most fluent jumper but I have the feeling that the slower pace that will be afforded by travelling over a longer trip should aid his jumping markedly. Not the most consistent type but punters certainly have to take him seriously especially with some bookmakers pricing him up at double figure odds. Of the remaining rivals, course and distance victors Double Shuffle and Glen Rocco won’t be far behind. MODUS (E/W)
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