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THE CHRISTMAS MEETING AT KEMPTON - DAY TWO
KEMPTON
Wednesday 27th December
12:35 Sword Security Juvenile Novices' Hurdle Class B
<H> __
"THE ROOK" __ Unenviable choice for punters today, their evaluation complicated by Jack Frost's potential grip on today's proceedings, and the likely appearance of Smudger Smith at Chepstow. Jocko Glasses is the unoriginal choice.. He has the best form of these on the flat, and didn't run too badly behind Caesar's Palace on his hurdling debut 19 days ago... he'll come on a lot for that experience. I know connections of EL Emel will be hoping for a good run from this ex German trained individual who won a maiden at Krefeld in march. he may be worth an eachway interest
'No.1 CHOICE' __ Jocko Glasses
(e/w) Alternative? __ El Emel
1:05 Pertemps Learning Novices' Handicap Chase Class C
<H> __SIR OLIVER, AONFOCALEILE, and GIGOLO GERRY
"THE ROOK" __ There is plenty of pace in this race, and I'm hoping that Gigolo Gerry, who ran a great race behind Kabal of Life at Doncaster (a winner since). He looked in need of the run that day, and whilst I'm a little concerned that he's never put his head in front since joining Richard Rowe, there is so much raw potential here, he is a hard horse to pass over.... lets hope nobody gets past him today!!!
'No.1 CHOICE' __ Gigolo Gerry,
(e/w) Alternative? __ Aonfocaleile,
1:35 Pertemps Executive Network Handicap Chase Class C
<H> __WISE REFLECTION
"THE ROOK" __ This is another open looking chase; Native Player, Artemis, Bank Avenue, and Eau De Cologne, look the main principals. Bank Avenue ran a great race on his comeback at Cheltenham, after injury, when he fell when looking a certain 2nd to Arlequin de Sou at Cheltenham. He'll go well, as will Eau de Cologne who finished second to Good Lord Murphy (beaten 11 lengths at Ascot), but Artemis, the winner if his only start over fences 406 days ago when beating Merry Path here (He and Merry Path finished a distance clear of the third) and could be better than this grade
'No.1 CHOICE' __Artemis
(e/w) Alternative? __ Magic Dancer, a professional loser, but dangerous potentially if he's produced right
2:10 I.T. Recruitment Handicap Chase Class D
<H> __
"THE ROOK" __ Another handicap nightmare for punters, eighteen could line up in the fourth... Ryalux, Jacdor, Beefy Nova, Forest Dante, Nigello, Blowing Rock, amongst those lined up. There is plenty of pace on here, and this should suit Forest Dante, down to the ground, and I can see him creeping into the race off the final bend. He's a great eachway bet in my view, but for the purposes of this, I will make him the selection... The eachway 'vote of confidence' goes to Struggles Glory, a very good horse pointer who for his pilot may have climbed to higher proximity (don't forget the Winning Line were trying to buy him last season). He always looked as though he could do well under rules; it's a shame David Robinson waited a little too long. Ben Hitchcott is a good choice of rider for him. I hope he nicks a place at a rewarding price... PRICEWISE will probably go after him now !!!
'No.1 CHOICE' __ Forest Dante
(e/w) Alternative? __ Struggles Glory
2:45 Pertemps Christmas Hurdle Class A Grade 1
<H> __ASHLEY PARK, and GEOS
"THE ROOK" __ This is a tough one for because both, Ashley Park, and Geos figure in my Champion Hurdle calculations.... I was so impressed with Ashley Park in the Champion Hurdle, Ive never seen a horse travel as well as he did that day, he really went too well throughout, and didn't get home as a result.... I am already on record as stating that Istabraq will be beaten by a horse that has the gears and form of the flat as Istabraq had before embarking on his glorious hurdling campaign.... Ashley Park has the ability to do it, it's a question of him putting it together on the day, and right now for all his ability, that is a major weakness in the armoury.
Geos will I'm certain also figure prominently in that event in March, and I was more that just a bit confidence that he'd win the Bula Hurdle (Hopefully some of you took the advice and were on early on him that day). Mister Morose will ensure a strong pace for him and he may go close, but may not be good enough
'No.1 CHOICE' __ Ashley Park
(e/w) Alternative? __ If there is one its Seebald who travelled well in the Bula Hurdle until the final straight, and may appreciate this tighter track, but I think this is more a forecast race on the principles
3:15 Pertemps Education Network Handicap Hurdle Class C
<H> __
"THE ROOK" __ This has been a really hard racecard to call and the last is exactly the same vein. Mister Doon, Be My Mot, Ibin St James, Pealings, Townie, Ivor's Flutter, and Sau-Mynde, all come here with decent claims. Mister Bigtime was a 20/1 "(e/w) Alternative " when just getting touched off by Flying Trix at Towcester, off of 10-1, he should close today. Esprit De Cotte has the ability but has been disappointing over fences, this strongly run affair may be run to suit, and hopefully he can nick a place
'No.1 CHOICE' __ Mister Bigtime
(e/w) Alternative? __ Esprit De Cotte,
THE CHRISTMAS MEETING AT KEMPTON - DAY ONE
The FURLONG TO GO Triumvirate of columnists, 'The Rook', 'The Flatman', and Christopher Iles have been tasked with giving their view on who will win the King George next Tuesday........ First out of the gate ........
THE ROOK
CHRISTMAS MEETING AT KEMPTON PARK
Tuesday 26th December
12:40 jobs.co.uk Novices' Hurdle Class B
<H> __ Hitman, Impek, Ibis Rochelias and Jean D'Auteuil,
"THE ROOK" __ Fascinating opener as this shouldn't be considered a one-horse affair Hitman, The ex-French trio Fondmort, Impek, and Jean D'Auteuil, Entertainer, Inducement, Silk St John, and Ibis Rochelais, all have chances of sorts. Hitman is bound to be popular and those brave souls who plunged on him for the Champion Hurdle will soon their fates, whilst clearly the one to beat on the Bula Hurdle form, but he ran a stinker here in this very race on his hurdling debut and doesn't appeal. Embryonic chaser Jean d'Auteuil is a star of the future, but I'm not convinced he's mature enough for this, particularly as he struggled to win on his debut, but he is obviously well thought off and Martin Pipe is clearly adopting a softly softly approach with him. It was encouraging to read Christopher Ile's comments about Fondmort, (which is posted on the 'FOCUS ON FRANCE' page) and his form entitles him to go close here, however Impek a three times winning non-thoroughbred has been the subject of some decent reports since joining Henrietta Knight, and despite this being his debut, he will have been well schooled and is worth risking
'No.1 CHOICE' __ Impek
(e/w) Alternative? __ Jean D'Auteuil,
1:10 Network Design Feltham Novices' Chase Class A Grade 1
<H> __ SHOTGUN WILLY
"THE ROOK" __ Although there are only six runners, this looks a top class race on paper. It's fairly certain that Bindaree will try to make all, but with top class staying hurdler Bacchanal, Shotgun Willy and Crocadee likely to hassle him his task doesn't look easy. Its a strange race as you can pick holes in the armoury of all of these, and Crocadee appears to land too steeply and seems to have developed his own technique..... it has though worked thus far. Bacchanal also makes errors when winning at Newbury, and that's success was more or less gifted to him by the suicidal pace set by Wahiba Sands. Shotgun Willy looked the part when winning on the Friday before Bacchanal's win but his trainer has stated that this horse may be better on left hand tracks, so his jumping may be stretched around this right hand track ......... It's a hard one but I'd have to go with Shotgun Willy but it hopefully will be a great spectacle (although I have a suspicion that some of these will falter under the pressure likely to be applied
'No.1 CHOICE' __Shotgun Willy
(e/w) Alternative? __
1:40 eplan-solutions.net Handicap Hurdle Class B
<H> __ GOLDEN GOAL
"THE ROOK" __ Torso, Captain Miller, Delayed, Mr Lamb, Perfect Venue, Golden Goal, Chaos Theory, Pietro Bembo, and Red Guard, all have claims in an ultra competitive handicap hurdle, which will be run at a decent clip. I hate to be unoriginal but I selected Torso when he sluiced in at Huntingdon last time, and this progressive sort will be hard to beat off of 10-0....... I have to go with him. Golden Goal, will like the way the race pans out and has strong place claims
'No.1 CHOICE' __ Torso
(e/w) Alternative? __ Golden Goal
2:15 King George VI Chase Grade 1
<H> __ FIRST GOLD
"THE ROOK" __ A fascinating renewal, but enjoy it for what it is and don't get carried away about event at Cheltenham in March,... too many of the possible players in March are otherwise engaged
A-Z GUIDE
BEAU __ Obviously is a decent performer, but you do start to wonder about the actual substance of his win in the Whitbread Gold Cup last April, don't get me wrong he is one of the more progressive chasers around last term, but I don't think he improved as much as say Malborough, and Paris Pike did, and his runs thus far lend to the view that he is a little too high in the weights. He ran well when finishing third to Foxchapel King at Cheltenham in November, but disappointed badly next time out in the Hennessy at Newbury. If you want to have a wager on him, his two drawbacks , apart from possibly his ability, are the track, which appear on the face of it to be too sharp, and his style of racing. I'm not convinced he'd appreciate being harried, be it from the start or on the second circuit. He may be found out for pace, but should run his race.
BELLATOR __Comes here after finishing a creditable third to Flagship Uberalles in the Tingle Creek Chase at Cheltenham two weeks ago. However, there has to be a doubt about him staying the three-mile trip. I must say in his defence that he does travel well during his races, and is a possible beneficiary if they went too fast as I'm certain he'll be ridden well off of the pace. It will be a surprise if he were to win, but I can see him travelling well for 2m5f, depending on how his rivals approach the race will have a bearing on his place claims.... Realistically if you back him you're gambling on these going too quickly ..... not sure how likely that is
DOUBLE THRILLER __ Having followed this horse's career, I have no doubt that at his best he had the class to figure here, but he has suffered from wind problems that have stunted his progress. He returned to racecourse action when coming fourth at Newbury over hurdles back in November, after having a wind operation, and reportedly that has been successful. It would be nice to see him go well here, but realistically he currently doesn't have the credentials to do so
EDREDON BLEU __ Probably the most interesting runner in the race, the reigning Queen Mother Champion Chase winner has never raced over a trip longer 2m5f over which he has won the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon for the last three years...... Will he stay the trip? ... He does give the impression that around a track like Kempton (a flat circuit like Huntingdon). he will almost certainly get 2m 6f, and in my view the full 3 miles, if but for the presence of the likes of Beau, and possibly First Gold, he would have been a tactical ride from the front. I also think those who oppose him because they believe that connections will mess around with his tactics, may be wrong also, as I don't think that messing around with a horse's gameplan is sensible .... They'll go 'Peterborough Chase' pace and hope he lasts home .... if he leads all the way .... great, if not, as long as he's happy then connections will also be .... He has to be considered for a place
FIRST GOLD __ Is he the best chaser in France?.... maybe at he moment he is, but can he win here...... not according to Christopher Iles (which is posted on the 'FOCUS ON FRANCE' page). I have to respect Christopher's view, and I understand where he's coming from. First Gold has come back after being off the course for nearly two years with a tendon injury but has returned with a vengeance, winning on three occasions including the Prix Heros and the Prix La Haye beating the top class Al Capone on both occasions. He does seem to be handy/or lead in all of his race, and there has to be a concern that he may get drawn into a battle for the lead, however the fact trainer Francois Doumen, is prepared to confront that much be a positive sign. He of course hasn't jumped British obstacles but the fact he's jumped round Auteuil makes that less of a concern........ he must go well
FLORIDA PEARL __ The enigma is the field......... The 'Prince' who has thus far failed to get his coronation, having been placed in the last two Cheltenham Gold Cups. Returned this season with a disappointing reappearance when finishing fourth to Looks Like Trouble at Down Royal back in November, but he looked in need of that effort an probably is being given a slightly different build up this season for Cheltenham 2001. To show how much is expected of him these days, he next ran over 2m5f at Punchestown two weeks ago when he was just pipped by Native Upmanship...... There were plenty of judges who believed he threw in the towel that day, but having viewed that race, that is a harsh interpretation.... That's why he is like to go off at a decent prize. The 'Prince' is a leading contender and will be suited by the way the race is likely to be run...... he must have a big chance.
GO BALLISTIC __Runner-up to See More Business in this race last year, and in the Cheltenham Gold Cup nine months earlier. He made a winning reappearance when winning at Cheltenham two weeks ago, and comes here in good heart, but surely isn't up to this.
LADY CRICKET __ Another enigma as this mare has two clear ways of racing, and can produced a fine performance as she did when winning the Thomas Pink Gold Cup by 10 lengths from stablemate Exit Swinger at Cheltenham. However, she can disappoint as she did on several occasions last term. I thought she ran a fair race in the Hennessy at Newbury last time out, probably not quite seeing the trip out by wasn't really ever in the race that day, so its hard to tell (she certainly pass a few runners including Beau in the final straight). On a going day she's very interesting as the race always seems to suit her style of racing, so whist there are still question marks over her., she certainly has place claims
SEE MORE BUSINESS __ The former champion looking for one last hurrah ? .....The ten-year-old is the highest-rated chaser in Britain, ... and in the field has every chance of joining an elite list of horses who've won this race three times. He's been laid out for this and seemed as good as ever when winning the Charlie Hall Chase by 30 lengths at Wetherby in October. He will be very hard to beat but he does like to force the issue and at some stage will get embroiled in the battle for the lead...... might that factor get in the way of a third win here ?
HORSE SENSE __ This is a very hard race to call because the race requires you first to take a view about the likely pace of the race, simply saying 'See More Business is the best chaser around, therefore he will win' .... is the wrong approach .... he may do, but he is in for more competition than he had had since last season's Gold Cup, and even allowing for the ground that day he was found wanting tactically in that event... Gloria Victis' took the initiative on the second circuit, and the injection of pace got See More Business at it, before he stayed on where it was too late. There appears to be two scenarios likely;
OPTION 1~ Beau tries to make this a searching pace from the rise of the tape, as this track isn't ideal and he of all the runners will most want an end to end gallop... if he fails to dominate then his race could effectively be over., or
OPTION 2 ~ I think that Edredon Bleu and First Gold will allow Beau to dictate but will stay handily placed. There is a third option, where all three take each other on and 'burn themselves' out before 2m4f .... I think the last option is most unlikely and therefore haven't considered it.
Options 1 and 2, are more possible, and added to these, is of course See More Business himself, who also likes to make long runs for home these days. I think in evaluating the outcome it seems safest to work on the basis of the race being a true staying event, with the second circuit likely to be run faster (or more fiercely contested) than lap one, therefore any horse with a stamina doubt should be dismissed, plus those that aren't good enough..... I'm left with ;
SEE MORE BUSINESS;
EDREDON BLEU - I do think he'll stay;
FIRST GOLD;
FLORIDA PEARL; and
LADY CRICKET;
Of these five, the last three named do appeal as the likeliest winners, I do think See More Business might be out-manoeuvred by the pace horses when he wants to dominate on the second circuit, ( if he makes an early tactical move then it is them who may be in trouble). In any other year I think Florida Pearl would get the big race he deserves, however First Gold does look an exceptional talent, and if he's allow to get into a rhythm he may prove to be too good for Ireland's challenger. The fact that Francois Doumen has a fantastic record in the race adds to my confidence, as do victories for Baracouda and Ben Ewar at Ascot last week
'No.1 CHOICE' __ First Gold
(e/w) Alternative? __ Florida Pearl
LONGSHOT ? __ Not sure there is one, but if there is one then its Bellator, simply though on the basis that the early pace is too strong. He may creep into a place under those circumstances
2:50 Network Personnel Consultancy Wayward Lad Novices' Chase Class B
<H> __
"THE ROOK" __ Only four runners but this should closely contested. As much as I like the claims of Corniche, and Sandy Duff, this does look like a good opportunity for Dusk Duel to score. This horse has twice looked like he possessed the ability to take high rank among this season's novice chasers, and he should be too good for these
'No.1 CHOICE' __ Dusk Duel (R*ecommended)
(e/w) Alternative? __
3:25 Pertemps Catering Handicap Hurdle Class C
<H> __
"THE ROOK" __ Facts Not Fiction, Ifni Du Luc, Spunkie, Hugo De Perro, Romero, Docklands Limo, and Smint all have claims in the last however Spunkie, a useful stayer in the past on the flat does look attractively weighted off of 10-0. He was having his first effort over hurdles for two seasons when finishing third to Chapeltown, and Image de Marque II at Newbury. He is open to improvement at this more appropriate distance and should go close. Both Facts Not Fiction, who has been great heart over fences in France, and Ifni Du Luc, who won well at Fontwell are ones to fear
'No.1 CHOICE' __ Spunkie (R*ecommended)
(e/w) Alternative? __ Ifni du Luc
Happy Punting !!!
THE KING GEORGE MEETING AT KEMPTON... by
CHRISTOPHER ILES
Wednesday 20 December 2000
"OK, here goes...
The first thing that strikes me on looking at the King George is the competition for the lead there will be. Beau, Edredon Bleu and First Gold all do their winning by trying to make all and break their opponents. With 2 or 3 of these in the final race, the likely scenario is a very fierce pace, probably leading to the front-runners burning out, and the way being opened to a come-from-behind runner; a similar situation to when Nupsala benefited from Desert Orchid and Beau Ranger fighting over the lead.
The 13 entries can quickly be reduced to 8 by removing the outclassed Beau, Bellator, Double Thriller, Go Ballistic and Mulligan. This leaves 5 past winners of Grade 1 races (Direct Route, Edredon Bleu, First Gold, Florida Pearl and See More Business) and 3 recent winners of major handicaps who may still be improving (Lady Cricket, Legal Right and Marlborough).
To look more closely at each of these:
Direct Route - the race should be run to suit him, and Kempton should suit him as well, seeing how well he does round the Mildmay course. Normally, I give horses the benefit of the doubt when they're stepping up in trip (unless there's a good reason not to), but in what looks a very competitive race, there has to be a question mark about him lasting 3 miles.
Edredon Bleu - in my opinion, is less likely to get the trip than Direct Route. His style of racing is less suited to 3 miles, and the way his trainer insists on resting him for three weeks between races does suggest he takes a lot out of himself in running. That said, a number of his relatives in France won decent races at around 2m6f, so it's not impossible for him to make it home.
First Gold - the memory of him being harried by Or Jack in the Grand Steeplechase de Paris, and forced into a huge blunder, comes back here. He's won his biggest races when allowed a more or less uncontested lead, which he won't get here, and has made enough mistakes at Auteuil to make me wary of backing him at Kempton, where the fences are consistently large and stiff - not what he's used to. He has sat just off the lead and won, so could race in second or third and win that way, but I can't see this as an ideal race for him.
Florida Pearl - usually finds one or two to beat him in a finish in this sort of a race, and no obvious reason to see why he should win here.
Lady Cricket - most people seem to think she won't stay, but I think she probably will. She's improved every time she's stepped up in distance before failing to handle the tarmac at the Festival, and may have found running in the Hennessy a bit soon after her previous run. The race should be run to suit her, but I'm none too convinced about her consistency or attitude.
Legal Right - I'm not convinced, as this comes a bit soon after his Ascot win, and he's jumping up in class, but there's no obvious reason he shouldn't figure.
Marlborough - will be suited by the way the race is run, but the two questions are, is he quite good enough, and will his jumping hold up in a really fast-run race?
See More Business - has done this twice before, will enjoy Edredon Bleu and First Gold setting the race up for him, and looks very hard to beat.
So there we have it, See More Business as our probable winner, with Marlborough, Legal Right and Direct Route as the most likely of the others. I can't help noting there are enough caveats in the above to allow for most circumstances, though..."
Christopher Iles
FOCUS ON FRANCE.
THE KING GEORGE MEETING AT KEMPTON... by
THE FLATMAN
"As See More Business is well clear on the official ratings from most of this field with conditions seemingly unlikely to make him perform below par, one has to consider closely what factors will be present which could lead to him being beaten. And one factor is there which could be most significant - that is pace in the race.
This is certain with Beau, First Gold and Edredon Bleu sure to make this a good test not only over the first circuit but over the second too. I would expect Edredon Bleu to be quick enough to lead Beau over the first circuit with First Gold and See More Business forcing the pace on circuit two. The favourite may certainly not enjoy this competition throughout (a similar situation in the Gold Cup saw him fail) and I would expect this situation to set the race up for a horse coming from behind. Certainly, the news we have from our "French correspondent" about the ability of First Gold makes me believe he will be good enough to see off the favourite but I just feel he may make the odd jumping error which could prove costly.
So, what of the horses coming from behind. You could see Go Ballistic running well (encouraging comeback) without be quite good enough now at this level. Lady Cricket has a lot to prove and although I think she will stay it is being rather optimistic to think she will be good enough to prevail even though Mr McCoy can ride her more confidently than last time where the waiting tactics were overdone in my view. She has been selected by many on the grounds of value but I suspect this will have gone come race time. I suspect Bellator might like this trip (though untested over it) but I am not impressed enough with the overall level of form. Florida Pearl continues to have his detractors but one has to feel this race really looks ideal for him. Not only will it be run to suit but the distance, track and ground should be ideal. I can see him travelling strongly (as he usually does) and produced to pounce early in the straight. While I disagree that he does not find much in a finish (last time he battled like a tiger) this should not be a factor with, hopefully, those still in with a chance already having exerted themselves too much and there being no hill to climb. I do feel his run last time against Native Upmanship was a fist class effort against a probable Gold Cup winner come March.
1 Florida Pearl
2 First Gold
3 Lady Cricket
THE FLATMAN
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