Kempton Saturday

1:30 Paddy Power Chase (Novices’ Limited Handicap) 2m

The Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase run on Cheltenham’s Trials Day is always a hot contest, but particularly this year, where Simply The Betts best Imperial Aura and On The Slopes, with all three winning next time out.

Not only that but the first pair were both impressive winners of Festival handicaps this week, and some shrewdies had all three combined in doubles and trebles in the week, playing the concept of the related contingency that if the form is as strong as it looks then the chances of all three winning are inextricably linked.

Luckily for the bookies at Cheltenham, On The Slopes didn’t run in the Grand Annual yesterday, and they avoided a big payout. Chris Gordon’s novice arguably shaped best of all in January, but he made a very aggressive move at the wrong point of the race and tired understandably up the hill.

He’s since won over 2¼m here, and the drop further in trip will not be a problem based on his defeat of Not That Fuisse. This track suits him better than Cheltenham given his speed, and he can bring up the double with the minimum of fuss.

2:05 Paddy Power ‘NH’’ EBF Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Final (Grade 3) 2m 5f

I can’t believe just how well treated Hurricane Harvey is in the EBF final, and I was distraught to see last week’s meeting at Sandown cancelled due to a waterlogged track.

What seemed terrible luck last week now appears a gift from God, as the one thing that counted against him seven days ago was the prospect of a false result in desperate conditions.

The son of Doyen has won with plenty to spare in novice events at Ludlow and Wincanton on his last two starts, both on testing ground, but he’s shown form on a sound surface, and should be oblivious to underfoot conditions.

On his latest start, Hurricane Harvey appeared to have plenty in reserve when beating Southfield Harvest and St Barts at Wincanton, and both of those rivals went on to win their next races. Despite that franking of the form, the assessor has given Hurricane Harvey a very workable opening mark of 131.

He was equally impressive on his previous outing despite conceding first run, and appeals as a horse who has been laid out for this valuable prize by his shrewd and capable trainer.

2:40 Paddy Power Silver Plate Handicap Hurdle 2m 5f

Downtown Getaway is not an original choice here, but should make a bold bid to follow up his recent course and distance win. That came on the back of a breathing operation having been disappointing at Newbury on his previous start.

The problem with his is purely price related, and in anticipation of him dominating the market, I would recommend that a each-way bet on Garo De Juilley might be more prudent. Sophie Leech’s gelding was fourth in the aforementioned Timeform Novices’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, and has been running on ground which is softer than ideal for him this winter.

He shaped better than the result back over hurdles when seventh to Nordano at Ascot last month, and the return to a slightly more forgiving surface can see him back to form. He’s now 3lb lower than when winning the Silver Trophy at Chepstow last season on similar ground, and he’s dropped several hints in the meantime that he retains all his ability. His run style means he needs everything to drop right, but his price means that it’s well worth taking that chance now he’s dropped to a winning mark.

3:15 Paddy Power Silver Bowl Handicap Chase 2m 4f 110y

Almazhar Garde will need to jump better than he did at Ludlow last time if he’s to win this competitive contest, but the fact that he succeeded last time despite showing scant respect for his fences does show that he’s well handicapped. Ludlow does provide a difficult test for a novice chaser, with the track encouraging speed and tending to get inexperienced chasers on the forehand.

On the other hand, Kempton, while being a real test of jumping, does at least encourage horses to respect the big fences, and I’m hoping that’s what Charlie Longsdon’s five-year-old will do here. He’s got the right run style for this track, which favour front runners, and if he gets over the first few fences without mishap, he should give backers a mighty run for their money.

Uttoxeter Saturday

2:25 1834 Novices’ Handicap Chase 3m 2y

This contest pays to follow each year, with last year’s event producing subsequent Ladbrokes Trophy winner De Rasher Counter. Prior to that it had gone to the Harry Fry-trained Behind Time and American. American was owned by The Jago Family Partnership, and the owners have an interesting runner here in the shape of Over To Sam, who was pulled up at Exeter last time having jumped into the back of another runner and lost his footing badly.

Prior to that he’s won at Plumpton in the style of an improving animal, and he holds Virginia Chick on that running. The third-placed horse, Christmas In April has since won the Devon National, and although that looked a messy race at the time, it now appears decent form, and Over To Sam remains on the same mark. He did bleed at Exeter, and was struck into, so this appears a quick turnaround, but I’d be surprised if Harry Fry ran him if not 100% happy that he was fit to fire.

Recommended:

Hurricane Harvey 2:05 Kempton – 2pts win @ 14/1 (Coral)

Garo de Juilley 2:40 Kempton – 1pt e/w @ 28/1 general

Almazhar Garde 3:15 Kempton – 1pt win @ 12/1 (Bet365, Hills)

Over To Sam 2:25 Uttoxeter – 1pt win @ 12/1 (general)