He is getting on a bit but with the lack of stars coming through the hurdling ranks he must still have an excellent chance come the Champion at Cheltenham in March. In fact I think only he and Hardy Eustace can win it at this stage. Anyway, today he has Rigmarole and Intersky Falcon to beat. He is a better horse than either but he may not be as fit as they are for his reappearance and Kempton has not suited his racing style in the past. However, even allowing for all this I expect his class to get him through.
The 2.40 at Newbury should see another victory for the remarkable The Prince. This seems a very competitive event but so did the race at York he won by 5 lengths last time. He has been put up quite a bit by the handicapper for that success but I think he can continue on the upgrade. Should Go Tech run here he will be a difficult nut to crack and the consistent Courageous Duke should also run well.
The 3.10 at Newbury, the St Simon Stakes features First Charter and I am more than hopeful that his run of good form can continue with success here. He has run well all season especially behind Vinnie Roe in the Irish St Leger and he should have too much class, even under his penalty, for this field. Asain Heights who will be very fresh, The Whistling Teal and Self Defense can follow him home.
Finally the 2.55 at Doncaster can go the way of Go Tech should he miss his engagement at Newbury. He has been in very good form recently and has won his last three races. He would do well to avoid The Prince and take his chance here. He has most to fear from Mark Prescott’s improving three year old Regal Setting along with Carte Diamond and Soulacroix.
SELECTIONS
KEMPTON 3.20 ROOSTER BOOSTER
NEWBURY 2.40 THE PRINCE
NEWBURY 3.10 FIRST CHARTER
DONCASTER 2.55 GO TECH