There might not be any Cheltenham fancies here, but there’s still some fantastic races in their own right. This includes this ultra-competitive Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase with three Grade Two’s to also be sorted out. And there’s a reminder that the flat is creeping closer with the Winter Derby.
Kempton
Prayer’s Answered
2:40 – Pendil Novice’s Chase (Grade Two) – Imperial Saint @ 5/2 (General)
Rubaud doesn’t look like a chaser, for some reason. L’Eau Du Sud was eased up which flattered the 1L gap between the two at Warwick two weeks ago and it’s interesting that he’s stepped up to this trip for the first time.
Imperial Saint looks more trusted, with three victories this season including one on a flat track over two-and-a-half miles at Aintree. He also placed in a Cheltenham handicap chase on Trials Day which was an attractive run. There’s a possibility that he could go to the Turners Novice Handicap, and it may be worth a good outing here to get a good mark.
Flying Fancy
3:00 – Dovecote Novice’s Hurdle (Grade Two) – Tripoli Flyer @ 3/1 (William Hill)
Despite carrying a penalty, Tripoli Flyer deserves a crack at a Grade Two, and it looks winnable too. He’s seeking a hat-trick after ultra-impressive wins by 29L at Market Rasen and 16L in the Scottish Supreme Novice Hurdle. Both have come right-handed, so will be suited to the track and the ground is in his favour too. Ultra consistent, it’s a surprise he’s not favourite.
Return Of The Power?
3:35 – Ladbrokes Trophy Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Our Power @ 8/1 (William Hill)
Our Power was the winner of this race in 2023 and has only had four runs after a long break away from racing. This season he’s placed second, both in Cheltenham handicap chases. It was confirmed that this was to be his Gold Cup, and there was no intention of him going to any bigger targets. If you look back to his 2023 run, the conditions are similar. The same mark, with a three-pound claiming jockey on board, and good ground to work on. It’s all set up for him to exploit.
Beachcomber is another to consider after winning by 10L in a handicap chase over course and distance. On recent form, it looks like he prefers going right handed, so this test will be perfect for him. He’s still got a good mark which will make him competitive and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t finish outside the top-three. 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).
Down in the weights, Charlie Uberalles makes some appeal. He won narrowly by a neck at Doncaster in a three-mile handicap chase and moves up a lenient four pounds. With 70 days away from the track, you could argue that this is a race he’s been aimed at. He’s won right-handed and will appreciate the good ground too. Each-way claims at 14/1 (General).
Southwell
It’s in the Name
3:15 – BetUK Winter Derby (Group Three) – Royal Champion @ 11/8 (William Hill)
Royal Champion certainly lived up to his billing winning the Listed Quebec Stakes at Lingfield. The form from that race took an almighty boost when Tyrrenhian Sea went and won next time out. It seems he’s not only found his level, but his surface and his new yard will be all the better for it. Expect to see much more of him in G2 & G3’s this season, and maybe the odd G1 too, particularly after he placed second in the G1 Woodbine Mile in Canada when under th
