Daily Mail tipster Sam Turner has today's TV races from Kempton and Warwick covered.
2.05 Kempton
Vibrato Valtat was entitled to find the drop to two miles behind Un De Sceaux too quick a test last time and is respected back at today’s trip, however VANITEUX (Best price 6-4) is afforded another chance now he tackles better ground and flat track once again. The selection hasn’t always impressed with his finishing effort, but the switch to two-and-a-half miles and Kempton – a track where he has run well before – could be the catalyst for him to regain the winning thread.
2.40 Kempton
MODUS (Best price 10-1) and CHESTERFIELD (Best price 9-1) were seventh and eighth in the prestigious Ascot handicap won by Brain Power before Christmas and both should appreciate today’s step up in trip. As most punters are aware, the former is a quirky character but he has run very well on occasion this season and his price looks very fair for a horse that has traditionally mixed it in some of the hottest hurdle handicaps that have been run in the past two seasons. Seamus Mullins has hit the crossbar in a number of valuable handicap hurdles this winter so Chesterfield wouldn’t be winning out of turn if he can land the 32Red Lanzarote Hurdle. Chesterfield’s comeback run for new connections at Ascot was highly satisfactory and his previous start saw him crash out at the last when coming to win a decent handicap at today’s venue.
3.15 Kempton
KRUZHLININ (Best price 5-1) won this corresponding chase 12 months ago and should make a bold bid at repeating the feat this afternoon. A gritty handicap hurdle win at Haydock before Christmas signalled the selection retains plenty of ability and, with connections eschewing a tilt at this year’s Grand National, today’s event looks a major target. Kruzhlinin is 4-7 on a right-handed track and his stats at three miles read 11731P so he appears primed to run well.
1.50 Warwick
POBBLES BAY (Best price 7-2) has proved a revelation this term, winning decisively at Uttoxeter and at Chepstow last time where he routed a smart crop of novices. He has been raised 21lb for those victories but may not have finished improving yet and remains of serious interest despite the presence of Champers On Ice and Hereford scorer Mystical Night who stayed on powerfully to win on his debut and looks a classy recruit to chasing.
2.25 Warwick
Unfortunately, 15 runners at time of writing means this is a rather unappealing medium for an each-way bet so I would rather play COGRY (Best price 8-1) and BARNEY DWAN (Best price 13-2) despite the fact they have both endured difficult chase campaigns this term. The former has already proved the decision to revert to smaller obstacles a smart one with a brave Cheltenham success. He should relish conditions today and go well if displaying the same tenacity. Barney Dwan has been hugely unfortunate in two novice chases this term and could arguably be eying up spring festival targets over fences if events had been kinder. However, he remains of interest back over hurdles and is worth supporting here.
3.00 Warwick
Geordie Des Champs was backed as if defeat was out of the question in a Newbury handicap last time and will be tough to beat back in a novice event today. However, he endured a tough race a fortnight ago and I’d prefer to back something at a bigger price that has had today’s Grade 2 in mind for a while and WILLOUGHBY COURT (Best price 8-1) fits that criteria. The course and distance maiden hurdle won by Ben Pauling’s charge has produced wins for Lough Derg Farmer and Dingo Dollar as well as a number of placed efforts and he appeared to relish the stiffer test of stamina after suffering defeat at the hands of Get On The Yager at Market Rasen first time out. He also won his bumper at the Midlands track so could be a bit of value to complete the hat-trick.
3.35 Warwick
Lucinda Russell’s Scottish raider ONE FOR ARTHUR (Best price 12-1) emerged best of those that were held up in the Becher Chase before Christmas and ought to build on that display in today’s marathon test. In the circumstances, the selection did extremely well to finish within three lengths of winner Vieux Lion Rouge considering he barely had a horse behind him jumping three out. Hopefully, One For Arthur will race a little closer to the pace like he did at Kelso two starts ago when a decisive winner and he ought to go well if finding some rhythm at his fences early on.
The Herefordshire yard of Tom Symonds is enjoying a good run of it at present and KAKI DE LA PREE (Best price 9-1) could also be worth playing as he goes well on deep ground and a left-handed track. Considering he has been placed in Grade 2 company over fences, he doesn’t appear badly treated on 137 and is worth a saver.
Read Sam Turner's tips in the Daily Mail every day or at www.dailymail.co.uk/racing
