UK Horse Racing Tips: Kempton

VEGAS BLUE's success in a Listed bumper against her own sex at Huntingdon earlier in the month was a very taking display and the fact Nicky Henderson pitches her in here for her debut over timber suggests she could be out of the top drawer. The Seven Barrows master has won this contest twice since 2015, with Altior and Mister Fisher, and she can also take advantage of the 7lb mares' allowance. Getaway Fred built on his Exeter second when scoring well at Chepstow last month and appears the most solid threat, while the Paul Nicholls pair, Ecco and Red Force One, can fight it out for the minor honours.
Prediction : 1st Vegas Blue 2nd Getaway Fred 3rd Ecco

Roll Again won decisively on his second outing over fences at Ludlow eight days ago and has to enter calculations under a 7lb penalty with his stable flying at present. Simply The Betts is on an upward curve and promises to be suited by the step up to 2m4f but the vote goes to HOLD THE NOTE. Connections won this prize with Glen Forsa 12 months ago and the five-year-old is entitled to come forward from his return to action at Ludlow last month. Others to note include Fidux, who shaped as though he would improve from his latest start at Haydock, and Solomon Grey, who will find this a much easier task than chasing home Cyrname and Altior at Ascot.
Prediction : 1st Hold The Note 2nd Roll Again 3rd Simply The Betts

SLATE HOUSE was firmly in contention when tipping up two out in the BetVictor Gold Cup two starts ago and gained some element of compensation when collecting in a novice chase at Huntingdon 18 days ago. Colin Tizzard's charge shades the vote ahead of Black Op, who ran Champ close in Grade 2 company at Newbury last time, and improving Paul Nicholls inmate Danny Whizzbang, who was having his first run since undergoing wind surgery when landing a three-runner Grade 2 contest at Newbury last month. Master Tommytucker, a stablemate of the last-named and who is now sporting a first-time tongue-tie, completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Slate House 2nd Black Op 3rd Danny Whizzbang

Four, five and six-runner fields have become the norm in this prestigious contest in recent years, so punters are in for a festive treat with 10 rivals declared for this year's heat. Nicky Henderson still remains the go-to man, however, as he bids to land a hat-trick of victories and his seventh win in the last 10 renewals. His FUSIL RAFFLES did well to wear down Grand Sancy off a slow gallop to land the Elite Hurdle and confirmed his effectiveness under these conditions when he romped home by nine lengths in the Adonis over C&D in the spring. Stablemate Epatante is another with strong C&D-winning form in the book and bounced back from her Cheltenham Festival disappointment last season with an impressive Listed handicap success at Newbury latest. Henderson's hand is strengthened further by the returning Verdana Blue, though a bigger danger to the aforementioned pair may be Paul Nicholls' Getaway Trump, who returns from a spell chasing.
Prediction : 1st Fusil Raffles 2nd Epatante 3rd Getaway Trump

Harry Cobden has opted to ride Cyrname, who recently lowered the colours of Altior, over last year's winner Clan Des Obeaux and both warrant plenty of respect in a cracking renewal. Footpad was hugely impressive on his seasonal reappearance at Thurles and is an excellent spare ride for Barry Geraghty, who replaces the injured Daryl Jacob. However, the one they all have to beat is Colin Tizzard's LOSTINTRANSLATION. He was amongst the best novices around last season, finishing second in the JLT before hacking up at Aintree, and has took another step forward this term. Faultless at Carlisle before readily seeing off Haydock specialist Bristol De Mai in the Betfair Chase, the demands of this race should suit him down to the ground and he looks certain to be there or thereabouts at the finish. The loveable Thistlecrack, second in this race 12 months ago, and Aso complete the line-up.
Prediction : 1st Lostintranslation 2nd Footpad 3rd Cyrname

The lightly-raced Laskadine is a fascinating runner on handicap debut and the betting market is likely to prove a good guide as to what is expected from her, but MR PUMBLECHOOK looks a slightly more solid option. He stepped up on his pleasing Plumpton reappearance when second in a similarly competitive handicap at Newbury and makes plenty of appeal off a mark just 3lb higher. Our Power, making his first outing for Nigel Twiston-Davies, and Elysees also merit consideration.
Prediction : 1st Mr Pumblechook 2nd Laskadine 3rd Our Power