UK Horse Racing Tips: Kempton

DISTANT APPLAUSE didn't enjoy a clear run when third at Chelmsford on his most recent outing, and the five-year-old could take advantage off a 1lb lower mark for Dominic Ffrench Davis. He is now just below his last winning mark and should be right up there in a weak-looking opener. Tilsworth Rose has found one too good the last twice but has a wide draw to try and defy, while the equally-consistent Drop Kick Murphi is another who should be involved.
Prediction : 1st Distant Applause 2nd Tilsworth Rose 3rd Drop Kick Murphi

DARTINGTON took a big leap forward from his debut when third at Lingfield recently for Marcus Tregoning, and this is a nice opportunity for the Siyouni colt to open his account against largely inexperienced types. He stayed on well after being supported in the betting when last seen and could prove too strong for newcomer Arctic Vega, who cost 220,000gns as a yearling and is a half-brother to Group 3 winner Chilean. Eastern General and Paxos are other debutants to keep an eye on.
Prediction : 1st Dartington 2nd Arctic Vega 3rd Paxos

Irish Acclaim has had a couple of good chances now to get off the mark and failed for Clive Cox, with the Lambourn-based handler fitting his charge with first-time cheekpieces for this first attempt at 7f. Already-gelded newcomer Al Badr warrants a betting check, while Swan River is related to a US Grade 1 winner and cost 210,000 euros as a yearling. Preference, though, is for RONDO, who shaped with promise on debut at Newmarket last summer. A half-brother to six winners, that experience in August won't have been lost on him and an extra furlong could make the difference.
Prediction : 1st Rondo 2nd Irish Acclaim 3rd Swan River

A competitive heat in which GUROOR is just a tentative vote. Progressive in all-weather handicaps at the back end of last year, the four-year-old filly will have appreciated a subsequent break and could still be well treated off the same mark as when a good second at Lingfield last time. It would be no surprise to see Finespun win a race of this nature, given her decent form, smart pedigree and powerful connections, while Voi should also be considered.
Prediction : 1st Guroor 2nd Finespun 3rd Voi

CONCIERGE has done enough in outings at Newcastle and Chelmsford the last twice to suggest his winning turn is near. The handicapper has given the Society Rock gelding another chance off 85 and the distance winner looks the one to be on. Treacherous was in excellent nick here on Sunday but now has a 5lb penalty to contend with following that success, while El Hombre has been eased 1lb and wouldn't be a surprise winner.
Prediction : 1st Concierge 2nd Treacherous 3rd El Hombre

HOME BEFORE DUSK has enjoyed a consistent spell over the past few months, having improved 34lb since winning at Newcastle last June, and there is every chance the five-year-old might yet have more to offer despite a 4lb rise for a recent second over C&D. King's Slipper bounced back to form for a change to more positive tactics when runner-up here on his latest start and he could produce a similar effort if ridden the same way, while Albadr is of interest making his handicap debut having won at the course two starts ago.
Prediction : 1st Home Before Dusk 2nd Kings Slipper 3rd Albadr

AGENT OF FORTUNE continues to progress up the handicap ranks for Gary Moore, having dropped to a rating of 50 before making her yard debut in December, and scored twice in two days Chelmsford and Lingfield at the end of last month before completing a hat-trick over this C&D on Monday. The mare has a 5lb penalty to contend with for that latest success but she doesn't appear to have reached her ceiling yet and can strike again for the Cisswood handler. Venusta forced a dead-heat with the selection in the aforementioned Chelmsford event and warrants plenty of respect on her second outing for Patrick Owens, while recent course winner Waitaki appears best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Agent Of Fortune 2nd Venusta 3rd Waitaki

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