UK Horse Racing Tips: Kempton

BARON NOIR finished second in what appeared to be a warm maiden hurdle at Warwick before going one better at Uttoxeter. Alan King's gelding is capable of further progression and is expected to come out on top. Swingin Safari made amends for falling at Chepstow when scoring at Wincanton and is likely to be in the mix. Others to consider are Shabalko D'herm and Kocktail Bleu.
Prediction : 1st Baron Noir 2nd Swingin Safari 3rd Shabalko Dherm

LEADER IN THE PARK made a bold bid on his return to action at Newbury when just edged out after the final fence. That run is likely to bring him forward and the eight-year-old, who already boasts a C&D success, makes plenty of appeal, despite a 4lb rise. Old Cowboy has to enter the reckoning following his Newbury triumph, while Peso is entitled to step forward from his chase debut at the same track.
Prediction : 1st Leader In The Park 2nd Old Cowboy 3rd Peso

PRECIOUS MAN sets the standard based on his UK debut when runner-up in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. Dan Skelton's charge may well have finished closer but for fluffing the last, along with losing both front shoes, and this represents a fine opportunity after wind surgery. Wertpol made an excellent beginning to his hurdling career at Taunton and should have a future at this game. Dissident and King Al have place claims.
Prediction : 1st Precious Man 2nd Wertpol 3rd Dissident

SOUL ICON still has to prove he stays this far, but he is now on the same mark as when winning the Desert Orchid here in 2024. If the trip is no issue, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him play a leading role. Last month's Sandown winner Welcom To Cartries could prove to be the main threat, although The Doyen Chief should not be discounted.
Prediction : 1st Soul Icon 2nd Welcom To Cartries 3rd The Doyen Chief

KALIF DU BERLAIS failed to fire on his return in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, but his previous Grade 1 victory at Aintree suggests that he could be hard to beat if back to his best. Edwardstone would be the most likely beneficiary if the selection disappoints once again as he is favoured at these weights. However, Boombawn and Master Chewy can't be written off.
Prediction : 1st Kalif Du Berlais 2nd Edwardstone 3rd Boombawn

FRENCH SHIP was still in contention when he came down at Chepstow in October, but emphatically put the record straight with ready successes at Cheltenham and Newbury. He still has untapped potential and a 10lb rise could underestimate the progressive six-year-old. A Pai De Nom and Lanesborough are formidable opponents based on their upwardly-mobile profiles. Came From Nowhere, Fasol and Beat The Bat are just a few more options in a deeply-competitive renewal.
Prediction : 1st French Ship 2nd A Pai De Nom 3rd Came From Nowhere

WILLIETHEBUILDER was second to the progressive Lanesborough at Doncaster on his penultimate start and a bold showing from that winner in the Lanzarote would be a timely boost for the form here. Having subsequently scored readily over C&D at the Christmas fixture, the case for the Christian Williams-trained gelding looks strong. Quaviste is still unexposed over hurdles and should be capable of at least being on the premises. Courageous Strike and Oakley's Way are appealing alternatives.
Prediction : 1st Williethebuilder 2nd Quaviste 3rd Courageous Strike