UK Horse Racing Tips: Kempton

HOLD THE SERVE hasn't looked back since disappointing on his Rules/hurdling bow, winning a novice at Wincanton before defying a penalty at Market Rasen. The six-year-old isn't obviously well treated from an opening mark of 123, but he's improving at a rate of knots and might be up to the task. Irish recruit Charlus merits closer inspection given his level of Flat ability, and veteran Whatsupwithyou is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Hold The Serve 2nd Charlus 3rd Whatsupwithyou

PRECIOUS MAN was giving 5lb to One Horse Town when defeated by him on his seasonal/UK debut at Cheltenham in November. He built on that effort to score decisively over C&D last month and, with a pull at the weights, he is expected to reverse the Prestbury Park form. La Luna Artista (fifth) didn't run badly behind One Horse Town (second) on Trials Day, but will probably need another step forward to upset the applecart.
Prediction : 1st Precious Man 2nd One Horse Town 3rd La Luna Artista

JAX JUNIOR still holds a speculative entry in the Arkle next month. He won a handicap impressively at Sandown three weeks ago and holds every chance of landing some black-type today, especially given that he's favoured at the weights. Musselburgh scorer Go West can push the selection closest, but Jasmine Bliss did win a Listed mares' event at Huntingdon and is no back number in receipt of 2lb.
Prediction : 1st Jax Junior 2nd Go West 3rd Jasmine Bliss

In a wide-open renewal of this Grade 2, marginal preference is for MUSTANG DU BREUIL. Nicky Henderson's gelding won well on his debut for these connections at Doncaster earlier in the month and the four-year-old can take full advantage of his age allowance here. Desertmore News bolted up on his Rules debut at Southwell recently and should not be underestimated at this level. Double Measure did not have much to beat at Huntingdon last time but he did it very easily, while Klub De Reve and Storming George are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Mustang Du Breuil 2nd Desertmore News 3rd Double Measure

Hoe Joly Smoke has been running well in defeat in competitive handicaps this season and is likely to be in the mix once again. That said, preference is for KATATE DORI, who bolted up in this race 12 months ago. Sam Thomas' gelding is 11lb higher now, but his close second at Cheltenham last time shows that he can be successful off this sort of mark. Leader In The Park edges out Kdeux Saint Fray and The Doyen Chief to be next best.
Prediction : 1st Katate Dori 2nd Hoe Joly Smoke 3rd Leader In The Park

Olive Nicholls and Viroflay have struck up a great partnership and were rewarded for their consistency with a 3m triumph at the Christmas meeting here. They should give another bold sight from the front, but CALIFET EN VOL could be better treated. Sent off favourite for an Aintree Grade 1 hurdle less than a year ago, Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old hasn't lived up to expectations over fences yet, but he has been set some stiff assignments and the experience he is gathering can help him fulfil his potential. The enigmatic Bad is 19lb higher than when winning this last year, but reversed Ascot form with Etalon when eventually putting his best foot forward there last month. Javert Allen enters the equation as well.
Prediction : 1st Califet En Vol 2nd Viroflay 3rd Bad

MERLIN ALLEN produced a sparkling performance on his introduction at Aintree, winning as he liked, and the runner-up has since acquitted himself well in Listed company to give the form some gravitas. Jane Williams has a smart prospect on her hands but there are bright prospects in opposition, not least Le Roi Remi, who laughed at his Sandown rivals. Smile John Boy beat Ma Wang Des Bois at Hereford before disappointing at Warwick, while Rattlin Home struck between the flags in Ireland and now represents the Skeltons.
Prediction : 1st Merlin Allen 2nd Le Roi Remi 3rd Ma Wang Des Bois