A great day of racing at Kempton was the main focus to everyone’s attention with Newcastle having been abandoned due to snow on the track. The Racing Plus Chase is widely regarded as Grand National Trial and a few running in the race were being aimed at the Grand National. The faster going and tightness of the track however certainly caught a few out.

Kempton

Rewards4Racing Handicap Chase

This looked a very tricky race to work out and the race panned out like this with many travelling into contention before dropping away. Midnight Sail for Alan King was eventual winner who took it up turning for home. He battled on well and the winner and Lexicon Lad pulled clear of the running on Milarrow.

Our TOP TIP Mickleson showed up well for a long way despite never really jumping a fence. He faded tamely in the final straight and a return to hurdles looks on the cards if they want to get him back to form.

Racing UK Subscribe for Cheltenham Adonis Juvenile Hurdle

Our TOP TIP Irish Saint was made to work for this win with Vasco Du Ronceray probably running a career best. The sharp track and fast pace eventually played into the hands of Irish Saint who clearly stays really well as turning for home he looked in trouble with Ruby Walsh pushing along. He rallied under driving to join Vasco Du Ronceray who travelled really well throughout at the last and just outstayed him.

On strict formlines this puts Far West clear of Vasco Du Ronceray, Rolling Star and Irish Saint and our advised bet on Far West in the Triumph Hurdle looks a good bet.

racingplus.co.uk Pendil Novices’ Chase

Paul Nicholls won this race for the 7th time in 8 years with Grandioso outstaying Molotof who tried to make all. Grandioso however may well have been beaten by our TOP TIP Theatre Guide had he not fallen at the last. He was picking up really well at the time and his momentum would have probably seen him go past Grandioso on the run in. This 2 1/2 mile around Kempton really suited and he should be given another chance over this course and distance.

William Hill Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle

Our TOP TIP Forgotten Voice was a very impressive winner of this race. A classy flat performer he had been very keen in his 3 previous races and despite winning two he came with questions to answer.

Brick Red set off in the lead which allowed Forgotten Voice to settle much better and turning for home there only looked one winner. Forgotten Voice still hard on the bridle used his superb flat speed to quicken away after the last and win comfortably. Whether Cheltenham will suit though is another matter.

The eyecatcher of the race was probably Lac Fontana who clearly needs a strongly run 2 mile race and could be saved for Aintree where there is a 2m4f race which would suit.

Racing Plus Chase

The Racing Plus Chase was all about the potential of Wyck Hill who had been bought by JP McManus with a tilt at the Grand National in mind and they were hoping for a big run here. Unfortunately he disappointed but has since been reported that he injured himself and that the Grand National is still very much his long term aim.

Our TOP TIP Nacarat who was having his last run before retiring made a shuddering blunder at the 7th and lost his prominent position. Trying to rally he made another mistake at the 14th and he was soon heavily eased by Paddy Brennan.

This left Rolling Aces for Paul Nicholls and Opening Batsman for Harry Fry. Rolling Aces was kept wide throughout and looked like he was going to go on and win jumping the 2nd last only to get outstayed up the run in by Opening Batsman who had saved ground the whole way.

Opening Batsman is in 4 handicaps at Cheltenham and is definitely on the upgrade and not one to discount in whatever race he appears in at Cheltenham.

Soccer AM Handicap Hurdle

A fantastic finish to this race with 2 necks separating the front 3 with our TOP TIP Baby Shine just coming out on top (advised @ 20/1). A race where they appeared to go a sensible pace which probably didn’t suit both the winner and runner up who were both held up and probably wanted a faster pace. Jumping the last there were 5 or 6 who had a chance and Baby Shine just picked up the best and won by a neck from the potential handicap blot Katkeau.

So a fantastic day for the RatingTheRaces TOP TIPS with a profit of 34.25 points. Staking just 15 points to achieve this meant we achieved an ROI of 228.33%. This now takes our record to +118.35 in just 15 tipping days with an ROI of 43.20%.