Andrew Ayres with his latest list of eye-catchers
Andrew Ayres likes the look of Harry Fry's novice hurdler
KEMPTON JANUARY 25 (SOFT) 2m novice hurdle (Class 5) Uncompetitive race
HELL’S KITCHEN (Harry Fry) is an enormous individual who must have taken an age to strengthen prior to this belated debut. He looked green throughout, but showed enough in finishing third to suggest he has a bright future. Keep an eye on this king-sized gelding.
2m5f novice hurdle (Class 5) Fair contest
ONEIDA TRIBE (Venetia Williams) won a point-to-point before joining this yard and certainly has the size and scope to make a decent staying chaser. He was badly in need of the outing here, but ran respectably to finish third and will leave the form behind in time.
MEME’S HORSE (Harry Fry) is another fine, chasing type. He made a few sloppy mistakes on the way round, but showed definite promise in fifth and looks a fair long term prospect.
LINGFIELD JANUARY 27 (STANDARD) 1m2f handicap (Class 2) Modest race for the grade
FRANKLIN D (Michael Bell) looked in tremendous shape and attracted heavy support.He was set to score before being badly squeezed when attempting a run up the rail and his finishing position (eighth) is no guide to the merit of this performance. Franklin D is still improving and must be supported in similar company next time.
KEMPTON JANUARY 27 (STANDARD) 6f 3yo handicap (Class 4) Useful form
DREAM MOVER (Marco Botti) has a touch of class and left the impression he was the most talented horse in this field despite finishing second. Caught slightly flatfooted when the pace quickened, he should be even more effective over 7f and will win a decent handicap.
1m handicap (Class 6) Poor event
McDELTA (Geoffrey Deacon) looked trained to the minute despite his 170-day break and was the subject of a major late gamble.His supporters were unlucky not to collect as he looked set to score before George Baker made an ill-judged attempt to grab the rail - an idea that was doomed from the outset. McDelta is a fair tool at this level and can gain compensation.
LINGFIELD FEBRUARY 5( STANDARD) 1m fillies handicap (Class 5) Ordinary form
FREE RUNNING (Simon Crisford) is a big, imposing filly who had flopped when heavily backed on her debut for this yard three weeks earlier. Notably easy in the market this time, she looked a slightly tricky ride – slowly way and keen – but would have scored had Robert Havlin started his run slightly earlier. Free Running is only just learning how to race properly and should be hard to beat next time.
LINGFIELD FEBRUARY 6 (STANDARD) 7f handicap (Class 2) Ultra-competitive race
CERTIFICATE (Roger Varian) had the worst of the draw but was gunned into the bend and performed a minor miracle to grab the lead. Those exertions should have left him dead and buried in the straight, but this progressive gelding dug deep and was only worn down close home. Certificate is improving physically and must be followed.
SHYRON (George Margarson) has really strengthened since last season and looked unlucky to be beaten by Realize after a tardy start in a similar race here in January. He was given plenty to do again here, but railed like a greyhound and once again went down narrowly. There is no doubt Shyron will win a valuable handicap this winter and he could be ready for the step-up to a mile now.
JAMMY GUEST (George Margarson) is holding his condition remarkably well
through a busy winter campaign and ran a personal best in fourth. Indeed, as he was still last turning for home his effort can be marked up. Jammy Guest remains progressive and will win again.
KEMPTON FEBRUARY 10 (STANDARD) 1m handicap (Class 4) Fair form
MYSTICAL SPIRIT (Martin Meade) looked in great shape on this return from a 144day break and was heavily supported throughout the day. However, he was ridden far too forcefully by his apprentice jockey and did exceptionally well to hang on for a close third. This was an improved performance under a modest tactical ride and Mystical Spirit is nailed on to win future races.
Mystical Spirit was ridden too forcefully and is nailed on to win future races
7f three-year-old handicap (Class 5) Ordinary fare
SECRET INSIDER (Hugo Palmer) was outstanding in the paddock, being well-muscled and sporting a summer bloom on her coat. Unfortunately she never managed to get into a challenging position after being held up in rear, coming home mid-division with plenty left in the locker. Secret Insider is capable of better and must be noted next time, particularly if returned to Chelmsford.