Velvet is value for Lanzarote
TODAY’S Lanzarote Hurdle looks a quality and ultra-competitive renewal of this valuable handicap over 2m 5f at Kempton Park. The ground is given as soft (good to soft in places) and of the market leaders I like the chances of Nicky Henderson’s novice Diese Des Bieffes (6/1 at BetVictor) who suggested that he needed a step up in trip when finishing second to the speedy, unbeaten novice If The Cap Fits at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Henderson’s conditional jockey James Bowen rides joint top-weight William Henry and the Lambourn handler clearly has a strong hand.
Paul Nicholls saddles Topofthegame (9/1 at BetVictor) who reverts to timber having fallen at Newbury on his sole chase start two months ago. He remains a decent staying chaser in the making and it would appear that Nicholls wants to preserve his novice status over the larger obstacles until next term. Dino Velvet (2.40) has been dropped a couple of pounds for a couple of promising efforts so far this season including when stepped up to this trip at Newbury last time.
He carries just 10st 4lbs this afternoon and at 16/1 with BetVictor the hope is that he can run into a place with the Alan King yard in good form.
Secret Investor (12.55) finished second over 2m 5f here back in November when a blunder two out cooked his goose although he rallied well. That effort suggested a step up to 3m would suit, the third and sixth home on that occasion have won in the interim period and this winning Irish point-to-pointer gets the vote.
Chef Des Obeaux goes unpenalised for a conditional jockey’s event at Uttoxeter and must go close but Secret Investor gets a narrow vote although all his form is on decent ground and his stamina would not be guaranteed if there were further rain.