Count on Meribel for more success
THE SCOUT COUNT MERIBEL will never achieve the heights of his talented stable companion The New One, but he can emulate him by taking the Ballymore Leamington Hurdle at Warwick.
It was back in 2013 when The New One took the prize for Nigel Twiston-Davies.
COUNT MERIBEL(3.00) has done nothing but improve this season and he was not disgraced on his latest start at Cheltenham where he chased home Kilbricken Storm. That was over three miles. Today he should be suited by the threefurlong drop in distance.
Mr Whipped, unbeaten in his three races, represents the danger.
He takes a step up in grade but has won like a progressive individual and coming from the powerful Nick Henderson yard he has to be respected.
KRACKATOA KING (3.35, nap) is another improving sort and remains at the right end of the handicap.
He posted a solid effort when failing by a head to catch Regal Flow at Wincanton on Boxing Day. His trainer, Kerry Lee, will no doubt be thinking about having a crack at the Grand National if he comes up trumps. One For Arthur, winner of last year’s National, took this before conquering the Aintree fences.
At Kempton, Harry Fry can take the 32Red Lanzarote Hurdle with the progressive BAGS GROVE (2.40).
Fry said: “He’s earnt his rating with two good wins, including over course and distance last time out, and he’s really well in himself at home.
“As long as the ground doesn’t get any slower, we think he can be very competitive again.”
Henderson, the most successful trainer at Kempton, looks to have the answer in the finale with CHARMING ZEN (3.45). This French recruit, winner of his two races, is destined for top honours.