Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Nicholls’ Art looks a picture
BETDAQ take over sponsorship of Kempton’s feature handicap chase today — a race that’s been backed by the Racing Post and Betbright in recent years.
It’s now become a stand-alone event rather than a Gold Cup trial and course specialists tend to come to the fore.
However, the stats remain strong and our likely winner needs to fit the following criteria: ■ Raced within 56 days.
■ Rated 139 or higher.
■ Younger than 10. ■ Previously won a race of Class 2 status.
We’ve quickly reduced the 15 starters down to Art Mauresque, Acting Lass, Label Des Obeaux, Vibrato Valtat and Tintern Theatre.
Vibrato Valtat is on a 16-run losing spell, so is best avoided. Label Des Obeaux is
harshly treated, while plenty of lightly raced horses such as Acting Lass have rolled over tamely in this contest. Paul Nicholls’ ART MAURESQUE makes most appeal.
Harry Cobden’s mount matched it with the big boys last season and was effectively making his seasonal debut when second to subsequent Ascot chase winner Waiting Patiently here last month.
He’s never raced over further than two and a half miles, but has shaped like a stayer and rates better value than Tintern Theatre.
Have 2pts win at 12-1 in places.