DOUBLE TOP
Last year’s runner-up ready to hit the target at Kempton for George
DOUBLE SHUFFLE can emerge from the pack and make it third time lucky in the Betway Handicap Chase (3.35, ITV4) at Kempton this afternoon.
Tom George’s (right) 10-year-old has twice finished second in this contest, having been denied by Pilgrims Bay in 2017 before going under by a length to Walt 12 months ago.
There’s something about the Sunbury course that brings out the best in my selection, a course-and-distance winner who put up a career best when second to Might Bite when a 50-1 outsider for the 2017 King George VI Chase.
Double Shuffle hasn’t shone in two tries this winter, finishing well beaten behind Vinndication at Ascot in November before coming back last of five to Riders Onthe Storm at the royal racecourse four days before Christmas. But Johnny Burke’s mount has come down the weights as a result — he began the campaign on handicap mark of 156, and competes from 150 today. That’s 4lb beneath the rating from which Double Shuffle claimed the silver medal here in 2019 and, back at the venue that shows him in his best light, he is poised to take advantage.
The in-form Paul Nicholls sends four, including favourite Adrien Du Pont, but Double Shuffle can prove best and take the £56,950 prize.
SOUTHFIELD STONE won the Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle on the Kempton card 12 months ago and could repeat the trick in the same grade over fences.
Given a confidenceboosting win three weeks ago, the sevenyear-old enjoyed the step up in trip last time and can go in again.
A back-to-form KILDISART would be a danger to all in the Betway Handicap Chase for Ben Pauling (left) and Daryl Jacob.
He has posted some disappointing runs this season but they have all come on heavy ground and he will appreciate the better going today.
ELGIN is an interesting contender reappearing after a 589-day absence in the rescheduled Kingwell Hurdle. He won the contest in 2018 and went on to be fifth in the Champion Hurdle behind Buveur D’Air.
If he retains his ability, he must go close.
TODAY’S SELECTIONS
Southfield Stone 1.15 Kempton Elgin
2.25 Kempton Kildisart
3.35 Kempton