Intransigent to stand firm

INTRANSIGENT has an extraordinary record at Kempton and can keep up the good work in the Matchbook VIP Handicap.

Andrew Balding’s nineyear-old has only been out of the first three once in 12 outings at the Sunbury venue, winning three times and finishing second on six occasions.

The most recent of those was his latest start in November, where he was beaten three-parts of a length in a fair six-furlong handicap.

Seven furlongs probably suits him better these days and while he can find it hard to get his head in front, if he is going to win anywhere it is here and he should give his backers a bold showing once more.

Also in his favour is the continued assistance of Jason Watson in the saddle, as the 7lb claimer has done really well in the early stages of this year, winning three of his seven rides, including the last two.

New Rich is another who loves it at Kempton and he promises to be involved again in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap.

Eve Johnson Houghton’s charge has won five times over the course and distance and having found getting his head in front a tad difficult in the last couple of years, he remains feasibly handicapped in spite of his recent victory, where he did it nicely under a masterly ride from young Eddie Greatrex.

Fledgling trainer Archie Watson enjoyed a fine first season in 2017 and can pick up a nice early prize this year with Corinthia Knight in the Matchbook Betting Podcast Conditions Stakes.

The three-year-old has had a busy 12 months, but rarely runs a bad race. He, too, goes well here and has to be hard to beat on the best of his form in a race that has cut up a good bit from the entry stage. The aforementioned Greatrex rides.

Frankie Dettori is back in action with one ride and is fancied to go close through Dream Mount for Marco Botti in the Matchbook Casino Handicap

The three-year-old showed up well at Lingfield before fading close home, but that was his first start since October so better is expected.

It is always worth a look at Joseph O’Brien’s runners on the all-weather when they come over from Ireland, and that is the case with Taste The Salt in division one of the Smarter Bets With Matchbook Handicap.

This four-year-old did in fact let the side down at Lingfield when favourite, but sports first-time cheekpieces now and is worth another go.

Trotter might not have had the best of luck when last seen, so keep the faith in the Better Odds With Matchbook Handicap. He is worth a first go at seven furlongs.

It will be interesting to see how Totalize goes over fences for the first time in the totequadpot Novices’ Chase at Ayr.