RACING Kempton braced for San storm

SAN BENEDETO can make a successful start to his campaign in the Matchbook VIP Hurdle at Kempton. The French import has not jumped a hurdle in public since April of last year, but was prolific over fences last season and completed a four-timer in the Grade One Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree.

He was no match for the brilliant Altior or Champion Chase hero Special Tiara in the Celebration Chase at Sandown, but ran a fine race to finish third, rounding off an excellent campaign.

With a chase rating of 155, he is not going to be easy to place this season and it is no surprise Paul Nicholls has decided to revert to the smaller obstacles for a conditions race such as this.

His hurdle mark of 150 sets the standard and with the Ditcheat handler having made a flying start to the season, San Benedeto is a confident selection.

Listed honours are also up for grabs in the Better Odds With Matchbook Novices’ Hurdle.

Dan Skelton’s mare Listen To The Man completed her hat-trick in a Listed handicap at Market Rasen late last month and has every chance of racking up the four-timer.

The seven-year-old has won six times from 11 starts overall, only once finishing out of the first three.

Jay Kay can continue his winning spree in the Bramley Apple Handicap at Southwell.

After three consecutive placed efforts in August and September, Jay Kay made all the running at Ayr and a penalty was nowhere near enough to stop him following up nine days later.

Penwortham gets the nod in the Richard Gibson Memorial Handicap.