Queen of Kalahari seeks Southwell treble
London – Queen of Kalahari is out to complete a Southwell treble today in the Sky Sports Racing On Virgin 535 Handicap.
Les Eyre’s filly bolted up by five lengths here two starts back, beating a subsequent winner in Catapult into second.
The daughter of Lethal Force followed up comfortably off a 2.3kg higher mark a week later and another 2.3kg hike might not be enough to stop her going in again.
At Kempton, the Roger Charlton-trained Smokey Bear can give weight and a beating to his rivals in the first division of the 32Red Casino Novice Stakes.
Following a couple of creditable placed efforts at Windsor in July, the Kodiac colt made it third time lucky on his return from a two-month break with an authoritative display at Newbury three weeks ago.
The form looks sound enough, with the third home, Gleeds Girl, having since won a nursery at Bath.
Smokey Bear must concede weight all round as he bids to double up, but the 2.3kg claim of Thomas Greatrex is a big help and he should prove up to the task.
Kasbaan in on a roll and is hard to oppose in the 32Red Optional Claiming Handicap.
The four-year-old was snapped up by Michael Appleby back in July after winning one of his five starts for Owen Burrows.
He was quick out of the blocks for his new team, winning twice over the same 1600m he faces here at the beginning of September.
Kasbaan won under a penalty on the second occasion, but he triumphed with plenty in hand and a further hike in the ratings might not be enough to stop him.
Back On The Lash rates the best bet at Exeter in the opening Join Racing TV Now Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.
Martin Keighley’s charge has already won a bumper and a novice hurdle at Ludlow from six starts under rules.
He was pulled up at Cheltenham in April, but shaped much better when second at Market Rasen the following month on what was his most recent racecourse appearance.
Back On The Lash does not look badly handicapped if fit enough to do himself justice after a break.
Padleyourowncanoe is worth a shout in the RacingTV Extra Beginners’ Chase as he tries his hand over fences for the first time.
He ran some fair races in defeat over hurdles last term, winning a Pertemps qualifier at Wincanton on Boxing Day before eventually finishing eighth in the Final at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
A mark of 142 was perhaps just a bit too much that day, but it makes him a noteworthy recruit to the chase sphere and he is one to watch. –