Caspar to collect at Kempton
CASPAR THE CUB can bring up his fourth win on the bounce in the 32Red Handicap at Kempton.
The three-year-old has made great strides since reverting to the all-weather in the autumn, finishing third at this track in September before kicking off his winning spree in October.
After triumphing over 11 furlongs that day, Caspar The Cub successfully stepped up to 12 furlongs the next time, and then added another win over the longer distance on his most recent outing.
Alan King clearly has no concerns about dropping back though, as he races over a mile and three furlongs here and the manner of his victories suggests there is plenty more in the locker.
Pinnata is the pick in the 32Red. com Handicap following a narrow victory at Chelmsford on his most recent run.
He has yet to win at Kempton, but has been placed on each on his two outings at the track and looked better than ever when winning last time out.
Despite having to race from a wide position, Pinnata finished with real purpose to win by a neck and the handicapper has been limited to just a 3lb rise.
Reticent Angel had to settle for second last time and should be thereabouts again in the ROA/Racing Post Owners’ Jackpot Nursery Handicap.
She was a bit keen last time so if she can settle better here, she can again finish with purpose.
Theatre Territory will not be winning out of turn if she can claim victory in the CF Roberts 25 Years Of Sponsorship Handicap Chase at Cheltenham.
The consistent mare has been placed on each of her seven starts since joining Warren Greatrex, including a third placed finish over Aintree’s Grand National fences in the Topham Chase in April.
She ran a blinder on her first start since when second in a hot novice contest here last month and that should leave her cherry-ripe for her return to handicap company. Lil Rockerfeller can make it four from four over fences in the Neville Lumb Novices’ Chase.
He has not looked the most natural of recruits over the bigger obstacles, winning a moderate heat at Uttoxeter before trying his hand at Prestbury Park in October.
His jumping let him down a bit, but his class told and it was encouraging to see a cleaner round of fencing when dropped slightly in class at Exeter last month.
Neil King obviously wants to continue his education while the ground is on the better side, and this is another nice stepping stone on the way to the Festival.
Josies Orders is well versed in Cheltenham’s cross-country course and he can add a fifth triumph to his record in the Glenfarclas-sponsored heat.
Enda Bolger’s charge let down favourite-backers in this race 12 months ago, but his victory at the track last month admirably demonstrates what great heart he is in this term.