Glen Rocco to score with win at Kempton

Glen Rocco can bag another big Kempton prize in the feature 888Sport Handicap Chase.

Nick Gifford’s charge was a runaway winner at the track on his most recent outing, scooting 23 lengths clear over the same three miles he will face in tomorrow’s Grade Three heat.

The eight-year-old triumphed off a mark of 124 that day and has subsequently been hiked 13lb by the handicapper which certainly means this will be more of a test.

However, his previous twoand-three-quarter-length defeat at this track on Boxing Day is now working out very nicely indeed - after victor Glen Forsa thoroughly impressed with Grade Two glory at Sandown last week.

The likes of Adrien Du Pont will ensure Glen Rocco is properly tested - but with just eight runs under his belt, he could still have plenty in reserve.

Angels Breath is sure to be a short price for the Sky Bet Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle as Nicky Henderson tries to get a bit more experience under his belt before next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

The five-year-old is among the leading lights for the Supreme. But Henderson has made no secret of the fact he thinks his charge needs a bit more of an education, having jumped just four hurdles on his sole start under Rules.

Angels Breath had plenty of options over the last few days, but Henderson has opted for this Grade Two event as he looks for a decent test for his relative newcomer.

Fusil Raffles is one to follow in the 888Sport Take ‘Em On Adonis Juvenile Hurdle, on debut for Nicky Henderson, while Bags Groove can regain the winning thread in the 888Sport Pendil Novices’ Chase.

He won his first three chase starts but came unstuck against La Bague Au Roi in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Christmas, finishing a well-beaten fifth on ground that possibly was not quite quick enough.

Given the recent dry spell, that should not be an issue here.

Vicente is another that enjoys sound conditions, and he can roll back the years in the Vertem Eider Handicap Chase at Newcastle.

Now a 10-year-old, he was rated as high as 153 in his pomp and was good enough to claim back-to-back renewals of the Scottish National for Paul Nicholls in 2016 and ‘17.

He is off a mark of 146 now and should relish both distance and going at Gosforth Park.