Economy could bite at Kempton

THE FLAT season proper is now under way and Sir Michael Stoute can get off to a flying start with a double courtesy of ECONOMY and Tall Ship at Kempton.

Economy takes his chance in the Betdaq No Premium Charge Maiden Stakes as he tries to make up for lost time.

He has clearly not been easy to train, with just one run under his belt as a four-year-old, but he showed enough in finishing second that day to suggest he is a horse of potential.

SPORTING GOLD can reverse recent form with Swift Blade and claim victory in the Betdaq — the Sports Betting Exchange Handicap.

Roger Varian’s charge meets his old adversary on 2lb better terms and has every chance of avenging his short-head defeat at this track early last month.

Lightly-raced for a f ive-year-old, Sporting Gold was returning from more than three months off and sporting first-time blinkers as he just failed to peg back the race-fit Swift Blade.

That was a decent effort, given he was conceding weight and although he has been put up 2lb in the ratings for that run, Swift Blade will be contending with a 4lb hike.

Sporting Gold is on a career-high rating but he still appears to be improving and his progression can continue with a first success of the year.

ROTHMAN is worth watching as he makes his British debut in the SIS Live “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Newton Abbot.

Another French recruit for Paul Nicholls, Rothman showed plenty of ability in two outings in his native country, finishing second on the first occasion before scoring at Pau in January.

He has since joined the Nicholls string and the Ditcheat trainer is a master at placing just this type of horse.