Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Kempton Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Kempton 1.30 – Juvenile Hurdle
I think Wertpol (9/1) is a great bet each way here.
He ran well on his debut at Taunton despite being very green and I was really taken with the way he responded to the jockey’s urgings to quicken away as impressively as he did.
This race has more depth, of course, but connections are expecting more improvement and I’m hopeful of a big run.
Precious Man (4/6 fav) is the one to beat.
He ran nicely at Cheltenham and has had wind operation since.
Kempton will suit him better than Cheltenham given he looks a speed horse so, if they go slow and it turns into a bit of a sprint, it will suit him.
If they stretch his stamina and make this a real test then I think he might struggle.
Megan’s Tip: Wertpol EW
Kempton 2.05 – 3m Handicap Chase
Soul Icon looks the most solid option in this handicap chase.
He’s unexposed at the three-mile trip and it could be that it brings a bit more improvement out of him.
We know he goes well at Kempton having won here last year and I thought the fact he was so well-backed at Wincanton last time over this trip implies he should have conditions to really suit.
If there’s ever somewhere he’s going to stay, it’s Kempton.
Megan’s Tip: Soul Icon WIN
Kempton 2.40 – Silviniaco Conti Chase
He’ll be a short price but I’m not giving up on Kalif Du Berlais (8/11 fav) just yet.
This is a horse my dad and his team have always really liked and it’s too early to write him off after that run at Exeter.
For me, he never looked happy and I think you can put a line through it.
This 2m4f trip should be more to his liking, too, and I expect him to get back on track here.
Megan’s Tip: Kalif Du Berlais WIN
Kempton 3.17 – Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle
The Lanzarote is always incredibly competitive and it’s a good thing BetMGM is paying five places each-way!
I do think the market has got it about right and think the winner will come from the first few in the betting and the one I like is French Ship (5/1).
I was really impressed by him at Cheltenham and Newbury and I think this is a horse that’s really going places.
Yes, he’s up in the weights for those successes, but connections have got a claimer on board taking off three pounds off back so the rise is manageable.
He’s the one horse in the race I feel could easily be a Graded horse in a handicap.
If he is, he’ll win this.
Megan’s Tip: French Ship WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
