Megan Nicholls Racing Tips – Kempton & Warwick

BetMGM ambassador Megan Nicholls offers her insight into the world of horse racing as she brings her first-rate knowledge exclusively to our blog every week.

In this entry the former jockey, who rode more than 110 winners before turning her hand to television punditry, casts her eye over Saturday’s meetings at Kempton and Warwick.

Saturday Racing Tips

Kempton 1.30 – 3m Chase Class 2

Flegmatik (5/2) is going to be my pick. He goes well at Kempton, 3lbs off his back is a help to him and he really comes good at this time of year. He seems to thrive from now onwards through until spring for whatever reason.

He ran well at Ascot last time – he was not beaten far in a really competitive race. He's off a competitive mark for this one in a field which is relatively open and I would like him to take on Chianti Classico, who I imagine will be favourite.

He's up against the elders and is stepping outside of novice company for the first time over fences, so he is going to have to improve further.

Flegmatik is a solid handicapper, loves the track and is my pick.

Megan’s Tip: Flegmatik WIN

Kempton 2.07 – Silviniaco Conti Chase

There may only be five runners but this looks really competitive and I am looking forward to it.

You could make a solid case for all of them – it's great it is so competitive and, with Irish raiders coming over, it just makes it more exciting.

I imagine Pic D'Orhy will set the pace. He likes to bowl along, though he will have to jump better than he did on his return when he was just a little bit messy at a few fences at Ascot. He won nonetheless, and obviously we had the drama with Shishkin not starting that day, but he is going to have to jump better whatever happens.

It will be tight at the top of the market. Currently we are looking at co-favourites in Banbridge and Pic D'Orhy.

I think they will have to beat Edwardstone, who is up in trip, providing he settles nicely. He is a very talented horse, he's proven at the top level over two miles and stepping up in trip could just help him find that little bit more.

He ran very well behind Jonbon at Sandown in the Tingle Creek, when he stayed on nicely up the hill, and I think he is crying out for a bit further now. He must settle, that's the most important thing. If he does, especially in a sharper two-and-a-half miles around Kempton, it just could suit him down to the ground.

If Pic D'Orhy gets into a jumping rhythm and gets a nice easy lead, he is dangerous on the front end – there is no doubt he is a very talented horse. There are some risks attached off the back of what he did at Ascot, most of which come from his jumping performance.

So I am going to go with Edwardstone. It is such a hard race to pick, because we have a really talented small field, but he is the most unexposed up to a new trip.

Megan’s Tip: Edwardstone WIN

Warwick 2.24 – Hampton Novices' Chase

Grey Dawning (9/4) is going to be my best bet of the weekend.

Forgive him at Cheltenham last time – he ran well behind Ginny's Destiny, who is held in high regard, but he made a very bad mistake at a crucial point.

He has beaten Apple Away previously and he's a horse Dan Skelton holds in very high regard so I still think he warrants plenty of respect. He could be another who is overpriced.

Warwick should not be an issue – he is a straightforward horse as long as he gets into a jumping rhythm, and I think he is the one they have got to beat.

Megan’s Tip: Grey Dawning WIN

Kempton 2.42 – Lanzarote Hurdle

Impose Toi (10/3) is definitely the worthy favourite – he is the one they have got to beat. He is still an improving horse and remains well-weighted, in my opinion.

He was unlucky at Ascot last time out when making a mess of the last, which threw away his chances, finishing behind his stablemate Luccia.

It looks as if this is the type of race that will suit him. Kempton will be right up his street and he is the one they have got to beat.

Looking at a massive price, Aucunrisque (28/1) could maybe run a bit of respect back over hurdles.

He has won some big hurdle races for Chris Gordon in the past and, if he is back at his best, he could be overpriced and maybe represent some each-way value. Keep an eye out if he is a market mover as he could be one to watch.

Megan’s Tip: Impose Toi WIN, Aucunrisque E/W

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