James Mackie fills in for Daryl Carter one last time this week, offering two top selections from Kempton on Friday.
13:50 Kempton – Back Kingston Pride @ 1/1
The day’s first pick is Kingston Pride, a horse with clear class potential, especially now racing on a more suitable surface. Bought for €200,000 after winning a Point-to-Point race, he quickly showed promise under rules. A solid second place in his bumper debut at Lingfield and an easy win at Exeter last season demonstrated his ability.
This term, he’s already off to a strong start, winning at Uttoxeter before stepping up to the Grade 2 Betfair Winter Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown, where unsuitable ground led to his withdrawal. Today’s race appears more favorable, and if he puts that last run behind him, Kingston Pride should prove to be a class above the competition.
Recommended Bet: Back Kingston Pride in the 13:50 Kempton at 1/1 (SBK)
15:25 Kempton – Back Lounge Lizard @ 8/1
The Class 3 Handicap Chase over 2m 4 1/2f is a bit more challenging, with several horses eyeing marks for the Cheltenham Festival. One to watch is Lounge Lizard for Henry Daly, a horse who thrives this time of year. He showed his potential last season with a second-place finish on Trials Day and a win at Huntingdon in early March.
Racing off the same mark of 133 as that win, Lounge Lizard has dropped 3lbs after two runs this season, the latest being a decent fourth at Cheltenham. While other runners, like Crebilly and Sans Bruit, are targeting upcoming festivals, Lounge Lizard looks well-positioned at 8/1. Despite the favorite, Flegmatik, being a strong contender, the 10-year-old may be past his peak.
Recommended Bet: Back Lounge Lizard in the 15:25 Kempton at 8/1 (SBK)
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