12:55 Kempton

Monday 26 December 2016

All12:5513:3014:0514:4015:1515:45

32Red Casino Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 12:55 | Winning time: 3m 49.85s

Ballyhill¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-8| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 136

9/1

His overall form entitles him to respect but he has been found wanting since stepping up in class and there are others who look more comfortable at this grade.

Form: 711443

Jenkins³¹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-8| J: David Bass| T: N J Henderson

1/2

Looked to be a smart recruit last time and the form of that Newbury victory is working out well. A line through the fourth gives him a clear edge over Ballyhill and it will take a very good horse to beat him here. His stable have won three of the five runnings of this race.

Form: 1-21

Elgin³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-5| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King

11/2

The form of his latest race is difficult to evaluate. Nevertheless the manner of victory suggested he is a nice prospect and the weight he receives from his market rivals could be a factor.

Form: 51-21

Glaring²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: R Johnson| T: Mrs A J Perrett

5/1

Useful performer on the Flat who sprang a surprise on his hurdling debut. The second and third that day represented stables who have the market leaders in this and they should have his measure here.

Form: 1

Maximus Maridius^h1²⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: S Bowen| T: S Drinkwater

100/1

Well beaten in a weaker race than this last time and is easily dismissed.

Form: 17/6

Mohaayed^t1⁴⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton

28/1

Sixth in the 2015 Irish 2000 Guineas but he looked a shadow of that horse last season. He is best watched on his debut for new connections.

Form: 24173-

Port³⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Sherwood| T: J C Fox

200/1

Third of four in a Lingfield seller is the only time he has troubled the judge and he is out of his depth in this.

Form: 57

Non-Runners

Bazooka⁶

Weight: 11-0| Age: 5

T: D Flood J: Lizzie Kelly

Forecasts

Jenkins (1/2), Glaring (5/1), Elgin (11/2), Ballyhill (9/1), Mohaayed (28/1), Maximus Maridius (100/1), Bazooka (100/1), Port (200/1)

With favourites and the Nicky Henderson stable having a good record in the short history of this race it is difficult to see past JENKINS who suggested he was a horse with a bright future when scoring last time. With further improvement likely he is taken to account for Elgin who beat a small field despite taking a keen hold last time. With a stronger pace likely here and in receipt of weight he will make things difficult for his main rival. Ballyhilllooks held on form and Glaring makes more each-way appeal. 1. Jenkins 2. Elgin 3. Glaring