18:45 Kempton

Saturday 27 January 2018

All17:4518:1518:4519:1519:4520:1520:45

32Red Casino Handicap

Off time: 18:46 | Winning time: 1m 12.75s

(2)

Helis³⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: R Winston| T: M Scudamore| OR: 75

25/1

Three-time winner in France but at around 1m2f. Seemed to find this trip on the sharp side when dropping away tamely on his return from a long absence at Lingfield last month. Hard to fancy.

Form: 41130/9-

(7)

Higher Court⁵⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 9-7| J: A Kirby| T: Emma Owen| OR: 75| CD

9/2

Lightly-raced for his age and, having proved hard to win with, ended last season with successive victories over this C&D, most recently when beating Bahamian Heights by ½L. Should remain competitive despite 3lb rise.

Form: 432811-

(4)

Rapid Ranger^h³²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: K Shoemark| T: D O'Meara| OR: 74| D

8/1

Really came good last back-end when winning three of his last five starts over 6f, most recently from a 4lb lower mark at Wolverhampton. Not at his best over 7f last time but dangerous to dismiss after a break.

Form: 310110-

(11)

Major Valentine¹²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: R Havlin| T: J G M O'Shea| OR: 73| CD

14/1

At the top of his game last season, winning five times, but mark has shot up as a result. Not seen out since a poor run at Wolverhampton in September and has it all to do from a wide draw.

Form: 323230-

(5)

Maazel¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Shelley Birkett⁽³⁾| T: Miss J Feilden| OR: 73

16/1

Won just once from 12 starts for Roger Varian but signs of encouragement in two runs for this yard, most recently when a 3¾L behind Outer Space over 7f at Wolverhampton. Has gone well over C&D previously, respected.

Form: 2662-74

(9)

Red Tycoon³⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: H Crouch| T: K O Cunningham-Brown| OR: 70| D

12/1

Twice a winner for David Barron but winless for this yard, despite a couple of runner-up efforts last year. Not at his best over 6f at Chelmsford last time out and no margin for error off present mark.

Form: 092037-

(1)

Kinglami⁵¹

Age: 9| Weight: 9-2| J: T J Murphy| T: J G M O'Shea| OR: 70| C| D

33/1

Well-placed to win four times on turf last season but ended the year a little out of sorts. That said, he ran better than the bare result suggests over C&D in November and his AW mark has dropped to interesting levels.

Form: 426080-

(8)

Anonymous John⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 9-2| J: L P Keniry| T: D J S Ffrench Davis| OR: 70| D

7/1

Prolific early on but had been proving hard to win with prior to exploiting a falling mark with a victory over 6f at Lingfield a week ago. More to do here from a 4lb higher mark.

Form: 8979-71

(3)

Desert Fox⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: S W Kelly| T: M Murphy| OR: 70| D

6/1

Little shown in maidens but progressive since switched to handicaps, opening his account in decent fashion over 6f at Chelmsford recently. Up 5lb but no surprise if again making his presence felt.

Form: 449/20-1

(10)

Big Lachie¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: B A Curtis| T: D M Loughnane| OR: 70| D

12/1

Over a year since won off a 5lb higher mark for Jamie Osborne and has lacked any real consistency for current yard. Most recent effort at Wolverhampton was disappointing, so questions to answer from a poor draw.

Form: 79420-8

(12)

Inlawed⁶⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: L Morris| T: E Walker| OR: 68| BF| CD

13/2

Made it 2-2 over this C&D when running on well to thwart Trotter by a neck in October but below that level at Wolverhampton next time. Dangerous to dismiss on return to this venue after a break despite an awkward draw.

Form: 661316-

(6)

Pulsating^p⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: Edward Greatrex| T: A Watson| OR: 67| BF| CD

4/1

Has thrived since joining this yard late last year, making it three wins when scoring over C&D earlier this month. Twice found wanting off this mark however, going off favourite on both occasions. Remains of some interest.

Form: 14-1133

Forecasts

Pulsating (4/1), Higher Court (9/2), Desert Fox (6/1), Inlawed (13/2), Anonymous John (7/1), Rapid Ranger (8/1), Red Tycoon (12/1), Big Lachie (12/1), Major Valentine (14/1), Maazel (16/1), Helis (25/1), Kinglami (33/1)

Competitive stuff featuring some in-form sorts, including DESERT FOX who opened his account in good style at Chelmsford nine days ago when beating the five-time seeking Spare Parts. Mike Murphy's lightly-raced gelding remains capable of better and a 5lb rise may not be quite enough to anchor him from an ideal draw. Rapid Ranger and Pulsating also have plenty going for them, with Maazel and Kinglami of potential interest at bigger prices.