UK racing tips – Sunday 22 October 2023

KEMPTON

Race 1 – KUNDALINE 9/2

KUNDALINE failed to reward favourite backers when runner-up at Ludlow on her UK debut earlier in the month though it was still a promising effort.

The daughter of Castle Du Berlais showed some decent form in France prior and may do better with cheekpieces now applied.

LATIN VERSE produced a poor jump at the final flight which might have cost her success when second in a 2 ¹⁄₁₆m juvenile hurdle at Sedgefield. Could go close if hurdling with more fluency.

Hurdle newcomers SOIGNEUX BELL and OUTGUN both showed plenty of ability on the flat and must be respected alongside MOJO EGO.

Race 2 – NOTNOWLINDA 18/10

Dan and Harry Skelton landed this last year and can do so once more with NOTNOWLINDA.

She jumped well when runner-up to an unexposed performer on chasing debut at Warwick and can defy a 2lbs rise in weights.

ARCLIGHT won a juvenile hurdle at this venue in January. Lowers her sights on chasing debut representing top yard.

The returning-to-action two-time hurdle winner KOTMASK could go well on first fences outing. SPAGO rounds out the shortlist.

Race 3 – DESTROYTHEEVIDENCE 2/1

DESTROYTHEEVIDENCE saw his stamina stretched when runner-up behind a decent performer at Southwell on reappearance. Dropping back in distance combined with the fitting of first-time cheekpieces may see him return to winning ways.

PRESENTING NELLY bids for a hat-trick and will need a career-best though cannot be ignored after a hard-fought success in a 2 ¹⁄₁₆m novice hurdle at Newton Abbot last time.

SONGO disappointed at the same venue last month and could go well if bouncing back to form that saw him complete a double during the summer. MUCH TOO DEAR makes for each-way appeal.

Race 4 – THELASTHIGHKING 33/10

THELASTHIGHKING is taken to pick up where he left off last season. The Twiston-Davies team have started the campaign in tremendous form and this unexposed seven-year-old looked progressive last season winning back-to-back handicap chases at Wincanton and Southwell.

There could be plenty more to come this year and he can complete a belated hat-trick. Front-runner MERCIAN PRINCE warrants consideration having won this contest for two years running.

JAY JAY REILLY was second to the just mentioned over course and distance in May and might go well making reappearance. CORRIGEEN ROCK also needs to be included.

Race 5 – SCEAU ROYAL 11/10

Former Grade 1 winner SCEAU ROYAL might have too much class for these. The Alan King-trained eleven-year-old maintains an excellent record fresh and can follow up his success in this contest last year now dropping in grade.

FIRST STREET won his sole outing over course and distance and could prove the chief threat delivering first outing since a wind operation.
RUBAUD won the G2 Scottish Champion Hurdle (Handicap) at Ayr in April and must enter calculations. Stable debutant TOO FRIENDLY warrants consideration.

Race 6 – ISLAND RUN 7/2

ISLAND RUN finished runner-up past two hurdle outings including over course and distance when last seen back in May.

The Blue Bresil gelding has scope to do better with fences and could be making a winning chase debut.

RISKINTHEGROUND was unlucky when brought down early during his initial chase outing at Warwick. Must be respected based on hurdling form.

Determined latest start track and trip winner PASVOLSKY is three from six with fences and will likely put that experience to good use. ROCKY LAKE heads the remainder representing a stable in good form.