Kempton sees the return of jumps action tomorrow, the first race starting at 2.30.
The turnout looks to be on the disappointing side with three of the races having less than eight runners and the £20,000 added Betfred hurdle attracting just four runners. Originally Channel 4 had planned to televise the Betfred hurdle at 2.30 along with the Betfredpoker.com handicap chase at 3.50. It looks as though race times have been adjusted, with the listed novice hurdle now moved from 4.50 to 2.30; even so there are only seven runners in this £18,000 added race.
On official ratings Charlie Mann's Moon Over Miami appears to have a bit in hand over his rivals in the opener. His fitness has to be taken on trust but he looks a worthy favourite.
Self Defense is not a horse to trust implicitly and looks worth opposing with Kawagino in the Betfred hurdle at 4.50. Both horses are returning after a break; under the conditions of the race Kawagino has two pounds to find but at six years old the improvement could well be there. A tactical race could develop; however habitual front runner Castleshane should ensure a decent pace.
The Paul Nicholls' trained Pirate Flagship is my selection in the 3.10; this horse's dam is an unraced half-sister to the dam of top drawer two mile chasers Viking Flagship and Flagship Uberalles. Senor Rumbilita is a mare who settles well and has a decent turn of foot but she has done a lot of her racing on ground with plenty of cut.
I think Tighe Caster may be one to follow this season irrespective of the result in a competitive looking two mile handicap chase, the final race on the card.
