Following two days of well-attended racing at Kempton over the Christmas period – highlighted by a close finish in the King George – racing action returns to the Sunbury-on-Thames track this Saturday.
Looking Ahead to Saturday’s Races
Current ground conditions are drier than usual for this time of year, though rain is forecast later this week. Despite the anticipated rainfall, the going is expected to remain good at Kempton, creating favorable conditions for BOOMBAWN in the Grade Two Silviniaco Conti Chase (2.40pm). The nine-year-old is currently priced at 11/2, a value that appears high given the uncertainties surrounding his shorter-priced competitors.
Boombawn performed well in the early stages of his seasonal debut at the Old Roan, but struggled with softer ground in the Peterborough Chase. Facing only three rivals this Saturday, and boasting a strong record at this level and at Kempton, his current odds seem disproportionately high.
Kalif Du Berlais, the current favorite, had a disappointing performance in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. While improvement is expected, his previous Grade One win appears less impressive in retrospect, raising questions about his true potential. Edwardstone, the second favorite, is a 12-year-old who hasn’t secured a win in nearly two years, further bolstering the case for Boombawn.
Potential Value in the Lanzarote Hurdle
The Lanzarote Hurdle (3.17pm) is known for producing surprising results, with past winners at odds of 33/1 and 66/1. A potential contender at attractive odds is WRECKLESS ERIC, who is using this race as a stepping stone after a preparation run at Ascot last month. While two miles proved too short at Ascot, he still ran competitively, and the longer distance is expected to suit him better. Currently priced at 16/1, he represents a viable each-way bet, particularly given his strong performance in the Imperial Cup last season.
Mr Vango Eyes a Lucrative Bonus
MR VANGO nearly secured a £500,000 bonus with a narrow defeat in the William Hill Half A Mill Becher Chase last month. He now has another opportunity to pursue that bonus in the William Hill Half A Mill Classic Handicap Chase (2.55pm) at Warwick. With 10 to 20 millimeters of rain forecast for Warwick on Friday, conditions are expected to favor him. The presence of the highly-rated L’Homme Presse carrying top weight also benefits Mr Vango, easing his handicap. His front-running style and proven ability at Warwick suggest another strong performance, making his 5/1 odds appealing.
POINTERS SATURDAY
Boombawn 2.40pm Kempton
Mr Vango 2.55pm Warwick
Wreckless Eric e/w 3.17pm Kempton
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current condition of the ground at Kempton?
Ground conditions at Kempton are currently much dryer than usual for this time of year, but rain is forecast later this week. The going is expected to remain good.
Which horse is favored in the Silviniaco Conti Chase?
Kalif Du Berlais is the short-priced favorite for the Silviniaco Conti Chase, but the article suggests he may be overvalued given his recent performance.
What is the potential payout for a win on Mr Vango in the William Hill Half A Mill Classic Handicap Chase?
Mr Vango is currently priced at 5/1, meaning a successful £1 bet would return £6 (including the original stake).
What factors might influence the outcome of these races beyond the horses’ form and the ground conditions?
