All-weather expert Jamie Maynard highlights his best bets at Kempton this evening, with a good night predicted for Dean Ivory.
Jamie's best bets
6.45 Kempton
7.15 Kempton
6.45 Matchbook VIP Handicap:
Plenty in with chances in this six furlong handicap and none more so than the ultra-consistent Pulsating who has strung together a series of good results since joining Archie Watson’s yard in December, having won four times and is only 2lb higher than the latest victory over track and trip at the beginning of the month. He could still be improving but does have the widest draw to overcome.
The returning Professor could outrun his odds if ready for this after a 161-day layoff on stable debut whilst Born To Finish went down by a short-head last week at Lingfield from a pound lower and did score here back in November when NEZAR was just over a length back in second but Dean Ivory’s seven-year old re-opposes on much favourable terms this time around.
This gelding’s last win came back in April of last year from a 2lb lower mark and he’s been hinting that another win is on the horizon with a couple of solid efforts, most recently when third over a furlong further. A truly run race will suit this horse and Jack Duern’s 3lb claim means that he’s technically running off a pound lower mark than for that win last spring. With the stable in fine form of late I can see this son of Mastercraftsman going close.
7.15 Matchbook Casino/ebfstallions.com Fillies' Handicap:
Ten fillies go to post for the feature race on this evening’s card and the winner can bag a tidy £12,450 for victory so it’s no shock to see a competitive field. Veena is a dual course winner and wasn’t beaten far in a conditions stakes a week ago when Carolinae was just ahead of her. The pair were racing off level weights that day but the former is now receiving 9lb back in a handicap and I’m surprised there’s such a difference in their prices so for each-way backers I’d be inclined to take a punt on Veena.
Cartographer was very impressive when landing a Newmarket handicap back in June but hasn’t gone on from that though did go close on debut here in maiden so cannot be completely ruled out. The one I can’t get away from though is another one from the Dean Ivory yard, LUCYMAI, who is on the hunt for a fourth successive victory. The first couple of those wins came at Chelmsford before she completed the hat-trick over course and distance last month. The second and fourth horses that day have both come out and franked the form with victories and the way she won suggested she may well not been finished improving.
Jack Duern has a great relationship with this horse having won three times along with a close third and from a 4lb higher mark today, with conditions yet again very much in her favour despite a wide draw, I’m confident they can continue their run of form.
Recommended bets
1pt each-way Nezar in 6.45 Kempton at 11/2
1pt win Lucymai in 7.15 Kempton at 3/1
