The Lanzarote Hurdle takes centre stage at Kempton this weekend, but I like the look of one a little later on the card in the shape of the recent Ian Williams recruit SPEED COMPANY.
A convert from flat racing, Speed Company has been steadily improving in each of his three attempts over hurdles, shaping and travelling with promise in each.
The level track at Kempton and the quick going conditions should suit with his flat racing pedigree and his trainer has a habit of doing well with these types.
Speed Company might have done better than finish third in his last run at Doncaster last month. But the first and second may prove to have been decent sorts when the selection may not have been fully recovered from his exertions seven days prior in bottomless going at Haydock.
He’s had a longer break this time round and Daryl Jacob is doing the steering. It’s his first ride for the trainer who has a 33% strike rate when his runners wear a first-time tongue-tie as Speed Company is here.
The most likely danger could be the unexposed Oakley for the Phillip Hobbs stable at similar odds. But his opening figure of 127 might prove stiff enough on his first handicap start.
Speed Company looks more than capable from a hurdles mark of 119 having been previously rated as highly as 100 over the flat..
1pt win Speed Company @3/1, 15:45 Kempton, Saturday
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