2m5f (Winter) Coral Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) (4yo+)
A full field of 20 declared but heavy rain forecast for the morning of the race might reduce the field, but soft ground would be no concern for PETIT TONNERRE who looks ready to win a big handicap pot for the O’Neil’s. Raised 2lb for running second under top-weight to the reopposing Red Risk – who hasn’t put two good runs together in his career and can’t be trusted to back up – this 5yo is coming to the boil nicely and has already proven to be highly competitive in handicaps in and around this mark. He’s a good jumper, a strong traveller and arrives in-form. Back him each-way with SkyBet who’re laying a hugely generous 7 places. I’ll be having a second dart in the race with RATHMACKNEE for king of Kempton, Nicky Henderson. This 20/1 shot is very lightly raced for a 7yo having just his 7th start over hurdles, and got off the mark at the fourth attempt after wind surgery when a 33l winner of a maiden back in May. He reappeared in a handicap where the bare form reads a 29l defeat; however, his saddle slipped when in contention and squeezed for room and was effectively pulled up after the last to walk home. He made amends next time out at Doncaster when delivered extremely late to win snugly, giving the impression there’s more to come now up in trip, and the horse back in third has since bolted up at Haydock. Rathmacknee only got a 3lb rise and gets in near enough bottom weight so seemingly has every chance at a big price. He’s a win only bet for me, though, as he feels boom or bust.
1pt each-way Petit Tonnerre @11/1, 14:40 Kempton, Saturday (1-7, 1/5 SkyBet)
1pt Rathmacknee @20/1, 14:40 Kempton, Saturday