3m Coral Trophy Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+)
This really is a cracking looking handicap and it’s hard to rule out anyone with confidence. Flegmatik is a course specialist, but generally prefers better ground as does a few of these. Il Ridoto always runs well in competitive handicaps, but he’s not getting any lower in the weights and steps into the unknown with a three mile trip.
Blackjack Magic and Forward Plan both have progressive enough profiles, but I am keen to take a punt on BOWTOGREATNESS who still has entries in the National Hunt Chase, The Ultima and the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival. Clearly, Ben Pauling thinks he’s an and out stayer, but he has only had just the two attempts over a trip of three miles. His best performance came last season when second to Midnight River at Aintree in a handicap over this trip and his seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham was a non-event on his only other try.
Bowtogreatness had a much more encouraging performance last time out at Cheltenham over 2m 4f when he still looked badly in need of the run. He apparently took a blow after the race and could be coming into this in peak condition for the first time in a year. His chase form of 0-8 isn’t inspiring, but he likes soft ground and Ben Pauling might be about to unleash him in first-time cheekpieces. I wouldn’t be surprised if a mark of 133 grossly underestimates him so he’s worth a try at Kempton.
1pt win Bowtogreatness @15/2, 15:37 Kempton, Saturday
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