Thursday February 11th

Unlucky not to finish the day ahead yesterday with Rapid City just failing to get up with his customary late rattle.

On to today.

Miss Christophene boasts a course record of 2,1,1,8,8 and if we restrict that to runs in February, it reads 1,1. The selection has shown a real liking for the fibresand and, after disappointing over hurdles last year, her trainer seems to have settled on a flat career as the right option. She is stepped up three furlongs in trip today, but her run style in the past has suggested she will improve for it, and there are elements of her pedigree which suggest it will be in range. The small stable recently had a big priced winner in Victory Quest, who seemed to come on a bundle for his outing in January, and if Miss Christophene can do the same, she can win this back off her last winning handicap mark.

In the 7.00 at Kempton, Harting Hill looks worthy of support and I would not be surprised if he is sent off shorter. He beats trees last time out, and has to race off 3lb higher, but the manner of his victory was most impressive. He was sent along just behind the lead by George Baker and, after suffering a nightmare passage on the rail, was switched to the outside, picking up well. Baker never got too serious, and when a rival challenged late on, he started to pull away again, suggesting to me that there is further improvement in this five year old. His half brother, owned by the same family and also trained by Tregoning, showed sudden improvement and put in all his best performances aged six, so there is reason to believe this fella is a late developer. Drawn in stall 9, Baker should be able to get a good position and send him on early in the home straight, making use of his stamina. The opposition don't look up to much and the price is value - if he is the horse I think he is, he could be rated 70+ in no time. However, I would like to have a small saver and an cautious eye on Eager To Bow. He represents a stable who have gone through a quiet time, but recently sent out an 8yo with a record of 0,0,0 fresh to win a half decent claimer on his reappearance at Lingfield. This horse has shown next to nothing so far, but the owner has kept some very good horses with Chamings (Take A Bow, Binanti) and it's a wonder she has stuck with this horse. Richard Kingscote comes here for the one ride, and he has a 2-7 strike rate for the stable. The well bred, expensive gelding runs off a plater's mark and could be a danger to all if belatedly showing ability.

Best Recommendation:

4.50 Southwell Miss Christophene, 2pts e/w @ 20/1 (Generally, guaranteed) E/W 2ND

7.00 Kempton Harting Hill, 6pts win @ 7/2 (Generally, get guaranteed) WON

7.00 Kempton Eager To Bow, 1pt e/w @ 33/1 (Generally, guaranteed) E/W 3RD

36pts profit in one day!