Saturday 13th January 2018

Competitive racing this afternoon up and down the country.

The Lanzarote Hurdle “Kempton 2:40” will take some winning. This year’s renewal has a strong look to it. I wouldn’t like to call the winner and won’t do so, there’s much easier races to get involved with today.

The 12:55 at Kempton looks between Secret Investor & Chef Des Obeaux. I slightly prefer the bigger priced Chef Des Obeaux. He looked crying out for further when winning at Uttoxeter over 2m4f. All he did was stay. Secret Investor brings the stronger form to the table but I’m hoping the step up in trip for Chef Des Obeaux will be the making of him. The price of 11-8 in what looks a two horse race is fine.

Over at Warwick it’s Classic Chase day.

I noticed Peppay Le Pugh “12:40” travelling strongly last time out on his first start of the season. He looked the winner from the outset before tiring close home. The run might have been needed. With the yard in very good form and fitness not in question, Peppay Le Pugh looks worth an EW wager at 14-1.

Mr Whipped is held in high regard by the Henderson yard, he's expected to go well in the 3:00.

In the Classic Chase at 3:35, Missed Approach must have a great chance if on a going day. He ran a cracker in the Ladbroke Trophy when last seen. The handicapper looks to have been very kind dropping him 6lb for that effort.