Kempton Evening Preview
Kempton takes centre stage this evening and, as ever on the Polytrack, races here tend to favour those who travel comfortably before quickening at just the right moment. Go too soon and you’re a sitting duck; leave it too late and you’re left wondering what might have been. With several runners lining up from very similar marks to recent outings, it may once again come down to fine margins and even finer judgement.
18:30 Kempton – Apiarist
The opener looks a competitive affair but Apiarist makes plenty of appeal. Kevin Ryan’s gelding lines up carrying around 9st 6lb, very similar to his latest start, so there’s no sudden rise to contend with.
With Jack Callan taking off a valuable few pounds, the burden is eased slightly compared to some rivals, which could make a difference late on. Recent efforts suggest he remains in good form and Kempton’s smooth, galloping nature should suit his style. If he can settle into a rhythm early and avoid doing too much too soon, he may well be one of those travelling best turning for home.
In races like this, the one still on the bridle at the two-furlong pole is often the one everyone else is suddenly worried about — and he looks a candidate to be exactly that.
19:00 Kempton – Atmosphere
Atmosphere could be the one at a bigger price in the 7.00. Richard Spencer’s runner carries around 9st 2lb, which is a couple of pounds lower than earlier in the winter, and that easing in the weights may just give him a bit more room to manoeuvre.
George Wood takes the ride and if he can get him into a decent early position from what could be a tricky draw, he should have every chance of being involved late. He’s been running in similar company without quite getting his head in front, but there have been enough signs to suggest he’s not far away.
The type who won’t catch the eye for much of the race — until suddenly he does, usually when it’s too late to change your mind.
19:30 Kempton – Serenity Dream
Serenity Dream looks one of the more solid contenders on the card. Tony Carroll’s runner carries around 9st 7lb, which is very close to his most recent outing, and that performance suggested he remains well treated.
Rossa Ryan takes the ride, which is never a negative around Kempton, and if he can get a smooth trip just off the pace, he should be well positioned turning for home. Carroll’s runners often thrive in this sort of setup and this looks another good opportunity.
The sort who doesn’t do anything flashy — just gets on with it and suddenly finds himself in front when it matters.
20:00 Kempton – Imperial Decision
Imperial Decision looks a strong contender in the 8.00. He lines up carrying around 9st 5lb, which is virtually unchanged from his latest run, and that effort suggested he’s knocking firmly on the door.
With Billy Loughnane likely to ride, there should be no issues with timing, and the gelding looks well suited by Kempton’s demands. If he gets a clear run into the straight, he should be well positioned to strike.
At that point it often becomes less about ability and more about timing — and if the move comes at the right moment, he could prove difficult to hold off.
20:30 Kempton – Tortured Soul
The closing race could provide a bit of value with Tortured Soul. Tony Carroll’s runner carries around 9st 3lb, which is similar to his recent outings, but meets a few of these rivals on slightly better terms than before.
Billy Loughnane is again likely to be in the saddle and his strength in a finish could prove useful if this turns into a battle late on. That small shift in the weights might not look dramatic beforehand, but it can feel very different in the closing stages.
A name like that suggests he’s seen a few things — and if he gets a clear run tonight, he might just make others suffer for it.
Selections
18:30 Kempton – Apiarist – 1 pt win
19:00 Kempton – Atmosphere – 1 pt each way
19:30 Kempton – Serenity Dream – 1 pt win
20:00 Kempton – Imperial Decision – 1 pt win
20:30 Kempton – Tortured Soul – 1 pt each way
