RACING fan Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) picks out his best bets from a busy Saturday card.
13:50 Kempton | ITV4
The Adonis Hurdle is one of the final trials for the Triumph Hurdle and this sees one of the main fancies for the race up in Charli Parcs. He's a possible for the Triumph and the Supreme Novice and we will know more about his target after this.
He has ran twice in his career, once in France and once at Kempton and he was a hugely impressive winner on his UK debut. Nicky Henderson was bullish about him in a recent interview and it's safe to assume he is well above average. He's odds on to make it 3 from 3 in this and it's very possible he will compete the hatrick.
Evening Hush won her first two starts over hurdles and Evan Williams sent her to Chepstow for a Grade 1 where she was sent off at 5/2. She ran a fine race coming second to this seasons top juvenile Defi Du Seuil where she was easily brushed aside however she has to be respected here. She's a high class novice and in these conditions will be a tough nut to crack for Charli Parcs. I'm backing her each way.
14:25 Kempton | ITV4
A 2 and a half mile novice chase, this has a field of just four and with one of the runners available at triple figure odds it's safe to narrow this down to three with realistic chances.
Gold Present from the Nicky Henderson stable won on his chase debut two starts ago and looked like he was going to make a far better chaser than he was hurdler. However his second start was error filled and he finished well behind the winner. Both of his starts have seen some suspect jumping and at this level that would be punished.
Frodon won a big handicap chase earlier in the season and this five year old has a lot of experience behind him. He was well beaten when stepped up to Grade 1 at Christmas but got back in winning habit at Musselburgh last time out. He is likely to attempt to make all and is the one to beat however he is short in the betting so I'll take him on.
Charmix was the best of these over hurdles and it took him a few attempts to get to grips with life as a chaser. He finally got the hang of things when winning a Hereford novice chase and looked set to make it two in a row when unseating two out last time and though his jumping needs to hold up better he is progressing nicely. A small field should help him get into a rhythm and at the prices he appeals most in this field.
Best Bets
13:50 Kempton – Evening Hush each way (7/1 Bet365)
14:25 Kempton – Charmix to win (5/2 Bet365)
