A clever, tactical ride from apprentice Charlotte Jones (as part of a 450/1 double on the card) saw The Steward go 30 lengths clear of the field and stay on to win by 13 lengths. He went in at odds of 9/1. All told, rather a dream start to this blog.
Today's Race
A class 4 handicap over 7 furlongs at Kempton Park (polytrack). Five horses vie for market favourite and three of the remainder can't be ruled out. Decent sorts rated 76-86 so they have ability. Sure to be fierce competition for the lead with those drawn low all liking to race prominently.
The Contenders
Equitation and Asdaa are both interesting. Marco Ghiani is a very capable claimer and Stuart Williams' Equitation was second in a hot class 3 contest over course and distance recently. Equitation has a stablemate, Herculean, who has shown enough promise in the past himself to complicate matters. Asdaa is accomplished here and returns from a break. He's well handicapped but I'm not getting good market vibes for the Mark Johnston entry. Richard Fahey is in good form and Irreverent should run well despite a wide draw.
Zhui Feng has been solidly backed on debut for his new yard. I don't know much about trainer Tom Ward but recent all-weather entries from the Lambourn yard have run very well which is a positive. The handicapper has dropped Zhui Feng 3lbs. He hasn't seemed quite the force of old in recent times so will have to improve for his new handler. That said he did run respectably in the Cambridgeshire and the Kempton run from 9 Sep looks speedy. Plus he stays a mile which is probably going to help here.
I'll probably wangle some kind of portfolio of bets for this race for myself. Napping one of these is difficult. I've not even mentioned Futuristic and Baby Steps (the two currently head this close market) who don't look value bets for me.
The Selection
The formerly very talented Zhui Feng looks the sensible option at 5/1 or better. He's dropped 3lbs for a new, in-form yard with a nice rail draw in stall 1. Tom Marquand is a first-rate jockey to have up. Equitation is feared.
Today's Tip
(To Win) ZHUI FENG (6-1 Betfair, 9-2 General)
Recent Results
Tues 2 Feb 2.55 Newcastle The Steward WON 9/1
Account (Level Stakes Profit)
Feb 2021 LSP: +9.5
All 2021 LSP: +9.5
