Nico has three rides at Kempton on Monday, including superstar Shishkin.

2.30pm Kempton

Shishkin

His minor issues in recent weeks have been well documented, so let’s focus on the here and now, and that is that he has pleased us a lot more in his schooling and work in the immediate lead-up to this race. We are happy to kick-start his season here.

Even the best horses get beaten – indeed, Altior and Sprinter Sacre suffered defeats in this very race – so a reverse here would not be a disaster first time up, especially with the race-hardened Tingle Creek winner Greaneteen in opposition along with two improvers, but of course we are hoping for the best. I thought he was exceptional last season, especially in the Arkle, he gets 3lb from the Sandown winner and the recent rain was probably welcome for him. He has had his wind done too so we are excited to see what he can do.

3.10pm Kempton

Morning Vicar

He could have probably done without the rain late last week but hopefully it won’t be too bad, and he has a fair chance at his best. He clearly wasn’t right first time up at Newbury but at least the handicapper has dropped him 3lb for that having been very harsh on him for winning at Perth previously. He has to prove his stamina for 3m having been beaten a long way over 3m2f in the Kim Muir, but I can see it suiting him.

3.40pm Kempton

Captain Morgs

His form this season is very solid and I think he has another big run in him. The form of his reappearance third at Cheltenham worked out really well, as did his Ascot defeat of Garry Clermont. His second in the old Gerry Feilden at Newbury last time was also franked by the winner’s excellent second in defeat at Ascot next time. It is a big field and a competitive handicap, but I think he looks to hold a strong each-way chance, and hopefully a winning one, too.