KEMPTON PARK

1:15

Patroclus (James Bowen)

He was due to run at Newbury last Sunday but the ground was too soft and I didn’t want him running in a bog so we took him out and the going will be better here. He’s always been a horse we’ve held in high regard and James got off him at Leicester last time and said he would definitely improve for that run because he didn’t really do a great deal at Newbury beforehand when Nico looked after him on that very tacky surface. He’ll get further, but this is a very suitable trip for the time being, and he goes there with an excellent chance.

Neil The Legend (Nico De Boinville)

He was impressive at Warwick on his first run back with us but I’m afraid the wheels rather fell off at Lingfield last time, although it was off a career high mark. If he can bounce back he could run well at a decent price.

1:50 G2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle

Impulsive One (James Bowen)

I’m afraid we’re rather short on juveniles compared to many years so it’s left to this lad to fly the flag in that department but he’s not a bad one to have and was extremely impressed with him at Musselburgh last time in the Listed Scottish Triumph Hurdle. That was on a flat track on good ground which is what he gets here but I am rather worried about the favourite who has looked very good. Cheltenham-wise he has an entry in the Fred Winter but will skip that and go to Aintree because it’s also flat.

2:25 G2 Pendil Novices’ Chase

Fantastic Lady (Nico De Boinville)

She’s a lovely big mare who has made a very bright start to her chasing career, winning her last two races. This is obviously a big step up the ladder and she has work to do on ratings but she only needs to beat two home to gain valuable Black Type. She receives weight all round and we thought it was worth taking a chance because she is improving all the time and the ground will be ideal.

3:00 G2 Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle

Russian Ruler (Nico De Boinville)

We’ve always liked him and to be honest he was perfectly entitled to need his first run back at Doncaster last time and you will definitely see a more sharper horse here. We’re sort of in a position whereby it would be no point winning a small race somewhere and losing our novice status for next season so if he wins this, we’ll all be happy he’s won a Grade 2 and we can go on to Aintree but if he doesn’t we’ll be able to have plenty of fun later on. He’s a nice prospect though and I’m hopeful he can run well.

4:10

Farouk De Cheneau (Nico de Boinville)

He hasn’t run for absolutely yonks so will definitely strip fitter for the outing but I needed to get a run into him somewhere and this looks a good starting point. He’s ready to go and we’ll know a lot more after this.

NEWCASTLE

3:15 Eider Chase

Brave Eagle (Paul O’Brien)

This is rather a step into the unknown trip wise but I think it will be to his liking because he’s a relaxed horse who settles well in his races and the handicapper has dropped him a few pounds as well. He made a mistake early on at Cheltenham last time so never got into the race but if he can find a nice rhythm he could easily be on the premises.